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What Is the Difference Between Self-Inking and Pre-Inked Stamps?

Our world is becoming more digital, and you might think that the rubber stamp is no longer relevant; however, this is not true. Earlier, stamps were used for commercial purposes, but today they are frequently used by entrepreneurs. Thus, the essence of rubber stamps is still more alive than ever. 

A rubber stamp helps emphasize a business’s uniqueness in the market. As the number of companies is increasing, so are the target customers. To leave a lasting impression of your business apart from others, a customized rubber stamp is necessary. Generally, there are three types of rubber stamps: traditional, pre-inked, and self-Inked. However, the article’s primary focus will be on how self-inked stamps differ from pre-inked stamps.

  1. Traditional rubber stamp

The usual handle-mounted rubber stamp has been around for a while and is still extremely popular today. The conventional rubber stamp is pressed into a different ink container before use. These 80’s stamp offers a stable grip when stamping. 

In addition, rubber stamps are popular among artists as they use them for various ink colors. If you’re wondering where to get notary stamps for your collection, only authorized companies like kiasuprint.com can do so, and they must be destroyed after they are no longer valid. Notary stamps from the past are highly prized by collectors and can be rather pricey.

  1. Self-inking stamp

Self-inking stamps include an attached ink bottle. These stamps are typically used for professional and business-related activities, like printing a return address on envelopes. Moreover, they are often used for marking envelopes with phrases like “undeliverable” or “return to sender” at the post office.

  1. Pre-inked stamp

A pre-inked stamp is attached to a container filled with ink. When one uses it to make an impression on paper, the ink gently flows into the raised portions of the stamp. Additionally, many individuals prefer these stamps as they leave an imprint that is crisp and clear. Only one color of ink can be used, and one must use it gently so that the ink has time to soak into the design between impressions. 

  1. How pre-inked stamps differ from self-inking stamps

Self-inking stamps

  • A self-inking stamp contains an internal water-based ink pad that refills after each impression.
  • These automatically start the stamp operation using an in-built ink to refill itself for a high-quality imprint.
  • A Real rubber is used to create your custom die, which is later put on your customized stamp. Your die will move back and forth against the internal ink pad within the stamp as you make an impression.
  • Though the stamp comes with an initial ink pad, one can buy extra ink if the impressions start to fade. Be careful to only purchase ink that works with self-inking mounts.
  • A few benefits of using self-inking stamps are listed below:
  1. Quick to use with a single press
  2. It can be used on harsh surfaces
  3. Ink is simple to refill on your own
  4. They produce around 10,000 impressions before the ink is required.
  5. Cheap, high-quality impressions
  6. These stamps are affordable

Pre-Inked stamps

  • A Pre-Inked Stamp includes an ink reservoir filled with oil-based ink behind the stamp.
  • Pre-Inked Stamps cost more as they require less frequent re-inking yet are still affordable with Infinity Prints.
  • They are often used for imprinting logos as they deliver the finest quality picture.
  • A pre-inked stamp does not have a rubber die; only the ink from the ink reservoir will pass through the impression area.
  • Only oil-based ink must be used to refill pre-inked stamps, as other inks might not work well with these stamps. 

Benefits of using pre-inked stamps include the following: 

  1. They produce the highest quality prints
  2. Your fingers aren’t smudged with ink
  3. One can have up to 50,000 impressions, depending on how often you use it. 
  4. No need to constantly inking and worry about ink pad drying
  5. Oil ink-based stamps are expensive as compared to self-ink stamps
  6. Simple to refill with ink, but you have to use the same kind every time
  7. These are recommended for fine logo prints

The bottom line

The main differences are in the stamp’s durability between refilling and the impression’s quality. Self-ink and pre-inked stamps can be refilled when needed. Water-based ink is used in self-inkers, while oil-based ink is used in pre-inked. A high-quality clear impression is delivered in pre-inked. They can deliver thousands of impressions without needing more ink. On the other hand, self-inkers leave a clear print at a reasonable price. Hence, the type of stamp suitable for you depends on your preferences, needs, and budget. Therefore, it is crucial to research before you go forward to choose your ideal seal.