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Surface first · ink second
Choose the right colour and ink for your stamp. Explore the ink colours below, then check which ink suits the paper, card or other surface you want to mark.
The simple rule: match the ink to the material first. Then choose the stamp, pad or colour.
Standard water-based ink is the everyday choice.
Use a specialist ink confirmed for the material.
Use the complete pad code or exact stamp model.
On qualifying orders over £15; checkout is final.
Start here
Choose the material before the colour. The same stamp impression can behave very differently on absorbent paper and a sealed, glossy surface.
These porous surfaces absorb standard water-based ink. This is the normal choice for documents, invoices, letters, packaging inserts and everyday paperwork.
Choose: a standard self-inking stampShop personalised stamps →Standard water-based ink can remain wet, smear or wipe away because the surface cannot absorb it. A specialist quick-drying formulation is normally needed.
Choose: specialist advice before orderingAsk Stamp Ninja →Normal office ink is not designed for fabric or washing. Use a purpose-made textile product and follow its drying and wash-care instructions.
Choose: the textile-stamp rangeShop textile stamps →These non-porous surfaces need an ink selected for the exact material and use. Drying time, handling and durability must all be considered.
Choose: a confirmed specialist solutionCheck the material with us →The rule that prevents most mistakes
Standard self-inking ink works by soaking into fibres. If the material is sealed, coated or glossy, the ink has nowhere to go. That is why an impression that looks sharp at first can still smear later.
At-a-glance guide
Use this as a starting point. For unusual finishes, treated materials or products that will be washed or handled heavily, ask before ordering.
| Surface | Standard water-based ink? | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary office paper | Yes | Choose a standard self-inking stamp in an available colour. |
| Untreated matt card and cardboard | Usually | Test the actual stock if texture, recycled fibres or absorbency varies. |
| Glossy, coated or laminated stock | No | Ask for a specialist quick-drying ink matched to the finish. |
| Plastic, metal or glass | No | Confirm the exact material, handling and durability requirement first. |
| Clothing and school uniforms | No | Choose the dedicated textile-stamp range and follow its care guidance. |
| Invisible security marking | Different product | Choose a dedicated UV security stamp for marks viewed under suitable UV light. |
Choose the right ink colour for your stamp. Most self-inking stamps offer our core colours, with additional options on selected models.
Black, Red, Blue, Green and Violet are available across most of our self-inking stamps. Check the colour options on your chosen product before ordering.
The most versatile choice for addresses, business details, paperwork and everyday office use.
A high-visibility choice for warnings, document status and impressions that need to attract attention.
A clear, professional alternative to black for signatures, approvals and general office stamping.
Useful for approvals, checks and distinguishing stages in a colour-coded workflow.
A distinctive alternative to familiar office colours for readable document marks, logos and loyalty stamps.
Soft Pink, Orange, Mint and Light Green are available only on COLOP C20 and P20 stamps. Check your chosen product’s colour options before ordering.
A softer option for loyalty cards, packaging and stamps with a more personal touch.
A bright option for noticeable impressions and identifying a separate document status or process.
A lighter blue-green option for creative stamps, packaging and distinctive colour-coded marks.
A fresh alternative for packaging, loyalty stamps and separating one workflow from another.
These additional colours are currently available only with the COLOP Compact C20 and COLOP Printer P20. Check the options on the individual product page.
Black and Blue are conventional choices for addresses, signatures and routine paperwork.
Red and Orange are useful when an impression needs to stand out. Orange is available on selected models only.
Different colours can help distinguish approvals, departments, processes or document states.
Choose a colour close to your branding to give logo, loyalty and packaging stamps a distinctive finish. Exact brand-colour matching is not offered.
Troubleshooting
A poor result is often a useful clue. Check the surface and pad condition before replacing the complete stamp.
Stop using standard water-based ink on that material. Confirm a suitable specialist formulation before continuing.
Use a few drops of the correct compatible ink, or replace the cartridge if the pad is old or no longer distributes ink evenly.
Do not add more ink. Allow the excess to absorb and test on scrap paper until the impression returns to a clear, even result.
A fresh cartridge restores even ink distribution and can extend the useful life of a working self-inking stamp.
Maintain the stamp
Both can restore a clear impression. The right choice depends on the age and condition of the pad.
A small amount of the correct ink can refresh a cartridge that has gradually become light through normal use.
A new cartridge gives the ink a fresh, evenly distributed surface and is often the cleaner option for a stamp used every day.
Different formulations are designed for different pads and materials. The wrong ink can reduce print quality or damage the pad; too much can cause blurred, messy impressions.
Longer pad life
Simple care helps preserve ink flow, impression quality and the useful life of the mechanism.
Extreme heat can dry the ink more quickly than normal.
Store the stamp away from sunny windows and other heat sources.
Keep dust and debris away from the pad and rubber impression plate.
A fresh pad can improve consistency before the stamp body needs replacing.
Shop the right route
Choose by what you already own and what you need to stamp.
Keep a working COLOP self-inking stamp and replace the matched internal pad.
Match my cartridge →Create a fresh text, address or business stamp for standard paper and card.
Shop personalised stamps →Choose a pad for a hand stamp, checking size and ink suitability before ordering.
Shop ink pads →Use the dedicated textile or UV range when normal coloured office ink is not the right product.
Shop textile stamps →Shop UV security stamps →Practical help from stamp people
When the material is unusual or the cartridge code is unclear, Stamp Ninja can help you narrow down the suitable route before you order.
Experience across everyday, business and specialist applications.
Supplying personalised stamps and replacement products since 2017.
Production and customer support handled by the Stamp Ninja team.
Genuine replacement products with clear model compatibility guidance.
Quick answers
Open a question for the short version, or use the surface guide above when the material is unusual.
Standard water-based ink is designed for absorbent surfaces such as ordinary office paper, envelopes, cardboard and untreated matt card. The surface needs to take in the ink for a clean, quick-drying impression.
Standard water-based ink is not recommended for glossy, laminated, coated or other non-porous finishes. It can remain wet, smear or wipe away. Ask Stamp Ninja about a specialist ink matched to the exact material.
These non-porous materials normally need a specialist formulation selected for the exact surface and intended use. Contact Stamp Ninja before ordering and explain the material, finish, handling and durability required.
No. Normal office stamp ink is not designed for fabric or washing. Choose a product specifically sold as a textile stamp and follow its fabric, drying and wash-care instructions.
Most self-inking stamps offer Black, Red, Blue, Green and Violet. Soft Pink, Orange, Mint and Light Green are currently available only on COLOP Compact C20 and COLOP Printer P20 stamps. Check the individual product options before ordering.
If impressions become lighter, patchy or uneven, the pad may be drying out. A cartridge in good condition can sometimes be refreshed with a few drops of the correct compatible ink; an old, damaged or uneven pad is better replaced.
No. Different inks are designed for different pad materials and stamping surfaces. Using an incompatible formulation can reduce print quality or damage the pad. Match the ink to the cartridge and intended material.
An oversaturated pad can produce blurred, flooded or messy impressions. Add only a few drops of the correct ink at a time, allow it to spread, then test on scrap paper before adding more.
No single ink is ideal for every surface. Paper, fabric, glossy labels, plastic, metal and glass behave differently. Start with the material and choose a product or formulation intended for that use.
Tell Stamp Ninja the exact surface you want to mark and the stamp model you own. For a replacement cartridge, include the full code from the old pad where possible; a clear photo of the stamp body or cartridge can also help.
Tell us the stamp model and the exact surface you want to mark. A clear photo of the stamp body or old cartridge can also help.
