Hi! I’m Sara Levin theartfulinker an independent Stampin’ Up! demonstrator in the US. Have you ever opened an stamp pad and asked what’s that on my ink pad? In today’s post, I’m going to talk to you about the reason and share with you / show you how to fix it.
What’s That on My Ink Pad?
Last month, I went through my ink pads checking to see which ones needed to be re inked. In the process, I came across some with little bumps and one that didn’t stay inked no matter how much ink I added.
You may have had this happen too. If you have, I’m sure you asked yourself some of the same questions that went through my mind: has my ink pad gone bad; why are there bumps on my ink pad; are the bumps on my ink pad mold or fungus; why is there a sheen on the ink pad; why won’t this ink pad stay inked … just to name a few.
Answers
First, there is nothing wrong with your ink pad!
Ink is made from pigment mixed in a carrier solution. The pigment is the color. And the bumps or sheen is just the pigment separating from the carrier solution. Think of it like the paint you use for your walls that you remix from time to time. There too, the pigment is separating from the carrier solution.
Pigment separates for a variety of reasons such as: the pad is too dry; it is stored in a warm location; it has been left open for an extended period of time which leads to oxidation; and even when it hasn’t been used in a while. You can find more reasons that pigment separates if you care to look into the scientific info regarding pigments and dyes.
Initially, I used the back of a plastic spoon to both gently scrape the bumps and push them back into the pad and the ink solution.
But, I have a better remedy to share with you.
How to Fix Your Ink Pads
Check out this video that shares how I fixed both my ink pads with bumps and the one that didn’t want to ink up properly. I’m thrilled with this remedy! It’s as if they are brand new!!
Check for your ink refills here
Here’s a technique for your too inky stamp pads
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I am so excited to have come across your article! I have had the same problem and didn’t know what to do other than throw them away! I can’t wait to work on the ones that need it… I just wanted to also mention that no one has ever reinforced the importance of storing your ink pads flat and facing up. I used to store them in bins on their side with the label facing up and they will leak all over the place! I wish SU could have shared the importance of this as well as your technique for fixing the wonky ink pads! Thank you so much.
I’m so glad you found this article helpful for fixing your ink pads! And as for Stampin’ Up!, they provide a high quality product but it’s important to work with a demonstrator. As your demonstrator of choice, I provide training, tips and tools for optimizing your investment in Stampin’ Up! products.
I was just about to replace a couple of ink pads, but decided to first google search whether or not SU ink pads can ‘go bad’? As far as I can tell, you are the only deomonstrator to address the topic/issue. Very helpful, so thanks! You saved me from spending on something I didn’t really need after all.
Susan, I’m so glad you found this article helpful! Hope you’ll be enjoying your refreshed ink pads soon.
Thank you, Sara! I have a few funky ink pads I was getting ready to replace! Now I don’t have to!
You’re welcome! Here’s to no more funky ink pads.