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Creating a DIY Archival ink pad is a simple way to customize your colors and expand your stamping options. Using Archival re-inkers, you can build your own blends, gradients or multi-color pads tailored to your projects.
What You Need
To create a custom ink pad for stamping, gather:
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Archival re-inkers in your chosen colors
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A craft sheet (recommended for easy cleanup)
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Gloves (optional but helpful)
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A scraper or brayer
Working on a protected surface is important, as the process can get messy when applying multiple colors.
How to Make a DIY Archival Ink Pad
Start by placing your Archival ink DIY pad on a craft sheet. Open your Ranger Archival re-inker bottles and apply ink directly onto the pad. A common approach is to apply the ink in stripes, especially if you plan to create a rainbow or gradient effect.
For best results, choose colors that blend well together. Primary colors or analogous colors (colors next to each other on the color wheel) will create cleaner blends and avoid muddy tones. Apply lighter colors in larger sections and darker colors in smaller areas. Darker pigments tend to spread more aggressively and can overpower lighter tones if over-applied.
As you apply ink, you’ll begin to see it absorb into the pad. You can monitor saturation by looking at the side of the pad to see how far the ink has penetrated. It’s better to start with less ink and build up gradually rather than over-inking.
Blending and Adjusting the Colors
Once your base colors are applied, you can begin blending. Use a scraper to gently work along the edges where the colors meet. This helps the ink transition more smoothly and encourages the colors to blend into each other.
You can also use a brayer to move the ink across the surface. Roll in one direction only to avoid uneven coverage. Another option is to lightly press and shift the ink to help the colors migrate into each other. At first, the colors may appear separated, but over time they will naturally blend. Letting the pad sit (ideally overnight) allows the ink to fully absorb and creates a smoother gradient effect.
Labeling, Customization and Clean Up
One advantage of a DIY Archival ink pad is the ability to track your custom colors. You can apply ink to the label area of the pad to visually represent the color combination inside. This makes it easy to identify your blends later. You can also experiment with different approaches, such as rainbow gradients, tonal variations of the same color or custom color combinations for specific projects.
After inking, you may have excess ink around the edges of the pad. Use an Archival ink cleaner to remove any buildup. These cleaners are designed to break down the ink safely and can be used on tools and surfaces as well. Apply a small amount and wipe clean, being careful around the edges of the pad.
