How to Re-Ink a Trodat Stamp
Trodat stamps have a long history of innovative European design and engineering. While it is possible and commonplace to re-ink Trodat self-inking stamps, the manufacturer also offers inexpensive replacement ink SWOP-pads, making the re-inking process easy and mess-free. Self-inking stamps use very little ink; take care not to apply excess ink to the pad. Four to six drops of ink is sufficient, depending on the stamp size, and will generally last for thousands of impressions.
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Instructions
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1
Place the stamp standing straight up on a paper towel or waste paper on a flat surface.
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2
Press the top of the stamp down, until the bottom of the top edge is slightly above the ink pad seam, as viewed from the front of the stamp.
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3
Depress the two buttons on either side of the stamp, while holding the top in its lowered position. If the buttons will not fully depress, press or release the top slightly, until the buttons are able to be pushed in fully, and lock the top in place.
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4
Hold the side buttons in, and push the stamp pad out slightly by pushing in the button at the rear of the stamp.
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5
Grasp the stamp pad and pull out of the stamp.
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6
Apply four to six drops of ink, evenly spaced around the pad surface.
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Apply moderate pressure with a pencil eraser, to ease the ink into the pad and assist in spreading evenly.
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Reinstall the pad into the stamp by sliding it inward.
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Press on the two side buttons to release the assembly, and take a test impression with the stamp.
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Tips & Warnings
Depending on the dryness of the pad, the stamp may need to sit for several hours to allow the pad to fully absorb the ink.
Less ink is better than too much. You can always add more ink if needed, but it is very difficult to remove excess ink from the pad.
Rubber gloves are optional, if you wish to avoid getting ink on hands.
New SWOP-pads are installed in exactly the same way.
Always use Trodat brand ink. Some stamp manufacturers use different formulations, which may cause permanent damage to the ink pad.
Read all health warning and precautions on the ink package.
