How to Custom Mix Ink for Stamping

Make your own rubber stamp ink with fabric dye.

Rubber stamps feature raised impressions of letters, numbers, words and symbols. When you press the stamp against a pad saturated with ink, you can transfer the image on the stamp onto paper. If you want to resaturate used stamps with ink, particularly if you wish to mix your own custom colors, you can make your own ink at home. Powder fabric dye becomes a rich and vibrant liquid dye you can use for scrapbooking or decorating other paper.

Things You'll Need

• Powdered fabric dye
• 5 tbsp. liquid glycerin
• 1/4 tsp. isopropyl alcohol
• Rubber or latex gloves
• Plastic bag
• Bowl
• Spoon

Instructions

1. Lay a plastic bag, such as a garbage bag, across your work surface. Set the bowl on top of the plastic bag.

2. Put on latex or rubber gloves to prevent staining your hands.

3. Empty one box of powdered fabric dye into the bowl.

4. Add 5 tbsp. of liquid glycerin and 1/4 tsp. of isopropyl alcohol to the dye.

5. Stir the ingredients together for 30 seconds or until they are completely mixed. Carefully pour the liquid over your stamp pad until it is saturated.

References

• Kids Kreate: Make Your Own Rubber Stamp Ink
• Can Teach: Recipes: Paint, Dye and Ink Recipes
• Budget 101: MYO Embossing Ink

Resources

• Learn to Draw and Paint: Basic Color Mixing Rules