In this section, we will learn about the different types of pads that there are and what different results you can get with them.

Never repurchase a pad, always reink them.  Pads will last a long time between reinkings.

Store your pads upside down.  This makes all the ink go to the surface of the pad, which keeps it juicy for when you decide to use it.

DYE-BASED PADS
These pads are used for basic stamping.  They are water-based pads, so they dry instantly.  You can also use them as watercolors and with sponges for stenciling on paper.  Most pads have a raised edge that will enable you to ink large stamps.  For inking very large stamps, remove the lid
to make inking easier.  Ink your stamp with these pads by pouncing the stamp onto the pad.

PIGMENT PADS
These types of pads are paint-type pads.  They can take days to dry unless you emboss with them or heat set the ink with a heat gun.  These pads are perfect for embossing since you need a pad that will leave the image wet so that the powder will stick to it.  These inks can be cleaned off your stamp with water, stamp cleaner, clean-up pad or baby wipes.  For more information on embossing, please check out the Embossing Page!  When using these types of pads, pounce the pad onto the stamp to control the amount of pigment you get on the stamp. You want to do this since you may press too hard if you pounce the stamp on the pad and you will get excess ink on your stamp.

EMBOSSING PADS
These pads are much like the pigment pads described above, but they are usually found to be either clear or tinted a peach color.

FABRIC PADS
These pads can be used on fabric.  Ink your stamp by pouncing the pad onto the stamp since it is basically a paint-type pad.  Stamp onto the fabric and hold the stamp down for about ten seconds to let the ink soak into the fabric.  If you make a mistake, the ink will wash out while it is wet, but once it dries it is semi permanent, which means it will leave a stain.  To set the ink and make it permanent, heat set the fabric by ironing or tossing into the dryer.