Complete Guide to Different Types of Stamps: Pre-Inked, Rubber, Semi-Ink & Permanent Ink Stamps

Stamps have been a trusted tool for businesses, offices, and individuals for decades. Whether you are running an organization, handling paperwork, or simply using stamps for personal crafting, choosing the right type of stamp makes a big difference in efficiency, cost, and quality.

In this blog, we will explore the differences between Pre-Inked Stamps, Rubber Stamps, Semi-Ink Stamps, and Permanent Ink Stamps, along with their benefits, pros & cons, and popular brands.

1️⃣ Pre-Inked Stamps

What is it?
Pre-Inked Stamps have the ink built directly into the stamp’s text plate. Every time you press, the ink transfers evenly without using a separate pad.

Best For: Offices, legal work, branding, professional use.

✅ Benefits:

• Crisp, sharp, and professional impressions.

• Long-lasting ink (up to 50,000 impressions).

• Clean & mess-free (no separate pad required).

• Available in multiple ink colors.

⚖️ Pros:

• High-quality print.

• Easy to use, no refilling hassle.

• Compact & professional look.

❌ Cons:

• Slightly more expensive than rubber stamps.

• Ink refilling requires proper care.

• Slower stamping speed compared to self-inkers.

Popular Brands: Trodat, Colop, Shiny, Sun Stamper, Neo, Justrite.

2️⃣ Rubber Stamps (with Separate Ink Pad)

What is it?
The most traditional type — a rubber base attached to a handle, used with an external ink pad.

Best For: Arts & crafts, occasional office use, bulk stamping.

✅ Benefits:

• Very cost-effective.

• Can use different colored ink pads.

• Long-lasting rubber material.

⚖️ Pros:

• Cheapest option.

• Highly customizable.

• Good for multi-color stamping.

❌ Cons:

• Messy (requires separate ink pad).

• Slower stamping speed.

• Not as sharp as pre-inked or self-inking stamps.

Popular Brands: Traditional local rubber stamp makers, Shiny, Colop.

3️⃣ Semi-Ink (Self-Inking) Stamps

What is it?
These stamps come with a built-in ink pad that re-inks the stamp die automatically after each use.

Best For: Fast-paced offices, schools, and businesses with frequent stamping needs.

✅ Benefits:

• Quick stamping, ideal for repetitive use.

• Easy to refill ink.

• Cleaner than rubber stamps.

⚖️ Pros:

• Faster than pre-inked stamps.

• Durable & reliable.

• Affordable compared to pre-inked models.

❌ Cons:

• Impression quality is good but not as crisp as pre-inked.

• Ink pads may dry out faster.

• Bulkier design compared to pre-inked stamps.

Popular Brands: Colop, Trodat, Shiny, Fuzhou, Neo.

4️⃣ Permanent Ink Pre-Inked Stamps

What is it?
A variant of pre-inked stamps filled with permanent ink that works on glossy, plastic, metal, or coated surfaces.

Best For: Industrial use, packaging, branding on non-paper surfaces.

✅ Benefits:

• Can stamp on plastic, glass, metal, wood, glossy paper.

• Long-lasting & smudge-proof.

• Waterproof & fade-resistant impressions.

⚖️ Pros:

• Professional and durable print.

• Works on surfaces where normal ink fails.

❌ Cons:

• Expensive compared to normal stamps.

• Permanent ink may dry faster and needs care.

• Limited in color options (mostly black, blue, red).

Popular Brands: Shiny, Justrite, Trodat Industrial.

📌 Final Thoughts

Choosing the right stamp depends on your usage:

• If you want premium, clean impressions → Go with Pre-Inked Stamps.

• If you need budget-friendly and occasional use → Choose Rubber Stamps.

• For fast, everyday office use → Semi-Ink (Self-Inking) Stamps are ideal.

• If you need to stamp on plastic, metal, or glossy surfaces → Permanent Ink Pre-Inked Stamps are the best choice.

Each stamp type has its own strengths and weaknesses, so select based on your requirements, volume, and budget.