Time to toss dry ink pads?

[desertdeb]

I have approximately 35 SU ink pads. Some I bought new within the last 5 years, others I've bought on Ebay so their age is unknown. I really don't do tons of stamping, but I've noticed that some really don't seem to have much ink left on/in them, so the end result is blah. For example, my Wisteria Wonder is more of a dull gray than pale lavendar. What's the best way to gauge that it's time to toss them? I'm no interested in investing in re-inkers, or spending $$$ on new colors. Thanks in advance for guidance .

[JBgreendawn]

if they don't ink enough stamp, and you don't want to buy the reinkers then, it looks like they are ready to hit the bin so you can buy things you do want. space is limited right?

[Illinois Marge]

I think you answered your own question. You don't use them, and you don't want to spend money on reinkers. So why keep dry pads around?

[cuteblueshoes]

If you want to make a small investment to see if you can revive a few of your favorites, try this.

Amazon.com: Ranger IIR24576 Inkssentials Ink Refresher, 4-Ounce: Arts, Crafts & Sewing

[desertdeb]

thanks for responses. will test out and toss.

[muscrat]

Wisteria wonder is retiring so if you like it, you'd better try for a reinker. Otherwise toss it.

[Mrs Noofy]

I use the Ranger refresher and it seems to work fine.

[Paper Junky]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuteblueshoes

If you want to make a small investment to see if you can revive a few of your favorites, try this.

Amazon.com: Ranger IIR24576 Inkssentials Ink Refresher, 4-Ounce: Arts, Crafts & Sewing

This works wonderfully on dye-based ink pads! It allows you to wet the ink that may just be dried up a bit in the inkpad. It doesn't add color nor does it change the color. It just adds moisture without adding unwanted things, such as bacteria or minerals, from tap water.

[Kristy Tyra]

You might look on the Frugal Crafter's blog. She has a DIY for refreshing dye ink pads.

[Mamam]

I often give my drier pads a gentle spritz of plain water, let them sit and then keep on stamping. Seems to work okay for awhile and you get a bit more mileage out of them. Good luck!

[marymint]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristy Tyra

You might look on the Frugal Crafter's blog. She has a DIY for refreshing dye ink pads.

Thanks, I looked it up - and I have glycerin. Wahoo! She gives recipes for other types of ink pads/markers too. If it's already dry and about to be thrown out, figure it's worth a try.

• Add a teaspoon of glycerin to a 4oz spray bottle of water and you have dye based ink refresher, shake before using.

[harvestmoon]

I understand that glycerine adds a 'slick' note, so your stamped image may have some gloss.
I would spray on some distilled water first.

[sjanssen]

I think I read that Versamark is just glycerin. Anybody tried using just glycerin for embossing?

[rosetresures]

I use glycerin for embossing and also for refreshing ink pads that have dried out. Of course, if there's no ink left in the pad, that won't work. It only works if there is ink still in the pads. I don't care to invest in the refills either, just not a lot pf storage room, so the glycerin is what I opt for and I have no problem with it.

[Hoboken Paper]

Just thought I�d mention that I have a juicy enough Wisteria Wonder ink pad, and it appears grayish to me too.

I find myself using it only on sympathy cards.