New Stazon ink pads are a pain. Always used Jed Black.
I started to get rid of excessive ink on the stamp by stamping on the old pad (sometimes twice, or more).
That way it "refills" the old pad. Before I stamp on notes I test stamp on paper.
Then stamping, will notice how much the ink is fading on the notes using the old pad..... repeat.....
This way never had a problem with drying.
When smearing, I clean it with nail polish. Paint thinner might work too.