View DetailsWe've compiled the most frequently asked questions about stamping in one place! From basic questions for beginners, to specifics for stamping-pros, we have your question answered.
Use the right hand bar on the side to find your question and go directly to it, or scroll down to read all of the answers and, perhaps, learn something you didn't know!
Have a question that we didn't answer? Ask it at the bottom of this article and we'll do our best to answer!
What's the difference between clear and rubber stamps?
Clear stamps are transparent, so you can see completely through them. There are two types: Photopolymer and Acrylic. They come attached to an acetate sheet, but without any support or backing (no woodblock like the traditional red rubber stamps have). An acrylic block or stamping press is needed in order to use acrylic stamps. To use, the clear stamp is taken off of the acetate sheet, then put onto a block or press to begin stamping. Because they are clear, you can see exactly where your stamp will be positioned on your paper or project. You can stamp or emboss with acrylic stamps.
Shop our Exclusive Photopolymer Designer Stamp Sets here!
Rubber stamps are the red stamps that are typically mounted to a woodblock and ready to use right away, without additional supports like acrylic blocks and presses. Rubber stamps are more durable and typically high-quality, making them more versatile with heavier substances. A downside to wood-mounted rubber stamps is that you cannot see through them to view the exact placement of your image. Red rubber stamps work wonderfully for stamping and embossing.
What is the difference between Photopolymer Stamps and Acrylic Stamps?
Photopolymer stamps and Acrylic stamps are both unmounted clear stamps that can be used with stamping blocks, stamping platforms and presses, and more.
Both are made out of a plastic material, which makes them easy to store, easy to clean, and more affordable than rubber varieties.
Photopolymer stamps are typically a higher quality of stamp, as the material is more flexible, created crisp stamp impressions, and is less likely to warp, crack, and lose quality over time. On the other hand, Acrylic stamps are often less expensive but are more prone to cracks, fissures, and degradation.
Why is my ink beading up on my stamp?
When you press your stamp onto your ink pad and notice that the ink clumps up a bit, it's easy to get frustrated. Sometimes there is still a residue left on the stamp from the factory production process. This ink clumping is very easy to prevent. Before you use any of your new stamps, clean it off lightly with a very, very fine-grade sandpaper to remove any leftover residue. Be sure to clean off your stamp with a stamp cleaner or a stamp chamois to remove any sandpaper particles before use.
What is a stamping press?
A stamping press is a tool used for creating clean, precise, aligned stamps every time. You can think of a stamping press sort of like a die cutting machine - it's a tool that makes mass production easy and consistent. Stamping presses are perfect for repeated stamp positioning, aligning letters, stamping in layers, and more.
They can be used with both acrylic stamps and red rubber stamps.
There are a couple of presses available, like the MISTI. Read the reviews to find the right one for you.
How does a stamping press work?
Every model differs, so make sure you read the directions for your specific press. In a nutshell, stamping presses have hinged lids that act as a stamping block. You open the lid and place your paper on the platform, place your stamp of choice face down on top of your piece of paper, where you would like the image to be stamped. Some stamping presses have magnets or require the use of a tape that can be repositioned to keep your paper in place (read the product specs to learn more about each specific press). Next, you close the lid and apply a slight amount of pressure. Open the lid, and your stamp should be adhered to the lid. Ink your stamp with your ink of choice and close the lid and apply gentle pressure to the stamped image, keeping your paper in the same place. Voila! You have used a stamping press!
If a part of your stamp is fuzzy or missing, you can reink your stamp (without detaching it or moving your paper) and repeat the stamping process to get a clean, precise stamp.
Keep in mind that stamping presses are all a little different and sometimes require the use of a foam pad or magnets (like the MISTI), so make sure you read through the descriptions when purchasing your stamping press to select one that best suits you.
What is a stamping block?
Stamping blocks are a tool used with acrylic stamps and are sold separately from the stamps. They are plastic, transparent blocks that come in a variety of sizes to suit different sized stamps. A clear, acrylic stamp will cling to a stamping block, then you can use the block to press the stamp onto your paper, fabric, or material of choice.
Note: With the use of EZ mount Stamp N Store, you can make your red rubber stamps compatible with stamping blocks. EZ Mount is a cling mount foam backing that adheres to your stamp, in place of the woodblock.
What is the best stamping technique?
Like all crafting methods, it depends on your goal. Some people prefer stamping blocks while others like woodblock stamps or utilizing stamping presses. The technique depends on the tools you're using. The general rule for stamping is to evenly apply ink to your stamp - not to put your stamp into your ink. The ink should be applied in an even manner - not too thin, but also not caked on (this could result in bleeding or smearing). After applying your ink, or inking, press the stamp onto your paper of choice, in the position that you'd like, and press down firmly without rocking the stamp back and forth. Firm, even pressure will usually result in a much better-stamped image than rocking, which can cause smears and uneven printing.
Do you have to use ink with your stamps?
Short answer: no! Though ink is the go-to for stamping, it's totally ok to get creative. Markers are a popular addition to stampers' supplies. You can use other materials as well.
Note: Marker ink dries very quickly, so make sure you work quickly if you choose to color your stamp with markers! If your water-based ink pad seems dry, try using a reinker to freshen it.
Freshening up an inkpad with a reinker
I keep getting lines next to my stamped image when I stamp! What do I do?
What's happening is you're getting ink on the base of your stamp - whether it's the stamping block or the woodblock. In order to prevent this, ensure that you wash your stamps after use. Also, be careful not to press down too forcefully onto your ink pad and not to rock your stamp back and forth when you're stamping your image.
How do you clean your acrylic stamps?
The Stamp Shammy and baby wipes
If you're wondering how to clean stamps, you're not alone. This is a question that stampers of all levels wonder about! There isn't one way to clean your stamps and many stampers do it differently. One way to clean your stamps is to use baby wipes and wipe your stamps clean between each use (something to keep in mind: baby wipes may leave fibers on your stamp). Advantus creates a good crafting wipe called Ink Away, specifically made for crafters. Another option is using a cleaning liquid- that will clean your stamps and keep them looking new. Some stampers swear by warm water and liquid soap, then hand drying your stamps (*don't use soap and water on your rubber stamps*). Another option is the Stamp Shammy - it's a reusable cloth that cleans without harsh chemicals - only water needed.
Here are a few tried and true stamp cleaners that we would recommend:
Aomate contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
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