What Every Beginner Should Know About Stamping

What Every Beginner Should Know About Stamping

The earliest form of recognisable stamping dates back to 220 CE in Ancient China. Stamping has gone a long way and now comes in many forms. Now it’s a favourite tool among scrapbookers, cardmakers, and other paper crafters who like the extra pop that stamps give their crafts—and with so many types available these days! 
 

Types of Craft Stamps

Clear Stamps

As the term implies, clear stamps are transparent so you can see through them. Since you can see through the acrylic blocks being used alongside clear stamps, it’s easier to position your stamp perfectly and is definitely helpful if you are just beginning with stamping. There are two types of clear stamps. If you want a higher-quality type that can last longer, go for Photopolymer stamps. If you want to save on cost, go for Acrylic stamps as they are typically less expensive. However, they are generally not as durable as the Photopolymer stamps.

1. Acrylic Stamps

Aside from being less expensive, acrylic craft stamps are also easier to store. They work well with pigment or Versafine ink but not with dye ink as they tend to bead up. Because of acrylic’s softer texture, it is more prone to spreading when stamping. The quality of the impressions may decrease after some time and the acrylic stamp can get stuck to the backing sheet. Also, you can never expect crisp images using low-quality acrylic stamps. Most acrylic stamps are manufactured in China.

2. Photopolymer Stamps

Photopolymer stamps always give off clean and clear images since they are absorbent enough to take in more ink. They may cost more compared to the acrylic stamps, but the impressions they produce are worth the price. Moreover, they are very sticky and are made to stick well with acrylic blocks and stamping platforms. Photopolymer stamps are also durable so it will take a long time before you need to purchase a new one. They may give off a strong smell upon opening, but the scent will weaken over time. All of the photopolymer stamps in the market are currently manufactured in the UK and the USA.

Rubber Stamps

Red rubber stamps are a bit more expensive compared to clear stamps but they tend to give a more crisp image especially when you have really detailed designs. Wood mounted rubber stamps are ready to use since they are usually mounted on wooden blocks. Additionally, they are more durable than clear stamps because unlike the latter they do not tear due to being continuously peeled on and off from acrylic blocks. Red rubber stamps can also withstand high temperatures. However, it is more challenging to position red rubber stamps accurately because unlike clear stamps you cannot see through them. Wood mounted rubber stamps also eat up more storage space than clear stamps. Red Rubber Cling stamps are a new line of deep-etched stamps that can be used with an acrylic block. These stamps have pre-trimmed mounts and come mounted on EZ Mount Cling Foam, so they're ready to go!

How to condition new stamps (prep stamps)

Let’s get down to the basics. Stamps need to be conditioned well to give off great results. Whatever type of stamp you use, new ones need to be treated with care. Here’s how:

1. Use a sanding block or an emery board and rub it into the stamp. This will help to hold the ink better which can give you a better and clearer image.
2. Rubber Erasers or Stamp Conditioning Erasers are also effective to remove the film-like covering that new stamps come with. Stamps give off higher-quality images as you keep using them. Rub eraser into the stamp to achieve results older stamps can deliver.
3. Versamark Ink is your best friend when it comes to conditioning new stamps. Rub Versamark ink into the stamp and keep transferring into paper.

How to store stamps 

It would be helpful to attach clear stamps to acetate sheets. Also, make sure to store your clear stamps in a cool place to preserve them longer. Keep rubber stamps away from sunlight. You must also protect your stamps from dust.

As important as storing stamps is organizing them. Labelling your stamps can help establish organized storage. Whatever container you will be using, it is best to keep all your stamps in one place and group them into their respective types. 

Couture Creations - Rubber Stamp + Gel Plate Storage Case are made of high quality plastic for storing Rubber Stamps and Gel Plates. They are identical to the regular DVD case but without the central circular ring (that holds the DVD) allowing stamps can be adhered to both sides of the case.  Easy to open and close and always keep the dust off your rubber stamps and gel plates. They can also be used to store metal dies by adding magnetic sheets to the side of the case.

Other stamp storage solutions include Nellie Snellen 10 Refills White EZ-mount Stamp Storage plates and Crafter's Companion - EZMount Stamp Storage Panels which come in various sizes and can be used with the storage folder or standard ring folders.

How to clean stamps
 

When cleaning clear stamps, water and soap are good enough but If you want to go the extra mile when it comes to cleaning your clear stamps, we recommend using specialty formulated stamp cleaning solutions. Avoid using baby wipes that contain aloe vera and alcohol. Read directions of use when using stamp cleaners.
 

Stamping on fabric, wood, ceramic

Rubber stamps are great to use for ceramic materials. Rubber stamps and custom stamps do well on fabric as well. It would be better if the wood you will stamp into is a flat surface for easier application.

Stamping Tools

Aside from the stamp itself, you need other tools to continue stamping: acrylic blocks which allow accurate positioning of the image, stamp platform (stamp press) that evens out the stamp, and last but not least, sponge daubers for infusing ink to rubber stamps. 

Stamping can be one of the most satisfying parts of making crafts. The principles of stamping are pretty basic. Choose the right stamp. Make sure you condition it. Go and get stamping!