How to use Detailed and Photo Rubber Stamps?

Photo stamps and detailed rubber stamps can be difficult to stamp with the first few times as a thin coating remains on the stamps from the vulcanizing process. Sometimes this release film will produce unsatisfactory results, especially with those type of images. Here are a few steps to help you condition the rubber stamps to be ready to use:

1. To guarantee a good imprint with a detailed rubber stamp begin with squeaky clean rubber. Condition your rubber stamp by cleaning it with water, stamp cleaner or soapy water. Try scrubbing it with a soft toothbrush to remove any release agent from the manufacturing process that may still be on the stamp. If you still cannot get a good image, try cleaning your stamp with rubbing alcohol. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a lint-free cloth. Another conditioning technique is to gently scrub your stamp with a rubber eraser. One more technique involves applying dye ink on the stamps, then wash the rubber using a stiff brush with a good stamp cleaner.

   You may have to repeat any of these process several times. The more you do it the better the results.

2. Dry your stamp and keep it lint-free. You may want to use sticky tape to remove any dust, etc.

3. The best way to ink a detailed rubber stamp is by using a brayer to apply the ink. Brayer in one direction, then brayer in the opposite direction and then again in the first direction to guarantee full coverage.

   If you do not own a brayer, make sure to apply the ink uniformly by turning the rubber stamp upside down and then tapping the inkpad onto the rubber stamp.

   Make sure to not over ink the rubber stamp and if necessary hold the rubber stamp to the light to make sure all raised areas are shiny and evenly coated.

4. To get the best impression use some form of cushioning (newsprint pad, craft foam, etc) under the cardstock you are stamping on.

5. Glossy cardstock works best with detailed rubber stamps. Press firmly all areas of the stamp and hold the rubber stamp to the cardstock a little longer than you would a regular rubber stamp. If you wish to ink your cardstock for a background effect use a brayer after the ink from the stamped photo rubber stamp is completely dry.

   On very very large detailed stamps we’ve seen rubber stampers position their cardstock on a carpeted floor, lay their cardstock on the carpet, brayer their rubber stamps, place the rubber stamps on top of the cardstock and then stand up and walk on their rubber stamps for a perfect impression…

   Textured cardstock will produce some interesting effects where only part of the image has left an impression resulting into a totally different look. Experiment and practice for some unique results.

What kind of ink work best with detailed rubber stamps?

For the cleanest image, choose a dye ink that is not too wet like Memories, Frescos, Adirondack, Chalk Inks, Fluid Chalk, Stazon, Versafine an Stampin Up Dye Inks.

Do not use pigment ink and do not emboss.