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A FISTFUL OF STAMP CARE TIPS:
USE OF RUBBER STAMPS:
Our rubber art stamps, as well as those made by other folks, can
be used in a variety of methods and on a wide range of
materials. From paper, to wood, to metal, just about
any semi-flat object can be stamped on... even permanently if
you use the right inks! The following tips apply for
the use of rubber art stamps:
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Ink the stamp liberally.
(Don't think you have to vote that way.)
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Apply the stamp to your paper or object in a
flat even pressure.
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Raise the stamp straight up, avoid any
twisting or side motion to avoid smears.
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Stamp on a flat, or semi-flat surface
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Avoid stamping on wrinkled surfaces.
If you wish to have a wrinkled effect, stamp on a flat piece
of paper first, then when the image has dried, crumple the
paper... it works well!
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Stamp on dry items
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If stamping on metal, wood, or glass we
recommend using a permanent ink for best results.
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For more precise stamp placement, use clear
acrylic mounts.
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Enjoy, experiment and be creative.
STORAGE
OF RUBBER STAMPS:
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Store your stamps whether mounted or
un-mounted in a cool dry place.
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Avoid prolonged direct exposure to
sunlight... UV rays damage wood, rubber, and you...
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Clean stamps before storage.
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For unmounted stamps, a photo album with
plastic sleeves works great. Just slip the
unmounted stamps into the photo sleeve.
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Avoid exposure to excessive heat:
Parking a box of stamps made of rubber, sealant and wood
next to the fire place is probably askin' for trouble.
Not only could it ruin your stamps, but the ensuing fire
might ruin your day.
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Humid places are bad on the wood.
We do seal our wood mounts, but let's face it... if you live
in the tropics or any region with high humidity, wood,
sealed or unsealed will tend to soak up moisture.
-- Store stamps in a cool dry place!
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Hey, we said cool.... NOT COLD.
Cold storage is for frozen food, not rubber stamps that you
intend to use now and then. Rubber will
harden if too cold. Freezing may break down the
seal between the rubber cushion and the wood mount.
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Yeh yeh, we know this sounds like common
sense, but you wouldn't believe what Bubba and Lil' Jim Jim
down at the T-honry Heart Ranch were doing for stamp
storage... this rule is for them.... DON'T LEAVE YOUR
STAMPS OUT IN THE RAIN!
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Keep your stamps in a safe place out of
sight of others. STAMP RUSTLERS have been known
to frequent these parts... it ain't nuthin' for
one of 'em to nick a nice set of stamps!
CLEANING
OF RUBBER STAMPS:
To be certain, a good quality rubber stamp can provide years of
service if properly cared for. Come to think
of it, the same thing goes for a high quality fire arm.
Just like a fire arm, in order to preserve your stamps and keep
'em good to go for when the shootin', er... uh stampin'
starts.... clean 'em!!!
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Stay ahead of the game.... clean your stamps
after each use.
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Stamp off excess ink onto a scrap paper
before cleaning.
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Use a stamp cleaning solution on the rubber
die only.
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Avoid full submersion of the stamp into
water, soap, thinner, acids... etc
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Wipe excess cleaning solution from the
rubber die.
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Some folks use GOO GONE to clean rubber
stamps. We don't recommend this on rubber
dies, it'll tear 'em pretty quick. Goo
Gone can be used to remove sticky stuff from double sided
tape on clear acrylic mounts. Goo Gone can etch the surface of some acrylic mounts
if used too much, be careful. Simple soap and
water works best.
-
Use of a tooth brush (not your current one,
use an old one!) can get down in the tiny cracks and
crevices of a stamp die...
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Contrary to popular belief, sand blasting is
not an effective method of stamp cleaning. It
tends to leave the die pitted... some even say ruined.
You be the judge if you try it...
 TOP
10 RUBBER STAMP CARE TIPS:
- CLEAN STAMPS AFTER EVERY USE!
- to avoid that surprise "OOOPS!" that can occur when going
from a dark colored ink to a light colored ink. You can go
from light colors to dark colors with some types of inks,
but darker colors will always contaminate lighter colored
ink pads.
- Don't use solvents to clean your
stamps as it will break down the rubber and adhesives used
to make the stamp!
- Don't soak your stamps in
water! It softens the wood and may deteriorate the
adhesive that mounts the die to the wood block!
- Keep an old tooth brush handy to
scrub out grooves on troublesome stamps.
- Stamp away excess ink on a scratch
paper before cleaning.
- When cleaning stamps use a water
based stamp cleaner or household dish washing soap.
- Don't stamp with permanent inks if
you wish to reuse the stamp with other colors of ink in the
same session. Again, contamination of lighter colors will
occur. Go lighter, and on to darker colors... in
that order.
- If stamping with paint instead of
ink, clean the stamp immediately after use. An
acrylic or latex paint may alter the stamp image if allowed
to dry on the stamp.
- Keep the rubber side of the stamp
out of direct sunlight. Some types of rubber will harden
or break down if exposed to excess direct sunlight.
- Keep a damp sponge or baby wet
wipes handy when stamping. Clean ups will be a snap!
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