Stamping Basics
12 March 2009
Author: Spotted Canary
In its growing popularity, stamping has evolved to include a variety of stamp types to suit every need and budget. Whatever the type, the best are closely die cut around the shape of the image for precise inking and clean stamping. After you learn the differences between types of stamps you’ll be set to go!
The three most common types are:
Wood-mounted rubber stamps—traditional stamps with the rubber image adhered to a thin foam cushion and mounted to a wood block. These are considered by many devoted stampers to be collectibles and the ultimate in rubber stamps.
Clear stamps—these are acrylic instead of rubber but deliver the same high quality image. The stamps “cling” firmly to an acrylic block for stamping, and are removable so the block can be used again. Blocks are available in a variety of sizes. The largest allows for stamping multiple images at once. The greatest advantage of clear stamps is being able to look through the block and see precisely where you are stamping. Clear stamps also require much less storage space than either wood- or foam-mounted stamps.
Foam-mounted rubber stamps—the same quality image as a wood-mounted stamp, but the rubber is mounted on a flexible foam block instead of wood. This makes them lightweight, ideal for stamping on curved surfaces, and perfect for kids’ little hands to use. They are often sold in themed sets.
Cleaning and StorageClean your rubber stamps with special craft wipes made for stamping, non-alcohol baby wipes, stamp cleaners or stamp scrubbers and paper towels. You will want to store them away from direct sunlight to protect the rubber—drawers or storage containers work well.
Clean your acrylic clear stamps with soap and water, and allow them to air dry. Re-stick them to their plastic backer sheets to help keep your sets together. To organize clear stamps, you might use a binder system to create a reference library.
Knowing the types of stamps and how to take care of them, you can start stamping!