How do you use Clear Stamps?

Clear stamps come on a smooth storage sheet and are ready to be used. You don’t need to spend time trimming your clear stamps or figure out how to mount the stamp on a wood block. Instead, you can just start stamping.

Preparing your stamp:

Select a clear block that is slightly larger than the stamp that you are going to use.

Gently remove your clear stamp from the acetate storage sheet. (Although the clear stamps are strong, if you pull them off too fast or use to much force, you might tear your stamps especially in thin, detailed areas.)

Place the stamp on a clear block.

The slightly broader smooth side of the stamp should be against the clear block. You can also arrange multiple stamps on the clear block for ease of stamping.  This is especially helpful when stamping a word with alpha stamps or arranging a set of stamps in an arc or other shape.

Choose an inkpad that is appropriate for your project.

Clear stamps can be used with many different kinds of inkpads, although we have found best success with Tsukineko Brilliance when crisp detail is needed and Tsukineko Memento ink pads for all other uses.  Chalk based inks and paints also work well with clear stamps.  Experiment to see what works best for your project.

Apply ink to your clear stamp using the following tips:

Place your clear block on a flat surface with the stamp side up, then tap your inkpad down directly onto the surface of your stamp. Use firm and even tapping pressure. Don’t twist your stamp or drag it across your inkpad. Remember too much ink often is just as bad as not enough ink.

Occasionally, a clear stamp has an area that is so smooth that it doesn’t take ink very well. The solution is to rough up the stamp’s surface area. You can do this by rubbing your stamp gently on a piece of VERY fine grit sandpaper (400 and up). This will usually make your stamp grab and hold ink more evenly so that you can get perfect stamped images.

Do a test stamp before applying to your project:

Once you have inked up your stamp, consider stamping on a scratch piece of paper or on a scrap of your project surface. Ink can look very different on different types of paper, colors of paper, or other project materials.

Generally you will get the best image when your paper, fabric, etc. is on a flat solid surface. If you have a solid stamp that's not stamping an even solid image, sometimes a softer surface like a mouse pad or magazine underneath your paper will help distribute the ink.

How do I clean my clear stamps?

To keep stamps clear and free from ink stains clean each stamp immediately after use with a soft brush and cleaning solution or damp cloth. Wash stamps as needed in warm soapy water to return the surface to its original sticky condition.

Just like rubber stamps, some colors of ink and some types of ink will stain your clear stamps. As long as you have cleaned your clear stamp, the remaining transparent tinge of color will not affect the stamped image that your clear stamp makes.  The transparent tint of color often makes it easier to tell what the stamp image is.  With proper care and quality ink choices, your stamps should last for many years.

How should I store my stamps?

You can store your stamps in many different ways. CD cases, binders, in original packaging, or any other creative way.  The important thing is to keep the stamps in a dust-free area and away from bright sunlight. That will keep your stamps clean and ready to use. We are working on a fun art-inspired storage solution for the Pink Persimmon stamps. How do you like to store your stamps? Drop us an email and let us know!