How to Get a PERFECT Rubber Stamp Impression!!!
copyright 2006
by Nancy Miller
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Most people do not understand that a rubber stamp has a porous surface. That means the rubber has tiny microscopic holes in it. When you get a brand new rubber stamp, it needs to be "cured." That means you should fill the tiny holes with ink so you can get a nice solid, even impression when you are ready to create your projects.
HOW TO CURE A NEW STAMP FOR GREAT IMPRESSIONS...
Get your new stamp out and rub it across an ink pad. Do not stamp up and down on the ink pad. Rub it across the ink pad (drag it) until the entire image is covered. It may take several attempts to get it right. If you are not very good at this or the stamp is too big for the ink pad, use a bray to ink the stamp. (A worthwhile investment!) It is very important to make sure the whole stamp is covered with ink completely at this point. Any uncovered portion will forever leave a light spot in your work. Oils from your hands and from the manufacturing process can leave residue on the rubber. Clean the rubber with a small amount of fingernail polish remover and reink if you experience any problems with inking. Polish remover will not dry out the rubber because the alcohol absorbs rapidly but it will help to rejuvinate and clean the rubber.
Take your well inked stamp and set it - inked side down - on a piece of scrap paper. Drag the stamp across the scrap paper removing the ink in a sloppy trail. Continue dragging the stamp across the paper, rotating the stamp slightly, until it is clean of ink residue. This will cause the tiny holes in your stamp to fill up before you make a impression that really counts. Now, reink your stamp well and make a perfect impression! When you are done with your stamp you may clean it with water or little fingernail polish remover and a dry cloth depending on the kind of ink you are using. It will be like new and ready for the next ink color.
Abracadabra Stamp Makers started making rubber stamps in 1986. We welcome your inquires.
See our line of Art Stamps here: Abracadabra Stamp Makers
