How
to Make a PERFECT Impression!!!
copyright 2006
by Nancy Miller
Most people do not
understand that a rubber stamp has a porous surface. This means the rubber
has tiny microscopic holes in it. When you get a brand new rubber stamp,
it needs to be "cured." Meaning 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...
Oils from your hands
and from the manufacturing process can leave residue on the rubber.
1) 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.
2) Take your
new stamp and rub it across an ink pad. Do not stamp up and down on the
ink pad. Rub it across the ink pad by dragging it across the ink pad rotating
it slightly 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 brayer 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.
3) 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.
4) 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.
Please note:
The above instructions are for rubber stamps not clear polymer stamps.
Abracadabra Stamp
Makers started making rubber stamps in 1986. We welcome your inquires.
