Here are some basics tips to get the most from your rubber stamps

Use a fresh ink pad
The most common reason any rubber stamp does not produce the desired result is that the ink pad is becoming old. Old ink pads simply dry out eventually. More commonly, the ink pad will dry unevenly. While the use “refresher” solution to re-wet your ink pad, may prolong the ink pad, once you start to notice that the image is not clear or you are applying more than moderate pressure to transfer the image to the paper, it’s time to replace the ink pad.

Use the correct stamping technique – Avoiding stamper’s edge
Have you ever used a rubber stamp that produced “stamper’s edge”? You know. That unwanted area that got ink on it when you pressed your stamp on to the ink pad, and left a 90 degree corner (or other unwanted area) on your paper that is not part of the image you wanted?

    Stamper’s edge is caused by two main reasons:

  1. Ink in undesired areas on the stamp
  2. Rocking your stamp to try and get the ink transferred to the paper.
    To avoid stamper’s edge:

  1. Don’t rock your stamp while pressing it on the paper.
  2. To greatly reduce any chance of stamper’s edge, choose rubber stamps that are trimmed close to the image.

Correct way to achieve a clear stamped image
The best way to insure a clear stamped image using a rubber stamp is to ink the rubber stamp, and place the stamp in the desired area applying medium to moderate even pressure. Count slowly to three and then remove the stamp. This allows the ink to transfer to the paper, and breach the micro-thin coating of most papers. Try it, you will be surprised at the results.

For more information on how to get the most from your rubber stamps please see any of our online video tutorials.

Work on a flat surface A work surface used solely for stamping is highly recommended. If you used the same surface
to cut, glue, and work on, small nicks and ridges may alter the stamp's ability to produce a
clear image.

This may sound very simple. But if you are not getting a clear image with any rubber stamp,
check to see if your surface is completely flat. The easiest way to check is take an ordinary
18 inch ruler and place the edge of the ruler along several areas on your work surface.
If you can see space between the work surface and the ruler, no matter how small the space
is, your surface is not flat.

Working on several layers of paper of any kind can also have an unwanted image result.

For best results, work on a surface such as a smooth cutting board, or a piece of polished marble.
These types of surfaces have the highest probablity of even work surface plus the added benefit
of durability, particularly if you work on a polished marble surface.

There are also many great work surface products available specifically for scrapbooking and card making.

Use quality paper for your projects
All scrapbook paper manufacturers produce paper suitable for rubber stamping. But did you know that almost all paper is suitable for rubber stamping?

View one of our videos for your projects
Need ideas? New to stamping? We have several online video tutorials to give help and ideas for common problems, and new project ideas! (coming soon)