Tip 1: A Flat Surface
A perfectly stamped image starts with a firm, flat, even surface. There are no two ways about it. In order to get a crisp, clean stamped image, even pressure has to be applied to all areas of the stamp.
Tip 2: Choose a Good Quality Paper for Stamping
My favorite paper for stamping is Stampin” Up cardstock.
Tip 3: Choose The Right Size Acrylic Block
For a perfectly stamped image, you want to make sure that you choose an acrylic block size that is as close as possible to the size of your stamp.
- If your block is too small, the parts of the stamp that overhang the edges of your acrylic block won’t stamp properly.
- If your block is too big, you run the risk of the block accidentally tipping or tilting when you are trying to stamp your image.
Tip 4: A perfectly stamped image starts with a clean stamp.
There are three suggested ways to clean your stamps.
- The first way is with a stamp cleaning pad such as our Stamp & Scrub or our shammy.
- Or a cloth plus stamp cleaner.
- Another way is with baby wipes which I try not to use.
I have tried all three, but my preference is to use the Shammy. Why? With a shammy, once your shammy gets too inky, simply rinse it and it is ready to use again. Also the shammy lasts for a very long long time.
With a cloth and stamp cleaner, you need to be sure to wipe clean. Because stamps are so easy to clean with just a damp lint free cloth the stamp cleaning solution in most cases is not necessary.
I’ll be honest with you. I have on occasion used wipes because they are easier. I don’t want to have to worry about remembering to clean my stamp cleaning pad or cloth. However, keeping the wipes stocked is just one more thing to do and the wipes should definitely be unscented.
*Note: Photopolymer stamps can stain when you use certain colors of ink on them (typically reds, pinks and black). To tell if a stained stamp is clean, simply stamp it onto scrap paper to test it out.
Tips 5: Make Sure Your Ink Pad Has Enough Ink
I have found that I want a perfectly stamped image that is crisp and clear, there also needs to be enough ink on the stamp.
Usually, when you buy a brand new ink pad there should be just the right amount of ink. Over time and with use, the ink will be used up or may start to dry up (depending on the ink pad).
You’ll know right away when you ink your stamp if you need more ink. You can also tell when you perform your test stamp.
If you’re having trouble getting enough ink, or an even coat of ink on your stamp (see tip 6) then it means that it’s time to re-ink your ink pad..
This tip relates to the two main reasons my ink pads of choice are Stampin’ Up Ink pads.
- First, the case has a really tight seal. I have had my ink pads sitting unused for years and they are just as moist as when they were new.
- I haven’t had the need or desire to try other ink pads.
Another thing I love about Stampin’ Up!’s ink, is that they sell ink refills for all their ink pad colors. Not all ink pad manufacturers do. So when buying ink pads, make sure you buy from a company that also sells the ink refills.
Tip 6: Apply Ink Evenly To Your Stamp & Avoid Getting Ink In Other Areas
*There is a right way and a wrong way to apply ink to your stamp.
- First, take a look at the size of your stamp in relation to the size of your ink pad. If your stamp is smaller than your ink pad, then place your ink pad on your table and lightly tap your stamp onto your ink pad to ink it up.
- If your stamp is larger than your ink pad, place your stamp onto your table, stamp side up, and then tap your ink pad all over your stamp using light pressure.
It’s a lot easier to make sure that your stamp is well inked without being over or under inked.
- When you’re applying ink, always tap the stamp against the ink pad (or vice versa) using light pressure. Don’t squish down on the ink pad or ink will pool around the raised edges of the stamp. When that happens, you run the risk of inkblots and smears around your work.
- You also don’t want to press and twist your ink pad against your stamp. Depending on the type of ink pad you are using, that could potentially damage your ink pad. It could also lead to the above problem of over-inking your stamp.
- Finally flip your stamp ink side up and take a close look at it before stamping. Double-check that your stamp is completely covered in ink and that no stray pieces of ink on your stamp.
Tip 7: Test Your Stamps Before Stamping
If you want perfectly stamped images every time, then it’s important that you get to know your stamps.
Although it sounds odd, your stamps have personalities. One stamp may require a little more pressure to make sure all the fine lines come through. Another stamp may require a really light touch. The only way you’ll know, is by testing your stamps before stamping.
To test your stamps.
- Ink your stamp and then stamp it onto scrap paper. Which is one of the things I use my grid paper for. I always test my stamps the first time I use them, or if it’s been a while since I’ve stamped with them.
Tip 8: Stamp Straight Up and Down, With Even Pressure
Now about the actual stamping technique.
- First things first. It’s important to get into the habit of always stamping straight down, applying light, even pressure, and then lifting your stamp straight up.
- Up and down.
- No side to side.
- No wiggling your stamp back and forth.
- Straight down. Even pressure. Straight up.
- Hands will give you more stability when you are stamping. And it will be easier to apply even pressure to your stamp.
Tips 9: Use a Stamp Positioning Tool
One of the best investments you can make as a stamper and card maker is a stamp positioning tool. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced stamper, you’ll find that a stamp positioning tool will make your stamping life so much easier. I actually use a stamp positioning tool called the stamparatus that was carried by Stampin Up but has been discontinued. Many Card makers use the “Misti”. This tool can be found at Amazon or other paper crafting suppliers.
The purpose of a stamp positioning tool is exactly as it sounds. It takes any and all guesswork out of stamping. It will help you position your stamped image exactly where you want it to be.
It’s also a real lifesaver if you accidentally get an imperfectly stamped image. Why? Because it allows you to stamp your image a second time, in the exact same spot. Something that is virtually impossible to do when you are freehand stamping.
In Summary
Here are 9 tips for perfectly stamped images. I hope you found this post helpful. If you have any questions, be sure to leave me a comment or contact me and I will be happy to get back with you. And if you have any additional tips, I’d love for you to share them with me and my readers.
