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Issues with Clear Mounts stamps on Clear blocks
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE can anyone help me with a issue I am having with my SU clear mount stamps not sticking on the clear blocks. It is really starting to annoy :mad: me. It might stick and I ink it up and then it falls off on my cs. Or it wont stick at all. My blocks are clean. Also having issues with some of my clear mount stamps bending so they never stick. Please if anyone can help I am desperate. I do have the pictures/stickers stuck on my stamps. But I seem to have issues both with or without stickers. Thanks heaps Kim
This is a topic that comes up a lot so you'll have plenty of responses I am sure.
When I started out (less than a year ago) my SIL was an SU demo and after I put the images on my first set and then complained to her that they didn't stick to the blocks, she said 'Don't bother with them. They don't work well. I learned that the hard way." So I never use them. Without them, my clings stick just fine. If you have some without the image stickers and they aren't sticking, I don't know what the problem is. No doubt some experienced demos will see this thread and be able to troubleshoot this with you.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
I do what Rachelrose does. I've never put them on and don't have any trouble with mine.
I have read that others trim the image sticker slightly smaller than the stamp so that some of the cling is exposed and then will stick better. Hope I explained that clearly, lol!
I can understand your frustration!
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Thank you both -- I guess I am going to have to remove all stickers well from the ones I have issues with and see how I get on. I guess I am more annoyed that this happens when we pay so much for them. I like the pic's on the stamp but I will just stop putting them on now. I appreciate you both answering my call for help. Have a wonderful weekend.
I have never put my stickers on my stamps, call it pure laziness I think!! But I do think they stick better without the stickers. Some people put a THIN coat of Aleene's Tack It Over and OVer on them and they stick well afterwards.
I know if a stamp is real small, some people prefer the wood mount ones. I used tiny tags the other day and never had an issue with them on my clear blocks, even the little BOO! stamp which is TINY!!!!
If you are having problems with your stamps bending or creasing, contact your demo, they may be able to help you with those!!!
I read the other day about the SU clear mount guides (which you stick on your block) being really good at making the cling stamps cling. I think it was applicable to stamps with the labels on or off, but hopefully someone can clarify, or maybe you can google it.
I don't think you can remove the stickers without removing the clinginess. I would do what others advise using the aleenes or the tombo glue film on the stickers. Then don't use the stickers in the future.
I don't know how many sets you stickered, but I would not try to get the stickers off the stamps you've already put them on. You will probably mess up the cling layer. I might be wrong, I haven't tried to get them off the few I have with stickers. Maybe someone has more info on this.
HA! Diane, you and I were writing the same thing at the same time!
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
I agree that removing your stickers now will ruin your stamps.
I always put the stickers on mine as I like to see exactly what is being stamped and where. It is true that they do not stick as well with the stickers on.
I was having the same problem you are describing one day recently. I cleaned my block and Wow, what a difference. Oils from your skin build up on the block and thus inhibit the cling. It is important to periodically clean the block AND the stamp too. I used and microfiber cloth and buffed and buffed the block. I also used it on the stamp but not to the same degree as the block.
I have heard that it is good to use a grease cutting dish soap to clean the blocks.
I have also heard that using the Aileens tack it over and over will actually cause damage. I haven't done this myself, so I'm not sure on that one, but that is what I've read here in Splitcoast.
I love having the images on them. But for me, they just made the stamps impossible to work with. So I gave up on it. I envy those who don't seem to have this problem. But at least I know I'm not the only one.
For me, cleaning was not a solution. That was the first thing I did. It helped, but not enough. The lack of cling was still crazy-making for me.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
I had the same problem. The way I solved mine was to use my clear blocks that have removeable poster tape on them. I use these blocks for my unmounted red rubber stamps. It works fine for me.
I have taken off the cling image & have had no problem. Only difference is my cling mounts are a little sticky, but I don't mind that. I also noticed with the cling images that were applied my stamps had curled up!!! Boy I was NOT happy with that. If you are going to take off the cling image just do it slowly. I don't apply the cling image anymore. What a waste the useless images are (maybe if it worked it wouldn't be such a waste).
Now that you say it, I have noticed that the cling images made some of my stamps tend to curl - especially the small ones. I didn't think the stickers were all that easy to put on, either. I remember sitting and watching demos do it on YouTube videos over and over, and making it look so easy, while I found that getting the stickers aligned perfectly with no hangover on the stamp was tricky.
I just shove the index sheet in the back of the case and use it to be sure I have all my stamps.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
I seem to recall reading somewhere that the stick-on-images kind of stretch when you remove them from their backing and return to their correct size over time, which makes them pull on the stamps and the stamps curl.
I never put the stickers on because, unless you put the sticker on *perfectly* -- which ain't happening here -- it's not really going to help you stamp the image *perfectly.* If your sticker is just a smidge off and you use that image to place your stamped image, then your stamping is a smidge off. I'm perfectly capable of placing a stamped image a smidge off without the help of a sticker, thankyouverymuch.
I trim the rubber closely and look through the clear block and that's good enough most of the time. If placement is crucial, I use a Stamp-a-Ma-Jig (or whatever it's called).
__________________ Hi! I'm ISO the Fun Stampers Journey stamp "Say Cheese" AT-0167. Thank you!
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WOW thank you all for your help and advise -- I am glad it is not just me. But I am still a little pieved that we spend so much money on them and they dont work. Would be good if SU could sort it out.
I do something entirely different. Before I put the stickers on, I trim them around the edges - just a tiny bit - maybe 1/8" or so - and I do not have any problems. I have some older sets that I didn't do that with - and I just put a dab of Mono or Aileen's TIO&O and let it dry completely. (I smear it around with my finger - don't use too much)
I really like having the images on the stamps - this is what works for me.
I removed the stickers off of several sets and I don't recommend it. They work fine, but they are sticky and leave a residue on the blocks. What I have done is bought some thin vinyl at Walmart and cut it to the size of the block. Put the vinyl on the block and smooth it out, then put your stamps on the vinyl side of the block to stamp. They cling well to that vinyl and your block stays nice too. Got that idea on SCS somewhere.
I just put a dab of Mono or Aileen's TIO&O and let it dry completely.
I really like having the images on the stamps - this is what works for me.
Solution for me was the same as Cathy H, tho I had a bit of a problem locating a store that carries Aileen's TIO&O. Once I found it, brushed on a thin coat w/a skinny foam brush. Let it dry overnight. Works great. Also like this poster, I really prefer having the images on the stamps.
Yes, that's it Joan. That's the way I did mine. I watched this video and then got some of that clear vinyl. Get the lightweight stuff, not heavyweight.
Another vote for Aileens Tack it over and Over -- I water it down about with abour 1/4 water to 3/4 glue and dab a thin coat on. Let it dry then stamp - works great for me. But cutting it with water really made a difference.
I wanted the images on the back of the stamps and this has eliminated all my issues.
At first I had this problem. But after reading some of the other's having problems too. I started looking for a solution for the problem.
Here is what I do now. I make sure the cling is free from Fingerprints.
And I clean my acrylic Block off really good.
And now they cling nicely.
I think they would work perfectly if I could clean them after each use. You're definately right about that. Keep them clean and they should work great.
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Ladies -- you are all wonderful in taking time to answer my question. I am going to try some of them and see how I get on. Unfortunately cleaning my blocks has done nothing to make them stick. So onto another suggestion. I am sure I will get something that works. I did try a little bit of (dare I say it) spit yesterday and that worked a treat but I am not so keen on spitting on my stamps so will try the nappy wipe. HUGE HUGS to you all. Kim xxx
My Stampin up Demonstrator suggested that a person can press the middle of the stamp when the place it on the acrylic block. I have tried with one of my small stamps and it worked.
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I agree that SU should remedy this. There are too many companies out there without problems with their cling mount stamps, so it can be done. SU is usually such high quality.
__________________ All I want is the chance to prove money won't make me happy!
I like mine to have the stickers so I just place a thin layer of 2-way glue on top once I've put my stickers on my stamps, let it dry, and then use. It works like a charm, super fast and easy, and we ALL have a 2-way glue pen laying around! Plus I've never had to re-apply the glue. That stuff is tacky!
I recently purchased the Perfectly Placed Guides as I was experiencing the same problem. I put the stickers on a few of my first sets and then stopped as they weren't sticking. Its only been a few days but so far so good. I did wash all my blocks first using the blue Dawn dishwashing liquid (I read that tip on SCS). My guides cling to the blocks just fine. The stamps also cling even when cleaning in the stampin' scrub.
I did not want to start applying any type of glue to my stamps so I thought I would try this first and I am very happy I did. You can use clear vinyl but the guides also have lines on them so you can get double usage out of them should you need help lining something up.
You can STAMP the image on the Cling side of the foam w/Staz-On. But I've never been able to figure out how to line it up when attaching the stamp.
Anybody?
Tack It Over & Over - If you apply thick layer, or don't let it DRY DRY DRY - it comes off, and ADHERES to your acrylic block! Used a whole bottle of UNDO cleaning up my stamp cases, and blocks. I might try the watered down idea.
Issues with Clear Mounts stamps on Clear blocks
