How to 'revive' old stamps?

[bottleored]

I bought some used stamps that are several years old. When I went to use them, the ink 'beaded' and didn't stamp properly.

Someone mentioned that I could 'rough them up' with an emery board or sandpaper - any further suggestions? Guidelines? I don't wan't to ruin them, but they're really not usable in this condition either :(

Thanks!

[Cat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bottleored

...Someone mentioned that I could 'rough them up' with an emery board or sandpaper - any further suggestions?

i know a lot of stampers write about roughing up their stamps, but personally it just scares me! here's some info i found online:
When using acrylics you can try erasing the residue with a soft pink eraser.

• The eraser will pick up some of the residue left behind. After you have gone over the stamp with your eraser then you can ink the stamp and stamp on a scrap paper several times, clean the stamp with an acrylic friendly solvent and then repeat the process until your get a clear, concise image.
• A quality rubber stamp should not need a lot of conditioning. Rubber stamps can be conditioned in a similar way by simply inking the stamp and stamping it on scrap paper. If there is a residue on the stamp try a twisting motion as you are stamping the image on your scrap paper. Clean the stamp thoroughly and proceed to ink it again for your project. Some practice stamping and good cleaning should do the trick.

pat huntoon {technique junkie author} wrote about conditioning stamps and offers two methods other than sanding. read about it here.

[stamper1996]

Is the rubber dry and/or brittle? I've had limited success pouring a little glycerin into a tray (just enough to line the bottom) and setting the stamps in there overnight. The glycerin can often recondition the rubber. It doesn't always work, but it's worth a try.

[bottleored]

cat thanks for the tips and the links. I think I'll try the eraser and the stamp/clean cycle

stamper1996 the stamps seem to be too smooth - not brittle. Almost like they've been used too much :confused: thanks for the tip about brittleness, though!

[meluvstampin]

I use a really fine sandpaper I stole from DH's garage. I also use a White eraser and that works well.

[Mahloumel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bottleored

stamper1996 the stamps seem to be too smooth - not brittle. Almost like they've been used too much :confused: thanks for the tip about brittleness, though!

If I were you I would try the glycerin, or if you don't have that then just ink the stamps up with Versamark and leave them inked up overnight. When they get too smooth like this, in my experience it is due to the surface getting "brittle" in a really thin layer. I had some oold but well-cared-for stamps of mine get in the condition you are describing, and after I let them sit coated in Versamark and then a good scrub wih Ultraclean the next day, the rubber became pliable and took ink well again. HTH!

[kphorse]

Yep, ink up and stamp and twist! Then a good cleaning and all should stamp well.

You all have the best advice!