Stamping with clear stamps

SayStampsPlease · 01-04-2009

Hi! I just got some "clear" stamps as a gift (inkadinkado) and when I used them, the image came out like little dots? Why and is there a way to prevent this?

Thanks!

java_jenny · 01-04-2009

Not sure why but i recently read a thread here that mentioned that if you rub the image with a pencileraser, then try stamping again, it should work better. Hope that helps.

stampy-girrrrrl · 01-04-2009

Do you mean that it's not a solid image and it's "spotty" looking on the more solid parts of the image? I find that mine comes out that way the first couple of images. Maybe your ink pad needs a little reink; I think they need to be really inked well.

MaryEileen · 01-05-2009

I rub my clear stamps on a paper bag that you get from the grocery store.
It sort of works like a very mild sandpaper. That helps get rid of the coating and the stamp will pick up more ink. Eileen

vsbndr · 01-05-2009

Hi,
I have found that certain inks just don't do well with the clear stamps. I use Pallette and have no problems what so ever with the ink beading. HTH!

RiverIsis · 01-05-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsbndr

Hi,
I have found that certain inks just don't do well with the clear stamps. I use Pallette and have no problems what so ever with the ink beading. HTH!

I second this. Some inks don't like clear stamps.

I tend to "condition" my stamp by putting versamark on it first and either stamping off or versamark and then the color I want and carrying on.

fastmommie · 01-05-2009

I have found with the Inkadinkado stamps, that I cannot use my CTMH inks.
I use stazon, and those inks work really well.

CTMH inks were designed to work wonderful with our clear stamps, but Inkadinkado stamps must be made of somewhat different material. The ink just beads up on them.

I've also heard/read that Momento inks work well with clear stamps, but I dont have any in my collection yet.

53queenbee · 01-05-2009

After I ink the stamp if it looks "spotty" then I rub the inked stamp lightly across the ink pad to smooth it out. That seems to work for me. But, my discovery has been with clear stamps the foam type ink pads seem to work the best.

SayStampsPlease · 01-05-2009

Thanks for all of the replies!
I'll try your solutions and see if they help..
I was using SU classic ink at the time.

buggainok · 01-05-2009

For clear stamps, I use Versafine Onyx pigment ink. It's the best I think. You can get it at Michaels. I also like it in general for all stamping, especially detailed images on my rubber stamps, like House Mouse.

krisis · 01-05-2009

versafine is the only ink that works for me for inkadinkado stamps

sprtchick · 01-05-2009

Colorbox fluid chalk inks are wonderful for all clear stamps...they will give you a wonderful image every time...no conditioning necessary...I use a lot of the Inkadinkado clear stamps.....Blessings.

pmb1121 · 03-25-2009

I have had the same problem! I just bought 3 sets of Inkadinkado stamps and my SU inks just sit on them as little dots. This makes me very sad. My changito and some CTMH clear stamps do fine with SU ink. Does this mean I have to buy all new ink? I have tried conditioning them but it does not seem to help.

Has anyone out there had luck using SU ink on Inkadinkado stamps?

grandmamichelf · 03-25-2009

I've been using my Memento dye ink on my Inkadinkado stamps and it works fine.

Scamper64 · 03-25-2009

I'm a Versafine gal with my Inkadinkado stamps as well. I just purchased some of the Momento inks but haven't tried them on my Inkadinkados. But, the Versafine works GREAT!

lnl96 · 03-25-2009

The only clear stamps I've been able to use SU dye inks with are Papertrey Ink and Hero Arts stamps. It just beads up on everything else. I use ColorBox fluid chalk and ColorBox pigment inks, and they work great on ALL my clear stamps, from the high quality ones to the cheap-o $1 Studio Gs. HTH!

pmb1121 · 03-26-2009

Hmm....thanks for the info. I used my Stazon on my Inkadinkado and it worked really well. I was surprised because Stazon does NOT work with my CTMH stamps and that is why I got rid of several packs of them. What is funny is Michele Zindorf has used SU inks with her Inkadinkado stamps (you can see in her tutorials) and they seem to come out fine. Maybe after they get older and more use, SU will work.

I am just bummed, I don't want to get new ink, I like my SU!

lnl96 · 03-26-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmb1121

Hmm....thanks for the info. I used my Stazon on my Inkadinkado and it worked really well. I was surprised because Stazon does NOT work with my CTMH stamps and that is why I got rid of several packs of them. What is funny is Michele Zindorf has used SU inks with her Inkadinkado stamps (you can see in her tutorials) and they seem to come out fine. Maybe after they get older and more use, SU will work.

I am just bummed, I don't want to get new ink, I like my SU!

In this tutorial, you'll note she's using the clear Inkadinkado stamps with SU dye inks by FIRST inking the stamp with Versamark, then inking the stamp with dye ink right on top of that (WITHOUT stamping off the Versamark). So basically she's putting two layers of inks on her stamp at once. Hope that makes sense! The Versamark gives the dye ink enough grip to cover the clear stamp without beading or splotching, plus she can then clear emboss if she wants (since the Versamark provides the sticking agent).

mdov · 03-26-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by lnl96

In this tutorial, you'll note she's using the clear Inkadinkado stamps with SU dye inks by FIRST inking the stamp with Versamark, then inking the stamp with dye ink right on top of that (WITHOUT stamping off the Versamark). So basically she's putting two layers of inks on her stamp at once. Hope that makes sense! The Versamark gives the dye ink enough grip to cover the clear stamp without beading or splotching, plus she can then clear emboss if she wants (since the Versamark provides the sticking agent).

Thank you for sharing this because I've had the same problem, mainly with Hero Arts clear stamps not inking well with Stampin Up ink. I get the same spotty image. I'm going to try this versamark step now

pmb1121 · 03-26-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by lnl96

In this tutorial, you'll note she's using the clear Inkadinkado stamps with SU dye inks by FIRST inking the stamp with Versamark, then inking the stamp with dye ink right on top of that (WITHOUT stamping off the Versamark). So basically she's putting two layers of inks on her stamp at once. Hope that makes sense! The Versamark gives the dye ink enough grip to cover the clear stamp without beading or splotching, plus she can then clear emboss if she wants (since the Versamark provides the sticking agent).

I did notice that but she has done others...here...that she did not use the Versamark. I am not trying to be argumentative, just an observation I had. Maybe we should just get Michelle involved in this conversation...

aprilchristine · 03-26-2009

I have had this same problem with my Inkadinkado stamps. All my chistmas cards I did last year with those stamps were spotty. I finally finished off my cards with a different stamp set. I will try the versamark, since I would rather buy more stamps than new ink pads. Thank you ladies for all your advice.

djuseless · 03-26-2009

I have read that all clear stamps have a "film" on them from manufacturing. I always use an eraser over the entire new image and clean it off in my stamp cleaner before attempting to ink it. That always helps me!

jenllo · 03-26-2009

I have read so many posts on the clear stamps and ink beading up. They talk about conditioning and it seems to be the answer for me. What I do to condition a stamp comes from a compilation of several different processes. First I clean with staz-on cleaner, then SU mist cleaner. I then use and eraser and in a circular moton use the SU sanding blocks, very lightly!! This has been my answer for my clear stamps from several co's. I have been getting good results with this method. Just my .02.

jody5gray · 03-27-2009

So glad I found this thread. I just bought my first set of clear stamps from HL. Was really disappointed trying to use the SU ink. Now I think I'll try some others in my stash. Thanks everyone.

Westies · 03-27-2009

I have the beading up / spotty image issue as well with my clear stamps. Thanks for all the great info here! I was ready to toss my out of frustration!

laura6 · 03-27-2009

i use craft (pigment ink) on my clear stamps, the classic (dye) always beads up on me. i use Colorbox because it seems to work well.
i have never conditioned any of my clear stamps though
-laura s

blank canvas · 03-27-2009

I've heard to use a bit of sellotape on the stamps, this will take off the coating they have from the factory-just stick it down on the image and peel off.

I find the Stampin Up cleaner really good at taking away any coating too.

If the dots are lonterm and not just on new stamps then I agree, it has to be the inks. With highly detailed and photo stamps you need only dye inks and things like Versafine that don't clog up the images too much.

I'm not a clear stamp fan to be honset-they seem hard work but you've lots of great advice here so hope you fix this problem and can get on with the fun bit.

Curly Chick · 03-27-2009

I have found that stamping on a pad makes all the difference, even a stack of printer paper. Seems like clear stamps just need a surface with a little 'give' KWIM.

Pamela

nottoocreative · 03-27-2009

Besides using an eraser and/or conditioning your stamps, you can also let the stamp "sit" on the paper for a few extra seconds, after you've stamped it. Don't remove it right away (this is necessary with dye inks only). It definitely makes a difference at times!
HTH

EvaC · 03-27-2009

Maybe someone has said this already ....But....I also have a problem with SU! dye ink taking to some of my clear stamps....I have figured out that if I first load my stamp with versamark and then the dye ink...the versamark holds the dye ink in place on the stamp image surface...make sense?

EvaC · 03-27-2009

oops now that I read more posts it had been mentioned...so I second or third or whatever that it works well with versamark!! LOL

Carole Nance · 04-08-2009

It is common for inks to puddle on new clear stamps.

The larger and the more solid the stamp design, the more it is uneven in the ink transfer to the paper. This is what makes the 'puddle look' on the papap.

To keep the ink even on the stamp, use a fine emery board to roughen up the acyclic image. This will solve the problem! Roughen, ink then stamp to test...and you may have to do this again until the ink remains in place and evenly transfers to paper.

luvs2create2 · 04-08-2009

I've been reading through the forums all afternoon looking for the "clear stamps won't stick" solution. I bought way too many (just kidding---can't ever have too many!!) of the tiny alphabets in EVERY font from the $ bin at my local Michael's store and none of them will stick to my acrylic blocks. I have washed them, washed my blocks and pink erased them. Not only will they not stick to my blocks, once they are removed from the clear backing they come attached to, they will not stick back there either. They seem to be really stuck to the backing (kind of tough to remove) the first time I go to use them. Once that initial attachment is broken it seems like all of the stick-to-it stuff is gone. Any and all suggestions welcome. I also tried the Aleene's Tack It Over and Over Again only to find that the tacky, gooey stuff sticks to the block and not the stamps. I hope that there is an answer---I was really hoping that having multiple sets of each font would make it easy to create words and phrases for not too much money. Looking forward to responses.
-shari

buggainok · 04-08-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvs2create2

I've been reading through the forums all afternoon looking for the "clear stamps won't stick" solution. I bought way too many (just kidding---can't ever have too many!!) of the tiny alphabets in EVERY font from the $ bin at my local Michael's store and none of them will stick to my acrylic blocks. I have washed them, washed my blocks and pink erased them. Not only will they not stick to my blocks, once they are removed from the clear backing they come attached to, they will not stick back there either. They seem to be really stuck to the backing (kind of tough to remove) the first time I go to use them. Once that initial attachment is broken it seems like all of the stick-to-it stuff is gone. Any and all suggestions welcome. I also tried the Aleene's Tack It Over and Over Again only to find that the tacky, gooey stuff sticks to the block and not the stamps. I hope that there is an answer---I was really hoping that having multiple sets of each font would make it easy to create words and phrases for not too much money. Looking forward to responses.
-shari

Sorry you're having such a tough time with those cute little stamps. Here is a suggestion: Put some double stick tape directly on your acrylic block. Then you can line up your letters on it to stamp. This is what I do when I have unmounted bare rubber stamps and it works great. When you are done stamping, you can peel the tape off. Or if you have an extra acrylic block, you could leave the tape on and use it multiple times. In that case, I would store the block in a plastic baggie.

uncbballfan · 04-08-2009

I use Ranger Archival Jet Black ink on my Inkadinkadoo stamps, and never have a problem. For colors other than black, I use Versacolor, but then have to emboss the image. I have a lot of the Ranger Adirondack inkpads, which do not work well with the Inkadinkadoo's, so am gonna try the Versamark trick. Thanks!

CAROLANN55 · 04-09-2009

I use Stampin' Up Craft inks with my clear stamps and have great results. I agree they must be inked well and the more you use them, the clearer the image.

mastersdegree · 04-10-2009

I will definitely try to eraser method with my clear stamps. It was frustrating trying to get multiple colors on them using markers and have the ink bead up.