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I love all mine! I do know that you have to have a very light touch when stamping with them. Some inks puddle and I mainly use the 'chalk' cat's eye type ink for the best results...or stazon.
I have several clear stamps and the cheaper ones don't work very good. The ones that I like using are the Flourishes, they are good quality and I get a clear image every time. I use Memento Tuxedo Black ink with them and Stazon, I have tried the SU ink and it doesn't give a clear image. You have to have a light touch with them and I find that if I have a soft surface underneath the CS when I stamp helps alot. Don't give up on them just yet it might take you a little bit to find good ones.
clear stamps need to be "seasoned", to do this just ink them up with any ink, then stamp on scrap paper til there is no more ink on it, repeating a few times. after awhile they will stamp much better
__________________ HollyHock, she who runs in scalloped circles.........
You have to make sure the material is photopolymer instead of acrylic for best quality, I believe. All of these companies have informative web sites and great customer service. Hopefully you can find a way to enjoy your clear stamps.
Mary
Last edited by mcbenjam; 09-18-2010 at 03:41 PM..
Reason: correct web address
Although clear stamps all look the same when they are in the package, there are several different substances that can be used to make clear stamps. Clear stamps made in China and Taiwan are made from things like molded vinyl and silicone. These less expensive materials often cause ink to bead, don't produce crisp, detailed stamped images, and don't stick very well to the clear block. Stamps made in the USA are typically made from photopolymer. There are a couple measurements that are used to test the hardness and durability of stamp materials and how well the stamp materials take ink and transfer it to paper. Tests have shown that high-quality photopolymer stamps have the same measurements as rubber stamps. So from a scientific standpoint, clear stamps made from photopolymer should produce just as good or better results (because you can see where you are stamping).
Having said all that, many people find that they need to apply less pressure when using clear stamps. I think it is probably because most rubber stamps have a foam cushion. Try using less pressure when you use your clear stamps. Some people also recommend putting a mouse pad or piece of foam under your paper when you use your clear stamps. And before you buy your next set of clear stamps, check to make sure they are made in the USA.
Bev
I have lots of clear stamps from different companies, and all price ranges.
I find that what makes the most difference in the quality of the stamped image is using a lighter touch when stamping, and very important, the kind of ink you use.
I've tried lots of recommended inks for clear stamps and my all time favorite is Versafine Onyx, a pigment ink. You can find it at Michaels or Hobby Lobby and use a coupon on it, too.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
I am fairly new to stamping....especially with the clear stamps.
I've found that the ink makes a lot of difference in how your images look. What works best for one set of stamps doesn't necessarily work for others.
I like stazon and chalk ink the best. I seem to get the more clearer, crisp images with them. I also "season" my stamps as another poster mentioned. I was told they sometimes have a film on them that needs to be removed to get a good stamped image.
I've used an art eraser to rough up the stamp to help remove any film or other residue. I've also used sand paper and just roughed up the stamp a bit. Especially if I have a stubborn stamp where part of the image won't stamp.
I then clean them well (with alcohol free baby wipes usually) and stamp some more. Sometimes I have to use the eraser or sand paper several times before I get a good stamped image.
Another tip I read/heard on the web was to always use a piece of fun foam under your stamping surface. I've tried this and it really does seem to help.
Hope some of this will help you so you can enjoy your stamps!!
Versafine seems to work best on clear stamps. Colorbox chalk ink is my second choice, but it tends to stain. As others have said, you don't need as much pressure to stamp your image (I do a practice impression on scrap paper). Also, stick to the ones made in the USA as they tend to be of better quality.
I also "season" my stamps when I get them out of the package by loading with ink then stamping off on scrap paper. Also, if you ink your clear stamps with Versamark first, then into your dye ink of choice, it works much better. The Versamark provides a "binder" so that the ink will not just bead up on the stamp.
This has been mentioned several times above, but DO NOT put too much pressure when stamping. No twisting or rocking.....just straight down and back up. HTH
I agree with MeLissa (bowqueen11) said about inking up and then stamping off on scratch paper a couple times to "season" the stamps. Some people recommend more drastic measures like using fine grit sandpaper to season clear stamps but my experience has been that sandpaper can easily ruin the surface of high-quality photopolymer clear stamps.
Thanks to all who replied to my question about clear stamps. I will try the techniques on the stamps I have and when I purchase any more, I will look for the photopolymer. Sobusy
I agree - that too much pressure and things don't stamp out clear. I use Stampavie - and there isn't many out there with more detail than Sarah Kay images - they stamp out clean and crisp every time. When out doing demos we stretch them, heat them up and they still stamp out clean and crisp -
I love the cheaper clear stamps. I have used them all (cheap and ex*****ive) and the cheap ones are just as good, if not better, than the expensive ones. I have found that ink, paper and pressure are the key to a good impression.
Sorry if I missed it being mentioned above. I ALWAYS use a foam sheet to stamp on for my clear stamps. It acts as the cushion that you normally have with rubber stamps. The foam is easy to find at the craft store. It comes in bright colors and is really intended for kid projects.
I am telling you that foam sheet trick is great, huh? I use it every time I stamp. It is also perfect for those totally unmounted pieces of rubber stamps. I saw the 'professionals' at an art show do it and stopped by joann's on the way home. $.89 and well worth every penny! LOl
Thank you
