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Hi,
I have noticed that I can't always get a good color with large, solid stamps. For example today I was stamping with my new DD Daisy set using bliss blue ink. On the bid daisy solid stamp the ink was not evenly covered, then the color was splotchy. I had just reinked my pad! I used the blender pen and got a good look, but what a pain!
I used the same stamp with the yo yo yellow and had no problems.
You'll find on stamps with a large surface area, that the rubber has a sort of skin on it that is left from the manufacturing process. This skin prevents the rubber from taking the ink in a uniform way. If you take a piece of sandpaper or a sanding pad you can very light sand the surface of the stamp to remove it.
Other people claim success from rubbing the stamp on their jeans, but I've always found that sanding works very well for me. Once it's sanded, you'll find that it will accept ink and get a more even overall coverage.
I use a pencil eraser on the stamp and lightly "erase" the skin that Jan mentioned in her message. I've tried the sand paper but was always nervous about rubbing too hard. The pencil eraser works great and you don't have to worry about ruining the image.
New stamps really do need to be "broken in" before they'll stamp properly. If you use sandpaper, be sure it's super fine grit or you might ruin the stamp! I don't do anything special to mine, I just ink and stamp them a few times on scrap paper before I use them on a project. It also helps to "huff" on them with your breath before stamping. I was amazed at the difference that made when I first saw it done! :o
Sometimes, certain techniques can cause the rubber to repel ink, like they did when they were brand new.
For example, velvet embossing, can cause this to happen so, I've learned whenever I get new stamps, the first thing I do is CLEAN them with Stampin' Mist and Scrub before first inking. If I still have problems, the eraser trick described above usually resolves the issue, or lightly sanding with the finest grit sandpaper, but be very careful not to be aggresive.
And, when I do any velvet embossing, I found that cleaning the stamp with mist and scrub resolve the repelling ink issue.
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
Hi! thanks for sharing your gel freshener idea... it sounds great! I've never heard of velvet embossing before???? Can you please share what that it???? thanks
Velvet embossing can be done with velvet paper or actual velvet.
If using actual velvet fabric, get the good stuff, not the cotton type. Cotton velvet will yield very poor results.
Use bold stamps, place stamp wood block down, rubber up. Place right side of velvet fabric down against stamp; mist with water very lightly. Iron by pressing iron straight down--avoid rocking/rubbing too much. Wait about 5-10 seconds, then lift iron. YOU WILL NEED TO EXPERIMENT ON TEMP!!! If you set it too high, you will melt right thru the velvet--NOT good! :shock: Set your iron for a lower temp, no steam. Increase temp if you're not getting a nice impression within 5-10 seconds. Allow stamp to cool before doing any more impressions; some folks keep an ice cube handy to rub it against to cool it quickly so they can move on to the next impression.
Velvet embossed fabric can be dry-cleaned ONLY.
For the velvet paper, use same technique but OMIT water misting and make sure you have NO STEAM at all or you'll warp the paper because of the backing.
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
:lol: :lol: :lol: Thank you for all your suggestions! I rubbed it on my jeans, then did the pencil eraser, then stamped away! Now it works great. I owe you all one.
Good ink coverage on solid stamps
This has always worked for me, maybe it will work for you too! 
