How to Clean Ink-Stained Poly Clear Stamps?

[marina357]

Hi! Does anyone have tips for removing ink stains from poly clear stamps? I've tried Dawn dishwashing liquid, with no luck. The ink in question is Hero Arts Ombré Mermaid. It’s a dye based ink. Thanks for any help you can provide!

[lesliespringer]

photopolymer stamps stain. Once inked they will be stained.

[marina357]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lesliespringer

photopolymer stamps stain. Once inked they will be stained.

Thank you! I usually use Tsukineko Memento dyes on my stamps, and they have never stained. Perhaps it's just the Hero Arts brand....🤷🏻‍♀️

[lovinpaper]

I think it is the color. Some colors stain the stamps. Reds, dark green, and sometimes real dark blue are the colors I use that will stain my stamps. I just wash real good, like you are doing, and continue using them. Call them well loved!

[stampwithjoanne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovinpaper

I think it is the color. Some colors stain the stamps. Reds, dark green, and sometimes real dark blue are the colors I use that will stain my stamps. I just wash real good, like you are doing, and continue using them. Call them well loved!

I, too have “lowered my standards” and continue using. Except for the stain, all is good!

[Scrapjanny]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovinpaper

I think it is the color. Some colors stain the stamps. Reds, dark green, and sometimes real dark blue are the colors I use that will stain my stamps. I just wash real good, like you are doing, and continue using them. Call them well loved!

I agree, and I'll add that certain brands of black ink have stained mine badly. I still use them, though, and the ink doesn't transfer. They are certainly "well loved."

[marina357]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovinpaper

I think it is the color. Some colors stain the stamps. Reds, dark green, and sometimes real dark blue are the colors I use that will stain my stamps. I just wash real good, like you are doing, and continue using them. Call them well loved!

Thank you!

[janesprando]

Quote:

Originally Posted by marina357

Hi! Does anyone have tips for removing ink stains from poly clear stamps? I've tried Dawn dishwashing liquid, with no luck. The ink in question is Hero Arts Ombré Mermaid. It’s a dye based ink. Thanks for any help you can provide!

Sometimes I wish mine did have ink on them so I could see what they say better! I have thought about inking the clear stamps with black ink like Stazon or India ink. Would other inking stain them on top of the black ink?

[wavejumper]

A number of people in the industry say that better quality poly stamps will stain. So they think it is a good thing. (evidence of quality).

Maybe think of it as being easier to place them where you want them ;)

Some cleaners are a little better at it but in the end they likely will still be mildly stained.

It won't affect their function. As long as they are clean they won't hurt future ink pads either.

[hoptownracer1]

I love chalk ink, but it stains the clear stamps badly!

[harvestmoon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by janesprando

Sometimes I wish mine did have ink on them so I could see what they say better! I have thought about inking the clear stamps with black ink like Stazon or India ink. Would other inking stain them on top of the black ink?

I think removing Stazon ink would be detrimental to your clear stamps due to the harshness of the cleaner. I think you can stain them with red or dark green ink. Maybe pigment black.

[fl_beachbum]

I recently purchased Brutus Monroe Detail Ink in Raven. It stamps beautifully and you can color with alcohol markers or it’s waterproof when dry. (Stamps detail well.)
It stains photopolymer even if you clean it immediately.

[cheermom]

I feel like my Catherine Pooler inks stain but I just "embrace it" as being well loved stamps used over and over ;).

[Annye12]

I just rinse mine under warm running water and then blot dry. They come perfectly clean and I havent ruined them! I also run mine under water water and use soap if needed. I also have a cleaner from Stampin' Up that works great.