Cleaning Acrylic Stamps?

[TrayMoney]

Hello,
I'm a new stamper. I recently got my first set of acrylic stamps and I love being able to see where I am stamping!
However, I am having a problem cleaning them. I've tried soap, stamp cleaner and even soaking. They still retain some of the color of whatever ink I used on them. I have been using pigment ink... and it comes right off of my rubber stamps.
Is this a normal thing...or am I doing something wrong?

Thanks!

[stampinsweeney]

From what I have noticed it seems normal. The stain does not transfer when you go to stamp in another color or versamark. I am not very picky about how stained my stamps get unless it effects the future use of my stamps. I like using SU's stamp cleaner on all of my rubber stamps, but I prefer non-scented baby wipes for my acrylic. It seems to get more off. Just my 2 cents. ;)

[HeatherHolbrook]

Because they are clear it's more noticeable that they get a little stained, reds especially are the worst! Just use a cleaner made for stamps, like the above post said it doesn't effect how the stamp will stamp. I've used the Magic Eraser on tough stains with good results but recently it's been brought up that they contain H2O2 which might not be good for the stamps. And btw do *not* soak your clear stamps, they can swell up
HTH

[Suzastampin]

A couple of suggestions to make the staining a little less is to either stamp first in a light color ink and then stamp that off, then use the color you planned to stamp with. You'll only need to do this the first time you use them. If you use something like a colonial white or a yellow, then your stamps won't stain a darker color. Also, some report that if they stamp in the Versamark after using a color and let it sit for a few minutes, some of the ink color will come off.
I've not done either of these as I don't mind the staining, so, I'm just reporting what I've read

Suz
http://www.suzastampin.com

[clsmith]

Where is the best place to buy the Acrylic blocks?? Do you have a fav place or a cheap place/discount...whatever you would want to call it? I was wondering because I ordered some unmounted stamps from a lady and need to get some acrylic blocks or wood mount or something. I really would like to try acrylic blocks. Anyone care to share their special place they get their blocks? Thanks

[HeatherHolbrook]

I really recommend the CTMH blocks, they aren't the cheapest but they are the best! They have the curved/rounded edges and are the same weight and thickness of wood blocks, plus they have a registration line to help line things up.

[clsmith]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeatherHolbrook

I really recommend the CTMH blocks, they aren't the cheapest but they are the best! They have the curved/rounded edges and are the same weight and thickness of wood blocks, plus they have a registration line to help line things up.

Thanks Heather. I appreciate the feedback. I will look them up.

[BuddysBaby]

Have you guys seen the new acrylic block handles from TAC? They suction onto the block to make it easier on your hands when you are "happy" stamping. No more hand cramps.

[Judyw]

TAC really has some great products and those handles are the best.

[9kids]

I bought a set of acrylic blocks from joann.com that I really like. There are 4 sizes in the set and all have a grid on them. I used a 50% off coupon and paid around $7.49 for the whole set.