How to stamp with acrylic stamps???

[wild4blue]

Okay ladies, I'v just purchased my very first acrylic stamp set! Although I have tried them in the past, I just did not like the images I was getting. I would love any tips and such so that I can enjoy these. TIA!

[scrubbybubbles]

If you plan on coloring the images in and you used alcohol based inks...make sure you get a black Memento ink pad. This will keep the image from blurring or running while coloring it. In addition, IMO, the Versafine fast drying pigment ink or the chalk inks work EXCELLENT on the acrylic stamps.

ALSO! make sure you wash your acrylic stamps with soap and water first before using them to get the oils and any left over residue off of them. You may or may not need to use an eraser on them as well. Also, if you have trouble with them clinging to your acrylic blocks, was your acrylic blocks with soap and water as well. I find that I don't have any problems with my Versafine and a fine, stamped image.
I suggest storing them in clear CD cases. You can get inexpensive ones at Target or Walmart. CONGRATULATIONS! You'll love them. :mrgreen:

[proud2stamp]

You don't push as hard with the acrylic stamps as you do the rubber ones. I made that mistake when I first started using the acrylics.

[asuncionshija]

In addition to the other great tips, try stamping with something 'foam' under your paper. Not a lot of give, just a little, will make an amazing difference sometimes. Like maybe an old mouse pad, or some fun foam laying around.
Also, personal experience tells me that dye ink doesn't work as well as other inks (not including Memento) but chalk ink (which works great) will stain your stamps. Won't be a problem... just, not so pretty anymore. ;) If you are having trouble with dye ink, try tapping the stamp in Versamark first, then in the dye ink. Usually this will give my dye ink something more to 'stick' to and things will work better after that.
Oh, and if you use Staz On, DO NOT use the Staz On cleaner. The cleaner (not the ink) is supposed to break down your clear stamps over time.

[wild4blue]

AWESOME tips! Thanks SCS rocks! I'll let you know if I've I have successfully addicted myself to one more thing. lol.

[hollymae]

I just bought a new "tool" from my local Archivers store. Its a plastic grid with 4 sponge cylinders on it. It cost around $12.99. Its really easy and you will not ever need to get another acrylic block again!

Here is how it works:
1- Flip grid upside down
2- Use a tacky glue to the back of your new acrylic stamp
3- Align it to the grid
4- Flip it back over and put card stock underneath. Allign it where you want the stamp image to be and press. And Whollah!

There is no second guessing and its really easy to use for both small and big stamps.

You can find it online at Friskarscraft.com . Let me know what you think!

[kitty14]

If you have trouble with the ink beading up on the stamp, you could try GENTLY rubbing the surface of the stamp with an emery board (like what you would use on your fingernails). Just enough to take the shine off the stamp and then it should hold the ink better.

[macalyne]

I find that different brands of stamps require different techniques and also work best with certain ink types/brands. For example, I have found Fiskars stamps really require the use of their Stamp Press. Otherwise I kept getting a mushed image. Whereas Penny Black, Stampin Up & Inkadinkado can all be done by hand. (Side note... Heidi Grace stamps also seem to work best for me with the Fiskars Stamp Press). Second, some stamps work better on a hard surface, while others require a softer surface. I use the foam piece for my Coluzzle underneath a scrap paper then stamp my image on top. That little bit of "give" seems to help. Writing a note on the acetate backing of each stamp help me remember which base to use. Lastly, the type and brand of ink will also make a difference. Basically, I just test each stamp on scrap paper to see if the inked image comes out well, or not. Anyway, good luck!