Acrylic Stamps or Wooden ones????

Not sure if I should post this here I'm still fairly new. Is there a difference between acrylic stamps and wooden ones or is it just preference?

Acrylic stamps are easier to store but personally I think rubber stamps are more detailed. I still have my wood mounted rubber stamps and like the fact I never have to look for a block to use them. I can never find my stamping blocks for my acrylic stamps.

I too have both and like to use them both.

I do only have the wood mounted rubber stamps (so I can't speak for the unmounted rubber stamps).

Rubber Stamps on Wood Mounts:Pros and Cons
1. They do tend to create more detailed images
2. They are probably a bit more durable - some of the more permanent inks (such as Staz On) can more easily be cleaned from their surfaces without damage to the stamp
3. They don't require the separate clear block


1. They take up more storage space
2. They are harder to place perfectly on the LO
3. Cleaning does require that you consider the wood block - although I personally use soap and water on mine - it can affect the adhesive bond with the wood block and even damage the wood if not allowed to dry properly



Acrylic Stamps: Pros and Cons
1. They are easier to place on the LO/card because you can see through them to know exactly where they are being placed
2. They take up considerably less storage space than wood mounted stamp versions
3. They clean easily with gentle soap and water

1. They do require the use of a stamping block (that usually has to be purchased separately)... a CD case can be used in a pinch however
2. Inks can stain them and permanent ones (such as Staz On) do not recommend the use of their own cleaners on them since they can actually EAT the stamp image.

I like using and owning both. I choose them based on their whether their images appeal to me. Of course, I do have a designated storage space for my blocks. I will say that I have found that alphabet stamps are definitely easier in acrylic because of the placement issues.

I prefer the acrylic. Much easier to store and I like seeing where I am stamping.

I have both, but have unmounted my wood stamps and put a cling backing on them to use with the clear blocks, that way they are all the easy storage, and easy to place on the project.

I got them both and i say wood......I do like how you can see with acrylic.

i have both and have no preference whatsoever nor can i see any difference in them in any way whatsoever when stamping. i have some way detailed acrylic ones that stamp perfectly. i prefer my rubber ones to be bare rubber and i use acrylic blocks with all of them so i always have some handy. i prefer this for both storage and because it is the cheapest way! at this point i refuse to buy wood mounted stamps because i just can't stomach the cost! i have Tack n Peel on one side of my acrylic blocks for the bare rubber stamps. my only suggestion for acrylic ones - some inks work better than others - memento is the best dye ink i have found but pigment inks work even better, especially on the cheaper ones.

bottom line - buy stamps by the image you like and don't limit your choices by materials KWIM?

HTH

I'm fairly new and when I started I took a couple classes at the LSS where all they used was wood mount. One thing I learned is that I'm a new school kinda girl. The wood stamp is not for me. I don't like how much space they take up. And I really hate that I can't see where they're going. The first time I used a clear stamp I was in heaven. I have a couple of clear blocks that I keep in a special storage container so I always know exactly where they are.
The main difference I see between wood and clear is the wooden ones are already on the block; therefore the manufacturer can add a bit of foam between the stamp and the block so there's a little bit of give when you press down. You can get the same crisp image with clear stamps. Just use a piece of foam under the paper you're stamping on. A little fun foam or a thin mouse pad will work fine. I use the Versamat from Close to My Heart because it's got a cutting mat on one side and a foam mat on the back.
So it just comes down to personal preference.

I have both, and frankly, I lovvvvvvve the quality of the rubber stamps,,,,granted, not all clear stamps are created equal, so I am talking comparing good quality rubber stamps to good quality clear stamps,,,,,the image is just so crisp and clear,,,,,


however, if I had ONLY wood block rubber stamps, I'd have no room to store anything else,,,,,

as mentioned, you CAN deblock rubber stamps and cling mount them, or you can buy them pre-cling mounted,,,,,I have several of those, and I really like the quality PLUS they store much better, like clear stamps,,,,,

the upshot? Most people wind up with a combination,,,,,and have a love/hate relationship with both kinds They love certain aspects and go nuts about others,,,,,,,

I have both, but MUCH prefer (and almost always buy) wood mounted stamps. Placement is easy if you buy a Stamp-a-Ma-Jig tool. I wouldn't stamp without it. I don't have a problem with storage -I use photo storage boxes like this:

Great wooden stamp storage By Dwelch

Thanks so much for all your input/advice!!!! I bet I will now have a new obsession, other than pp paper!!!!

I use all stamps. I don't discriminate

I love my acrylics but that is just me - I have a bunch of wooden stamps as well. It's just with the acrylic I can see where I am stamping - if I need to stamp it again it's super easy. And I can store them in CD holders and they take up no room whatsoever.

i prefer the clear acrylic stamps, they are easier to see where you are stamping, usually cheaper, and easier to store compared to the wooden ones.

I prefer rubber/wood mount but have acrylic unmounted too.

I'm too cheap to love rubber.

I mostly have Acrylic Stamps but I do have a few wooden block stamps that I just love. If I like the stamp, I don't really care whether it is rubber or acrylic. As far as which is better quality...it just depends on the stamp maker, and the kind of ink you use.

I just buy stamps that I like and can afford. However, it it were two identical images, I'd get the clear acrylic.