How do I stamp better with my acrylic stamps?

Whenever I use my acrylic stamps the ink doesnt distribute evenly, lately I just starting taking a pen and filling in the spots but I would like to stamp better. I either use die or ink pad, it just seems to slide off the stamp. Any suggestions?

I had the same problem until I started using staz-on ink. It works great and it covers very nicely.

I've also found that if you put about 4 or 5 sheets of paper under the paper you're stamping on it distibutes the ink more evenly.

Thanks for asking this question..I was wondering the same thing. I'd press so hard I'd burst a blood vessel and then the image would be all squishy...thought it was just a matter of getting the right pressure..so maybe I will try stazon and putting some pps underneath. I just got lots of cool new stamps but was getting tired of having to color in the parts that were supposed to be solid.

How about using a brayer to put the ink on the stamp?

You have to have a straight, even, very hard surface underneath whatever you are stamping.
I have found that is almost more important that what ink pads to use. If the surface "gives" or pushes down at all when you are stamping, it will move away from the stamp, thus not putting the ink on your paper.
Glass Mats are a good surface to use.

That said, I totally love Stazon ink pads.

it also helps to lightly rub an emery board (fine grit sandpaper) over the stamp

When I first got my acrylic stamps I didn't like them because they didn't seem to stamp evenly. Then I read a post here about using an eraser on them to "roughen" them up and get more spots for ink to stay in. I did that and now I love my acrylics! No more missing spots. I also use a craft mat under my surface when stamping.

I was told to use a foam pad underneath the paper when stamping, and its definitely improved my images. I have a bunch of CTMH stamps and they suggest using the thin foam that comes with each stamp pack, but I also use the bazzill foam pad for stitching since I have that too. having the balance underneath definitely improves the distribution of the image.

I didn't know about "roughing them up" with the eraser, I'll have to try that too!

I got what was called a "Rubber Stamping Pad" at Archivers for $2 or $3. Its a pretty large foam mat that you put under your paper, and helps your stamps stamp more clearly. I also only use StazOn Ink, most other inks smudge for me and StazOn stamps the most evenly!

Great question!

Glad this was asked, because I had just about given up & really just though it was me!

I was told if you use one of those foam sheets and put it under the paper you are stamping on you will get an even stamp everytime.

Staz-on definately the best ink I've used for stamping. Also never had a problem with Archival Ink either

Staz-On Ink and a padded surface underneath. Works every time!

Definitely try the foam stamping mat underneath. I don't use any one particular type of ink, but the mat really helps!

Great questions! Actually, in one of the recent scrapbook magazine they said that if you use the foam under the paper that it will help give a more evenly stamped image.

The fine grit sandpaper/eraser on new stamps is a great tip. And stamping on a surface with give is the best tip I've ever gotten. You can use a magazine if you don't have a foam pad. I've also found that stamping a couple of test images before using new stamps for the first time, really helps.

Use a foam stamp mat under your cardstock for even coverage. It makes stamping more crisp.

IF the ink pools on the stamp, it needs the sanding (not all of them do, some of them are prepared). Really fine sandpaper or emery board.

I stamp on a glass surface. You don't need to press hard...if you press really hard, the acrylic just smooshes wider and creates a fuzzy or smeared image. Even pressure is the key.

Sometimes, it is the inking. Make sure you look at the stamp to make sure it is all inked before you set it down.

I have never stamped on a foam anything and I have never had an issue.

Instead of a flat acrylic block I use a rocker. It is a plastic "block" with a curve to it. Works great.

• gg loves Matthew Said:

Yep! Or a white pencil eraser. Seems to get some kind of film off of them so the ink doesn't bead up.

Where do you find this?

Ya know how you would blow on a window to fog it up? That's what I do after I ink a stamp, it helps the ink spread out a little bit.
And honestly some acrylic stamps just don't hold ink very well.
Hope this helped!

More great tips!

I'll take em! Thanks!!

I have also found that the image stamps better if you place it down, then sort of lightly "walk" your fingers over the block, applying light and even pressure. As opposed to, you know, slapping it down and letting out aggression on it. Which I wouldn't know anything about.

I have gone to acouple of cardmaking/stamping classes, and I was told to have a spongey surface underneath the paper, so I purchased a 12x12 rubber mat, I also have the fiskars easy stamp press, it is great for stamping cards and smaller pieces of paper, hope this helps.
thanks,
Joyce

I completely agree with everyone who has recommended stamping on a surface with some give -- a foam stamping mat, magazine, pad of paper, etc. I use the pad of grid paper that I bought from Stampin' Up because it also serves as my test stamp surface.

A couple more things I've learned:
If a particular stamp (especially a solid image) is giving you trouble, try the eraser thing someone has already mentioned. You may also simply ink up the image and stamp off the ink (instead of cleaning it). Then re-ink the stamp. That second inking seems to "stick" better. Another way to add some friction to a tricky stamp is to ink first with Versamark and then ink up with your preferred ink color. The Versamark is sticky enough to help the ink give good coverage on the stamp.

I've also had very good luck using the chalk inks with the more difficult clear stamps. They give good coverage no matter what. They do tend to stain your stamps, though.

Clear stamps vary greatly from company to company. Really good clear stamps need very little of this special treatment. Solid stamps seem to need more of this treatment than line images. Frankly, I have to use some of these tricks with my "good" rubber stamps that have solid images as well.

Hope that helps some!

Amy