Using Clear Stamps
Hello crafty friends, Martha Lucia here to share with you my experience using Clear Stamps and some tips.
Not all clear stamps are identically produced, the polymers vary and with them the quality of the stamps and the quality of the stamping. We have the privilege to use the best clear stamps produced on USA because if you notice, the Joy Clair Stamps are completely clear. They are designed and produced for the printing industry, so they are perfect to carry and transfer ink. Low quality stamps are produced to be clear but not to provide a crispy impression.
Work with clear stamps is always easy. You can use them apply directly over an acrylic blog or take advantage of tools like MISTI. The first thing you should do is take care of them and use in correct form to avoid any damage. For example, they can reaction to the UV light exposure, also with different inks and different cleansers but if you take the normal cares, I can say you that Joy Clair Stamp should last as long as traditional rubber stamps.
INKS:
Always is important the type of ink that you use for the stamping process. Some times the Dye inks tend to bead up. That is fine if you want to have this look but if you want to have a very crispy image, Inks like Mementos, Versafine, Brillance, VersaMagic and Chalk inks are high recommended. One that I and other stampers don’t recommend to use with Clear Stamps is the StazOn Ink, because it is very hard to remove and the StazOn cleaner can damage or break down your clear stamps. But remember, the StazOn is a wonderful in for non porous material and permanent stamping. Pigment inks are great but don’t saturate your clear stamps of ink.
Another important thing is the type of cardstock and weather in your location. Believe me if you are in a really humid part of the country, like me – I am in Florida, you may notice that your inks take more time to dry or will bead up. My suggestion is that explore your inks with your stamps and decide which are your best options.
Also don’t over press your stamps. First because you don’t want to saturate of ink and second because they don’t have the “normal cushion” that the rubber stamps have. For me the best way is a normal or natural pression and a nice hard surface. Now with tools like MISTI, is very easy to obtain the perfect stamped image.
CLEAN CLEAR STAMPS:
To be honest a lot of companies offer cleaners to stamps, Joy Clair has one Stamp Cleaner, but the most important thing is that the cleaner that you use with this purpose works soft with your stamps. Never soak of let any of your stamps sit in solvent or alcohol based cleaner. They can break down all types of stamps.
Additionally, if you noticed that you clear stamps lose their tack properties and don’t cling as usual the solution is very easy: wash them with soft soap and water or the clear stamp cleaner or try to wipe the back with a little bit of water to revive them. Just don’t use wipes with aloe vera or alcohol.
My last suggestion is about storing. I always try to keep all my stamps organized by categories but the most important thing is keep them away from heat and direct sunlight. One of the advantage of Joy Clair is that our packages are safety and we can organized in store bins or clear boxes. Also they include instructions about the care and use in each single sheet of stamps if you forgot these suggestions.
These suggestions and tips will help you to preserve your clear stamps. Remember, Joy Clair stamps are designed and produced for stamping…our passion!
See you soon!
Now I want to invite you to follow me on all my Social Media venues. We can keep always in touch and share our passion anytime!
Thanks for these great tips.