Getting the Best Results from Photo Stamps

New rubber stamps have a thin finish remaining from the pressing process. Sometimes this finish will produce unsatisfactory stamping results, especially with finely detailed photo stamp images.

To condition a new rubber die, put a layer of dye ink on the stamp, then wash the rubber using a good stiff brush along with your preferred type of stamp cleaner. Go over the stamp several times with the brush to scrub the thin layer off. With a heavily detailed photo stamp, you may have to repeat this process several times. The more you do this, the better the image it will produce when inked.

To ink a photo stamp, a brayer works the best, but it is not necessary. Just be sure to apply ink with uniform pressure, even handedly covering all the areas with equal ink coverage. I have found that the dye based inks work the best. I like to turn the stamp upside down, then pat or light press the stamp pad onto the stamp.

To get the very best impression, use a lightly padded surface under the paper you are stamping. Press firmly and hold the stamp to the paper a little longer than a regular stamp.

I have found that a toothy paper doesn't work as well as smooth. You will get the best impression with a high gloss paper. Most all office supply stores carry glossy paper. You can get some unique effects on a grained paper. Experiment with various papers and inks to see which combination gives you the best effects.

The more you use the stamp, the better the image gets. This technique requires some practice, but with patience you will gradually improve and love the results you get.