Different Types of Stamps:
Stampin’ Up! offers a wide variety of exclusive images to suit every taste. The images are sold in coordinating sets so you will always have everything you need to create beautiful cards, gift wrap scrapbook pages or home décor.
The stamps are available in two styles; clear mount and photopolymer. Although Stampin’ Up! no longer carries wood mounted stamps I will include those on my list in case you inherited some from another stamper.
Clear Mount – These are high quality red rubber images are used with reusable clear acrylic blocks. The images are deeply etched giving a nice crisp image These stamps are perfect for those with limited storage space. Since they are not mounted permanently, the storage case is no wider than a DVD case. The blocks come in a variety of sizes to fit any size stamp and need to be purchased separately. Because these stamps are not mounted permanently on the acrylic blocks, the blocks can be used again and again.
Photopolymer – These stamps are made of a clear photopolymer making them perfect for when placement is critical such as with alphabets and two-step stamping. Another bonus they are flexible giving you more options for the images and your creativity. They also get mounted on the reusable acrylic blocks. Since they are a clear photopolymer they will take stain very easily. While they might not be pretty, they will still stamp perfectly fine. I think a stained stamp shows how loved that stamp really is!
Wood Mount – The high quality red rubber images and are mounted permanently on wood blocks . Like the clear mounted stamps these images produce sharp images and if properly taken care of, will last for years to come.
Assembly of Clear Mounted Stamps
You will need to attach the labels to the back of the stamps when you receive them. Simply peel the backing off the stamp. Locate the matching label on the sheet, remove both pieces and VERY CAREFULLY press the stamp onto the label. Lift off and your stamp is now ready to mount on an acrylic block.
Tips:
- Clear mount stamps have a sticky label that will allow them to stick to the acrylic block. But sometime that stickiness can wear off . If your stamp is not sticking to the acrylic block any longer? Try these tips: 1) Make sure your block is squeaky clean. I clean my blocks with rubbing alcohol, this will not only get rid of any oils but also ink stains. 2) Use lip balm on the back of the stamp. Just rub a little on the label side and stick to the block. Be sure it is the waxy kind like Chapstick not a gloss 3) Apply a light coating of Multipurpose Liquid Glue to the label side. VERY IMPORTANT – let the glue dry thoroughly it will be tacky but not a permanent bond.
- Did your Photopolymer stamps lose some of their tackiness? All you have to do is wash them in mild dish soap (not dishwasher but for hand washing), rinse and let air dry. They will be sticky again! Added bonus they may be a little cleaner too
- To remove ink stains and residue from your photopolymer stamps simply wash in warm sudsy water, rinse and dry. Red, brown and pink inks will stain your stamps. This will not effect them in any way it just makes them a little prettier! To help reduce staining, “season” them with VersaMark prior to using. You might still get some light staining but it should help reduce it some.
How to Care for Your Stamps:
If properly cared for your stamps will last for a very long time. The rubber is tough, yet delicate, very similar to your skin. After cleaning you need to make sure the rubber is conditioned to prevent drying it out.
Clear Mounted Stamps: The rubber is tough, yet delicate, very similar to your skin. You can use baby wipes, but make sure there is NO alcohol in them. Alcohol will dry out the rubber it can lead to cracks making the stamps unusable. I highly recommend a cleaner specially made for stamps such as Stampin’ Mist. This product cleans gently and has conditioners to keep the stamps supple. Also a stamp pad cleaners like the Stampin’ Scrub or the Simply Shammy work beautifully.
Photopolymer Stamps: Very important: Photopolymer stamps are more delicate than rubber ones. You cannot use any caustic cleaner on them such as StazOn cleaner as it will ruin the stamps. Use only Stampin’ Mist, water with the Simply Shammy or gentle dish soap and water, making sure they are thoroughly rinsed.
Wood Mounted Stamps: Clean these as you would clear mounted stamps. But remember, never submerge your wood mounted stamps in water. This will cause the wood to swell and loosen the stamp from the base.
Stamp Storage:
All Stampin’ Up! stamps come in plastic cases making them the perfect way to store your stamps. I keep mine on shelves with the names of the sets visible on the spine, just like you would store books. These cases will keep dust and dirt off them. Remember to store your stamps out of direct sunlight and heat. Although we love to soak up the sun, your stamps don’t feel the same way! Sunlight and heat will dry them out causing cracks.,