Hand stamps need TLC...
Just like most of us, the hand stamp will live a long productive life if given a little TLC. As with any tool, proper maintenance will yield very positive results. Here are a few simple tips that will insure this long life.
USE ONLY RUBBER STAMP INK
Use only rubber stamp ink on your stamp pad. For normal use rubber stamp ink or IDEALŽ ink will be fine. If your marking application involves marking a special surface (PC boards, metal, plastic, etc.) then you need a stamp with either natural rubber, buna, or neoprene dies. These will work with many of the special marking inks, without causing damage to the stamp.
Never use numbering machine ink, checkwriter or XstamperŽ ink on a rubber stamp these inks will directly attack the printing die on the stamp with very unpleasant results.
GIVE YOUR STAMP A BATH
Every so often, when dirt and ink build up on the printing die, it can be easily washed away. A little warm water, mild detergent and an old toothbrush will do the trick. Remove the index strip, place the stamp under warm running water, add a couple of drops of detergent and gently brush clean with the toothbrush. Dry thoroughly and replace the index strip.
This procedure WILL NOT work for inks other than regular rubber stamp ink!
KEEP STAMPS OUT OF SUNLIGHT
Polymer and/or natural rubber dies that are continually exposed to sunlight will tend to become brittle and will not accept ink. Kept from direct sun, the die will remain soft and distribute ink evenly.
KEEP YOUR STAMP PAD CLEAN
A clean well-inked stamp pad will keep unwanted dirt and dust away from your stamp. Keep the cover shut when not in use. To clean a felt stamp pad, scrape the surface with an index card or a knife blade (keep the blade straight up and down). You will be able to remove an amazing amount of lint and dust. Keep your pad properly inked. A properly inked pad will allow you to "kiss" the pad with a stamp and "kiss" the paper and leave a clean, clear imprint. Many stamping problems turn out to be stamp pad problems.
A new stamp pad is a small investment to make to keep up a good impression!
Just like most of us, the hand stamp will live a long productive life if given a little TLC. As with any tool, proper maintenance will yield very positive results. Here are a few simple tips that will insure this long life.
USE ONLY RUBBER STAMP INK
Use only rubber stamp ink on your stamp pad. For normal use rubber stamp ink or IDEALŽ ink will be fine. If your marking application involves marking a special surface (PC boards, metal, plastic, etc.) then you need a stamp with either natural rubber, buna, or neoprene dies. These will work with many of the special marking inks, without causing damage to the stamp.
GIVE YOUR STAMP A BATH
Every so often, when dirt and ink build up on the printing die, it can be easily washed away. A little warm water, mild detergent and an old toothbrush will do the trick. Remove the index strip, place the stamp under warm running water, add a couple of drops of detergent and gently brush clean with the toothbrush. Dry thoroughly and replace the index strip.
This procedure WILL NOT work for inks other than regular rubber stamp ink!
KEEP STAMPS OUT OF SUNLIGHT
Polymer and/or natural rubber dies that are continually exposed to sunlight will tend to become brittle and will not accept ink. Kept from direct sun, the die will remain soft and distribute ink evenly.
KEEP YOUR STAMP PAD CLEAN
A clean well-inked stamp pad will keep unwanted dirt and dust away from your stamp. Keep the cover shut when not in use. To clean a felt stamp pad, scrape the surface with an index card or a knife blade (keep the blade straight up and down). You will be able to remove an amazing amount of lint and dust. Keep your pad properly inked. A properly inked pad will allow you to "kiss" the pad with a stamp and "kiss" the paper and leave a clean, clear imprint. Many stamping problems turn out to be stamp pad problems.
A new stamp pad is a small investment to make to keep up a good impression!