clear stamps

[Jill Pace]

can someone tell me how to get a complete stamp using the clear stamps from inkadinkado. I purchased my first set a while ago and never used it because i didn't like the way the stamp looked. I got the trick or treat set on clearance at Michael's for $4.00 so I figured i would give it another try. Same problem an incomplete stamp. I am using stamping up paper and ink and i washed the stamp with some mild soap and water before using.
Any other ideas??

[mahodgman]

You can try rubbing the stamp on your jeans to rough it up. Acrylics are not my first choice in stamps because of this issue. You could also try to use some different inks to see if you get a different result.

[CardLadyToo]

What I do is - rub the stamps with a pencil eraser - than stamp - if still not stamping completely or ink bubbles on stamp - clean and rub with eraser again............

[hearts2u]

Thanks for the great tips. I haven't really used mine...seems like I'm more of a "collector" so far.

[Scrapjanny]

Try putting a cushion under your paper, either Fun Foam or rubber.

[LateBlossom]

The eraser trick is important, and Jeanette's advice to stamp on a cushion is super. I've done both and they help a lot!

What kind of ink you're using can make a huge different, too, and whether or not the pad is juicy. If you're trying to use SU classic ink, it can get frustrating. Thicker inks--like SU craft, VersaColor, VersaMagic, Brilliance--will work better.

Hope this helps!

[buggainok]

I use a lot of clear stamps of all brands, and find that the ink you use makes all the difference. I only use pigment inks: Versafine onyx, any of the color box cats eyes, etc.

[Michelle in WA]

I like to get the shiny finish of the stamp by rubbing it on a brown bag, or the finest grit sandpaper. A brayer works good for solid stamps. And I love stazon ink with these.

[katz_r_us]

I find Inkadinkado are a little notorious for this problem. And I love their stamps.

All of the above are wonderful suggestions. I now prime all my clears by washing them in mild soap then rubbing an eraser across them. It works great. Also, make sure to use the cushion under your paper, seems to help a lot. Next, type of ink: once I've treated them, I find I can use any ink. But if you still get a problem, use pigment based ink and it should work good.

[momtoggk]

I just recently discovered Vivid Dye inks are the best for clear stamps. I have one Basic Grey set that wouldn't take ink no matter how much I conditioned the stamp or what type of ink I used. Then, I got some Vivid Dye inks from GinaK Designs and it stamps beautifully now. I am planning to replace eventually my SU inks with whatever Vivid inks that are the same colors.

[Jill Pace]

Thanks for all the great ideas. They all worked great.

[Paula in GA]

Memento, CTMH and India Ink black all work great for clear stamps. Oh, and Colorbox Chalk ink works great too. SU and Adirondack ink, in my opinion, do not work worth squat on clear stamps.

[StampingKiki]

After doing the eraser trick, I've had great results with the CTMH ink.

[Stamper for fun]

The ink pad you use makes all the difference. I get good results with Memories Black and GKD 80 lb white cs.

[gayle3131]

[QUOTE=Scrapjanny;15418729]Try putting a cushion under your paper, either Fun Foam or rubber.[/

This made a huge difference in my stamping, much clearer images and it was all there!