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When I try to ink it using the tapping method it looks terrible. I'm not getting the detail of the stamp. I'm using SU basic black and SU basic brown on GP white paper.
I could use some hints.
Thanks
Pam
First make sure the stamp has no residue from the manufacturing process. Usually a good cleaning is all it needs. I use Versafine ink and glossy paper. Glossy paper is the key to a super image.
Do you have a brayer? Any very detailed stamp and perhaps especially photo stamps benefit from having the ink applied with a brayer - just roll it over the ink pad a few times to get it really good and inky and then roll over the stamp going back and forward and changing direction a couple of times to really spread the ink out well.
I don't know what GP paper is like (we don't have it in the UK) but you want something that's very smooth to show the best of your detail. If you don't care for glossy something like Simply Smooth by Prism will give you good results.
Like Cora said, give it a good cleaning and a "roughing" up. I use either a sanding block or an adhesive eraser, then clean it again. then with Joanne's technique, or ink up the stamp, put the paper on top and go over it with the clean brayer, that could work too.
You might try Memento, Palette or a pigment ink. I found that SUs ink pads tend to bow in the middle and you don't get a good ink coverage.
I am so glad you said this! I thought the SU ink was weird and had a "spot" where you couldn't get it inked. Yes! I am not crazy after all! Well, in this one instance anyway....;)
I use quite a few photo stamps.
What I do first is clean the stamp. Always.
Then I tap. A lot.
Most of the time, I use a juicy Staz-On. I don't know why but I don't have much luck with those photo stamps with other inks.
Oh yeah, and I use a glossy paper a lot of the time. Just get a better transfer with that kind of paper than regular cardstock.
Memories, Archival or Adirondack inks too-basically a dye ink that is for clear, precise images. A brayer can help but essentially not a pigment and not just any dye inks-SU doesn't work for me, only Memories do and that was recommended by the company I have photo stamps from- Oxford Impressions who have super info and guidance on their site. Oh and keep the stamp clean-absolutely clean at all times-the devil is in the detail so to speak!!!
I have found that I get the best images on these super detailed stamps when I use Versafine fast drying pigment ink - colors of choice for me are Onyx Black for the black images and Sepia Brown for the brown.
I have good luck with Versa-fine Onyx Black and also with the Brilliance ink pads. I have heard people talk about using the original Sizzix to get even pressure when they're stamping the paper, but I haven't tried that. If you have a Sizzix, you might try it.
I have also noticed that the SU pads bow in the middle. I am also glad someone else has the problem- I thought I was crazy too! Forums at Splitcoaststampers
How do I ink photo stamps?
SU stamp pads
