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My stamp collections has grown to 16 stamps. I don't know why I didn't think about cleaning them, maybe because I have never used them. I'm collecting at this point, lol.
I saw Jennifer McGuire use some type of scrub box thing. Am I supposed to try to clean all the nooks and crannies?
I used a toothbrush and water on the last one. I am scared to mess the stamps up. I use mostly clear stamps if that makes a difference.
Also the ink pads I have right now are the memento dew drops.
It's your choice. You can leave most inks on as they won't hurt the stamps generally. But if you are using black and then want to use another light color you would need to clean thoroughly.
A lot of people just stamp off on scrap paper - that is they keep stamping on the paper until the stamp doesn't stamp any color anymore.
Yep, I get mine at Walmart for 97 cents! If I need to scrub them I spray them with Ranger Inkssentials Water-based stamp cleaner and a scrub pad that I got at Hobby Lobby.
Everyone seems to feel differently about the degree of cleanliness they require for their stamps! There are lots of threads about different methods and favorite cleaners.
Many of the professionals, Tim Holtz among them, don't clean their stamps at all. They just stamp off the ink on scrap paper.
I'm certainly not a pro, but I like Tim's method.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
I mostly use baby wipes now. And I like clean stamps! My friend bought a bunch of used stamps and they were blacker than black. The first thing she did was clean them up.
I did do a search and read some threads about recipes, but I am not comfortable making anything like that. It's probably common sense, but I thought leaving the ink on the stamps would hurt them in some way.
I appreciate all the comments! Yall are always super helpful.
A dirty stamp is a loved stamp. Like the other girls already wrote a lot of stampers do not clean their stamps and the stamps are perfectly fine. I always think the more stained it is the better it stamps.
That being said I do clean my stamps. I am a neatnick at heart. Most of the time I use alcohol free baby wipes. I do make my own cleaner. I use a mixture of cheap shampoo, glycerin & distilled water.
Next cleaning tip. I think some of the stampers better cover their eyes on this one. If I use StazOn I clean my stamps with rubbing alcohol. I warned you girls so if you fainted it's not my fault. Rubbing Alcohol is like the big NO for cleaning stamps because it dries them out. I only do this for rubber not clear. None of my stamps have ever been damaged. I always give a good coat of glycerin afterward. I use alcohol because I think the StazOn cleaner feels yucky.
I read one time to clean clear stamps use only water because cleaners can break down the photopolymer. I am still a rebel and use a baby wipe.
I use the stamp off method, but will occasionally clean my stamps with gentle soap and a soft toothbrush. I let them air dry. Never had a problem. I agree with Dee Ann - a stained stamp is a loved stamp.
Oh, lesson learned - even if a stamp appears clean, if it was last used with Distress Ink, be prepared for some unpredictable results.
__________________ Debbie "Make it work, people." - Tim Gunn My Gallery
Mostly I just wet my scrubber pad with water. Works fine to clean most colored dye inks. If I'm using Versamark or StazOn, I use a stamp cleaner and if needed a toothbrush. I like clean stamps. StazOn will almost always leave a black stain, but its 'clean' and you won't get unintended surprises on the next project. I used to buy stamp cleaner, but now I make my own with Simple Green (1 part) diluted with water (2 parts).
I use a stamp scrubber pad. In a spray bottle I use a mix of simple green and water.
If I ever use stazon ink, then I would use stazon cleaner.
__________________ The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable. Practice safe eating always use condiments
I use Simple Green diluted like 10:1 -I think they recommend even more with a scrap of old tshirt. If it is Stazon then I have to use Stazon cleaner. You can get a huge bottle of SG at Home depot. Mine lasts a good year-filling 8 oz spray bottle over and over.
I have the scrubber pad...which is good for highly detailed stamps- but just be aware...to use that is to have it spray all over the wood and stain that. But if you dont care then it does not matter.
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Another vote for the ease of alcohol free wipes. I have a SU stamp scrubber and spray, but never use it.
How do you all just stamp off? Doesn't dark ink end up staining a light ink? It seems like there is always some ink left when I use this method, thanks!
__________________ All I want is the chance to prove money won't make me happy!
Another vote for the ease of alcohol free wipes. I have a SU stamp scrubber and spray, but never use it.
How do you all just stamp off? Doesn't dark ink end up staining a light ink? It seems like there is always some ink left when I use this method, thanks!
I am using the a Synthetic Drying Chamois. I found mine at the automotive department at my local store. I cut it into small pieces and use it with homemade stamp cleaner. It really works well. I use both red rubber and clear stamps. I like clean stamps.
I use old hand towels and water. The little loops of the towel usually are enough to clean the depressions. If not, I use a wet SOFT toothbrush. I have almost entirely rubber stamps, so when I need a thorough cleaning I have a great cleaner from The Goose Barn called "EZ Does It" which works on even Staz-on better than the Staz-on cleaner and smells much better. I use Memories black ink a lot and it is hard to clean off, but this stuff does it. I like clean stamps, but don't mind if they are stained.
I made my own stamp cleaner years ago with the one recipe and still have lots left. I find using cheap baby wipes that you get fibres left on the stamps and that will wreck an image. You have to run your finger over the surface to make sure there are no extra fibres to ruin an image. I find this frustrating as I make and sell over 1000 cards each summer at farmers' markets. I still like the scrubbing pad from SU although mine did fall apart and I just use a single pad and rinse it out weekly.
I remember reading your blog post, Joan, and being interested. I use baby wipes (cheap enough, I think last time I got them I misread the promo because it was buy 1, get TWO free, and I only brought two to the counter) but I know they're not environmentally friendly. I might see if I can find something similar to your Absorber in the DIY/motor stores here.
Another vote for simple green here, it's never harmed my stamps. I use a 10 to 1 mix, mostly water. I'm not concerned about staining from Stazon. The staining doesn't hurt the stamp. I've use Stazon to make clear stamps easier to see for positioning, I want it to stain. I do have Stazon cleaner I use if I'm selling a stamp. I rarely use Stazon, for general stamping.
I took an old plastic Rubbermade container that is ~6" square and ~2" deep. I then folded an old washcloth into 4ths and placed it in the bottom. Mixed Simple Green with an equal amount of water and poured in enough to soak the washcloth. I store it with the lid shut tightly on the container. To clean a stamp, I just sort of scrub it on the washcloth. I also keep a somewhat soft finger nail brush right in the container in case I need it. It works like a charm.
I clean mine for two reasons. To not contaminate the next colour and so my storage method (whichever it is for that stamp or set) won't get messy! I use a faux chamois too. I cut in smaller and store it in a small Tupperware. I can rinse it out a few times but then when it gets too nasty (it does get a bit smelly if you don't dry it out each time) I get a new piece. Keeping it damp enough is the key to keeping it from disintegrating. If it's too dry, little pieces start to fall off and too wet it leaves residue on the stamp. I mostly use water but sometimes I use homemade stamp cleaner which is just dilute baby wash. Super simple. I've thought about letting it dry between stamping sessions but the smell doesn't bother me much.
__________________ RebeccaEdnie Mixed Media Artist, Paper Crafter, Jewelry Designer SCSDirtyDozenAlumni Www.Boxofchocolatescrafts.Com YouNeverKnowWhatI’mGoingtoMake
Last edited by Rebecca Ednie; 11-19-2014 at 04:55 PM..
I am very frugal and very lazy. I have tons of old rags (cut up tee shirts, etc.) that I simply get very wet, wring out & keep in a bowl in my play room. I change it every day & just throw it in with my towels to wash. Doesn't cost anything & I've never had a problem. I think Tim can get away with not cleaning his because he only ever uses black to stamp with. He uses all his color inks to sponge with for backgrounds, etc. As others have said, if a stamp is really dirty or I've used Stazon (which I hardly ever do), then I use a stamp cleaner. Otherwise, water works fine.
__________________ Keep what is worth keeping
and with the breath of kindness
blow the rest away.
In a spray bottle I put glycerin, water, and a few drops of dish soap. Last a very long time. I just spray a bit on one half of the stamp scrubbers and that will stay wet the whole time I stamp. So it only takes one spray at a time and my bottle last forever it seems. I only spray it on half my scrubber pad and the other half is left dry to dry my stamps on. Even if I use a huge stamp, this method still works for me.
__________________ Peggy
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear.Psalm 27:1
I find using cheap baby wipes that you get fibres left on the stamps and that will wreck an image. You have to run your finger over the surface to make sure there are no extra fibres to ruin an image.
I have this problem too with baby wipes. I'll use them if traveling or at a retreat, but otherwise no. Don't like the fiber fuzz it leaves behind.
Newbie stamper here. I have a dauber bottle of Stampendous cleaner from forever ago (left behind when my sister moved). It works decently, but I'm trying to figure out what I want to do when I run out. I squeeze the bottle a bit to apply on the stamp, then use the dauber to clean, and stamp on paper towel to blot the cleaner. 'Lather Rinse Repeat' till my OCD is satisfied with the result. If I get too anal though, I've noticed the little paper towel fibers on my stamps as well.
The only black ink I have right now is StazOn, and it irritates me that it doesn't come off my brand spanking new clear stamps! The Stampendous cleaner removes the StazOn relatively well from the rubber stamps though.
I was thinking of picking up a gently used SU scrub thinger from a lady I've bought from off Craigslist before. She's asking $10, is it worth it do you think? I saw some YouTube videos using it, and I kinda liked it.
Newbie stamper here. I have a dauber bottle of Stampendous cleaner from forever ago (left behind when my sister moved). It works decently, but I'm trying to figure out what I want to do when I run out. I squeeze the bottle a bit to apply on the stamp, then use the dauber to clean, and stamp on paper towel to blot the cleaner. 'Lather Rinse Repeat' till my OCD is satisfied with the result. If I get too anal though, I've noticed the little paper towel fibers on my stamps as well.
The only black ink I have right now is StazOn, and it irritates me that it doesn't come off my brand spanking new clear stamps! The Stampendous cleaner removes the StazOn relatively well from the rubber stamps though.
I was thinking of picking up a gently used SU scrub thinger from a lady I've bought from off Craigslist before. She's asking $10, is it worth it do you think? I saw some YouTube videos using it, and I kinda liked it.
Contact The Goose Barn (5311 Charles Street, Rockford, IL 61108--815-397-9391) for the EZ Duz It or Removez It cleaner that was made just for them. It is wonderful. All my stamping buddies loved it so much when they borrowed it, I gave them a bottle of it for a gift. I just add it to my wet cloth and rub my stamp in it. I dry my stamp on another dry cloth. If my cleaning rag dries out over night, I just add water and the cleaner is rejuvenated and works until my cloth is just too messy to use and then I have to rinse it out well and start the process over. It is the only thing I use other than water for those harder to clean jobs.
My stamp collections has grown to 16 stamps. I don't know why I didn't think about cleaning them, maybe because I have never used them. I'm collecting at this point, lol.
I saw Jennifer McGuire use some type of scrub box thing. Am I supposed to try to clean all the nooks and crannies?
I used a toothbrush and water on the last one. I am scared to mess the stamps up. I use mostly clear stamps if that makes a difference.
Also the ink pads I have right now are the memento dew drops.
I use a flat plate from the dollar store and line it with wet paper towel; as I use each stamp, I put it on the wet paper towel and it wicks all the ink out of the stamp! Then I blot the stamp on a dry paper towel to get off any remaining wetness on the stamp. Obviously, only works on water-based dye ink.
With staz-on ink, I use staz-on remover. When that has done its job, I do use my SU cleaner and pad afterward.
Half the time I use my pad and cleaner, half the time I use the Absorber and water. It's especially handy to bring to swaps inside the tube it comes in. I cut mine into 8 smaller pieces that are easy to hold in my hand.
For years I've been using homemade stamp cleaner and baby wipes "when" I clean my stamps. I learned from Tim H. years ago about not cleaning and it doesn't hurt the stamps. In case, some of my stamps work better. When I get a new set of clear stamps, I stamp them with StazOn and let it dry. I can see the image and it doesn't hurt the stamp.
Because I don't always clean my stamps, I always stamp on scratch paper before stamping on my project 1) make sure the ink is not contaminated 2) check to make sure the image is good as some stamps need a little extra care to stamp cleanly.
I started using the CTMH stamp cleaning tool to remove the lint leftover from the baby wipes. It's a soft brush that does an excellent job and it's small so you can take it with you and doesn't take up any space on the desk.
I have something like the absorber - I'll to check it out and see if I like it.
I am trying to play catch-up on my emails and just got around to reading this now. After seeing your comment, I went on Amazon and ordered the Absorber. They say that it has properties that make it unlikely to get mold or mildew. Hoping that is the case. TFS!
How do you clean stamps?
The Absorber
