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I am a SU demonstrator, but I recently purchased a bunch of MFT stamps because I really liked the designs.
I have been stamping with Wood mounted rubber stamps for about 8 years.
I am having a hard time getting a clean impression with the acrylic sets... The edges do not stamp "crisply" and the thicker images do not seem to be stamping solid.
Some images look like they have little air bubbles (for lack of better description) and the edges are "fuzzy"
Does it help to treat the arylic with something before you use the new sets? Or does anyone have any other hints ?
I've heard that if you rub an eraser over the image it helps the ink adhere better. I would think you could achieve the same effect by rubbing it on your jeans or some other kind of rough fabric.
From my experience acrylic images do look different. That being said you have to use them & clean them several times before you can get a good clean image. I also stamp on top of a mouse pad. The cushion helps the image since acrylics don't have their own cushions. HTH.
__________________ Amy - Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you decide to see beyond the imperfections.
Exactly - the ink "beads up" .... unfortunately besides SU ink and Versa Mark (and a staz-a-lot)I do not have any other current options... I think I'll try "roughing them up first and if that doesn't work, I'll run to the stamp store and pick up the Versafine Onyx ~ I really only need the outline for these anyway ....
Thanks for the hints!
I've found that I have to use pigment inks to get a good impression..
I like Versafine onyx black ink for my acrylics..
My Stampin Up Classic ink just beads up on the acrylic image I want to stamp..
I, too, love the Versafine onyx for clear stamps. Also, there is a learning curve as to how much pressure to apply when you stamp. Very different from rubber stamps.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
I am a SU demonstrator, but I recently purchased a bunch of MFT stamps because I really liked the designs.
I have been stamping with Wood mounted rubber stamps for about 8 years.
I am having a hard time getting a clean impression with the acrylic sets... The edges do not stamp "crisply" and the thicker images do not seem to be stamping solid.
Some images look like they have little air bubbles (for lack of better description) and the edges are "fuzzy"
Does it help to treat the arylic with something before you use the new sets? Or does anyone have any other hints ?
Thanks - Renee :-D
Hi there! Any time there's ever a question about MFT Stamps, I am always happy to assist! First, I would ask what kind of ink you are using, and them I'd have you make sure your mounts weren't warped (believe it or not, it happens).
You do not need to treat the photopolymer with anything, you should be getting good clean impressions from the first time forward.
I would recommend Brilliance Graphite Black pigment ink, it doesn't stain clear stamps and can be used with any coloring method.
Exactly - the ink "beads up" .... unfortunately besides SU ink and Versa Mark (and a staz-a-lot)I do not have any other current options... I think I'll try "roughing them up first and if that doesn't work, I'll run to the stamp store and pick up the Versafine Onyx ~ I really only need the outline for these anyway ....
Thanks for the hints!
-Renee
I do use SU inks with my stamps and never have an issue. I keep my pads nice n juicy, and if it's a brand new stamp, I will stamp off on scratch paper a couple times beforehand. The only SU ink I don't use is their black because I don't like it. Versafine is a great ink as well!
Also, you don't need to push as hard with the clear stamps. The fuzzy edges are sometimes a result of applying too much pressure. Clear stamps just take a little practice as they tend to need a different touch than rubber stamps.
Also, you don't need to push as hard with the clear stamps. The fuzzy edges are sometimes a result of applying too much pressure. Clear stamps just take a little practice as they tend to need a different touch than rubber stamps.
Ooh! That's an EXCELLENT point! I always forget that one!
Also, you don't need to push as hard with the clear stamps. The fuzzy edges are sometimes a result of applying too much pressure. Clear stamps just take a little practice as they tend to need a different touch than rubber stamps.
i found, when i first started using clear stamps [after being an SU! only stamper for years] that my problem was all in pressure. i was stamping way too hard. the clear polymer is softer and doesn't need as much pressure as rubber. well, i should say, doesn't stand up to as much pressure. i figured i was stamping my rubber too hard too -- and it was true ;)
i found, when i first started using clear stamps [after being an SU! only stamper for years] that my problem was all in pressure. i was stamping way too hard. the clear polymer is softer and doesn't need as much pressure as rubber. well, i should say, doesn't stand up to as much pressure. i figured i was stamping my rubber too hard too -- and it was true ;)
Me too...I am really heavy handed. I have to remind myself that my image is better when I don't push so hard!!
You can find Brilliance Graphite Black at Michael's and Hobby Lobby both...it is my very favorite for my MFT Stamps.
I have to chime in and recommend stamping with a lighter touch.
Also making sure there is a cushion under your paper, (mouse pad, pad of paper, etc) will help alot.
I have found that inking up the acrylic stamp with versamark and then inking with the SU ink pad works really well. Not sure why but it works.
And I agree with everyone about the amount of pressure. Totally different from red rubber. Go light or you squish too much.
__________________ Martha
"When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life." Jean Shinoda Bolen
Thanks to everyone who took the time to pass on some hints... I purchased the Versafine, a cheap plain mousepad and I also found a New stamp store and bought my first "Nesties" set there today .... I told DH that I would see him on Monday morning !!! ;)
Thanks to everyone who took the time to pass on some hints... I purchased the Versafine, a cheap plain mousepad and I also found a New stamp store and bought my first "Nesties" set there today .... I told DH that I would see him on Monday morning !!! ;)
I'm jealous! Have fun.:mrgreen:
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
Well, I'm happy to have read this thread. I need all the hints I can read about clear stamps. It's true that there is a different touch needed with clear stamps and I'm hoping that I can find a better impression on my cardstock today. Thank you for all the hints!
I "prime" my new clear stamps by inking, stamping on scrap, then cleaning them. Usually that's enough to ensure good images. Using less pressure is important as well.
I hope you don't mind me joining in here but there are folks here in the UK who recommend using sellotape on the clear stamp before the first use as sometimes there is a residue left from the manufacturing process which the sellotape removes. I haven't personally tried it but it seems to be a recommended method here. I would also say the point about not too much pressure is a good one.
Another 2cents here from the UK LOL! I asked this very same question about 18 mnths ago when I first started using clear stamps. I have tried all the above to varying success and the only company's clear stamps that I have never had a problem with are Waltzing Mouse.
The best thing that I have found (and this is again my own personal experience!) is to ink up the stamp with staz on ink and to let it stain it. Of course this goes against my obsession with cleaning all of my stamps after use but for me it really has worked!
Especially on sentiment stamps where the font is very fine and getting a perfect image is soooo difficult as they are not as stable as normal wood mounted/rubber.
So if you don't mind your clear stamps being stained you might like to give that a try. For some reason it seems to "prime" the clear stamp far better than the eraser/sellotape/pre-cleaning methods. I would rather have stamps stained and usable than stuck in a drawer, mocking me, spotlessly clean yet unable to get a half decent image with!
I never have any issues stamping with my clear stamps, I use memento ink and all images stamp wonderful! I dont really use my SU ink pads anymore(once in a blue moon) hehehehe
I'm another one that "stains" my stamps with stazon - they stamp better and I can see the image, especially the ones with teenie-tiny sentiments.
I also like chalk inks, versamark, and the eraser treatment.
One more thing is that all acrylic stamps are not created equal. Some brands are just better stamps and it doesn't seem to make a differnce on the cost. I have some great $1 stamps.
Need help w/ new acrylic stamps
