I had a question from a new customer about stamps. She had ordered “Clear Mount” stamps and thought they would be see-through. So let me explain a bit about Stampin’ Up! stamps.
Wood Mount Stamps:
~Red Rubber stamps.
~Come in the thicker Full Wide Stamp Cases (7-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ x 1-1/4″) and Half Wide Stamp Cases (5-1/4″ x 3-1/4″ x 1-1/4″)
~You need to attach them to the wood block that is included. I generally lay out all the large and medium stamps on the wood blocks to make sure I will be putting them on the block that fits best. Peel off the paper backing from the stamp and put the stamp on your block. Now put the clear sticker on the block in the same position you put the stamp.
~Sometimes the blocks fit really tight into the stamp case. When that is the case, (I-meaning my helper Kiev) cuts a piece of printer paper the size of the bottom and stamps where each stamp goes. This way I can get all the blocks back into the stamp case. See photo above. This side of the case is usually clear. I (meaning Kiev) added the printer paper and stamped on it so I can get the stamps quickly put away.
Clear Mount Stamps:
~Red Rubber stamps.
~Come in the thinner Clear-Mount Stamp Cases ( 7-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ )
~Require Clear Blocks in order to stamp.
~Watch this video on how to assemble them.
~Some people have trouble with the stamps and cut part around the edge of the sticker so some of the grey foam stick out. They say this way they can have the sticker on and the advantage of the foam sticking. I personally have only had problems with the super small stamps sticking. I just put either Tombow Glue on the sticker and let it dry overnight, or a 1/4″ strip of SNAIL adhesive. They will then stick fine.
~If your blocks are clean and the sticker on your stamp is clean, the stamp should stay stuck to the block.
Photopolymer Stamps:
~Clear (see-through) Photopolymer stamps
~Can come in either the Clear-Mount Stamp Cases or the Full Wide Stamp Cases depending on how many stamps are included. Most come in the Clear Mount Stamp Cases.
~Require Clear Blocks in order to stamp.
~Larger images stamp better if you have a Stampin’ Pierce Mat under your cardstock.
~Great for Two-Step stamping and word placement!
~Sometimes stain-usually red. This does not affect the quality of the stamped image or the stamps. The staining also helps make the stamps easier to find.
Cleaning Stamps:
~Use the Stampin’ Scrub and Stampin’ Mist to clean ALL your stamps.
~A NOTE about using Baby Wipes. Some baby wipes will stain your Photopolymer stamps. They may damage your red rubber stamps over time. Baby wipes transfer ink to your fingers which can leave ink on your projects. I do occasionally use baby wipes. But clean all these stamps with Stampin’ Mist later to remove the damaging residue left on your stamps.
Which type of stamps are my personal favorite?
It depends….. I like them all, but for different reasons.
~I like wood mount stamps for beginning stampers and for children to use. I also don’t need to take the time to attach it to a clear block as it is already attached to a wood block. I really do enjoy putting stamps on wood blocks.
~I like clean mount stamps because they take up less space on my shelves. They also work well with my NEW Stamparatus!
~I like Photopolymer stamps for words, alphabets, and two step stamps. I like being able to see exactly where I am stamping. You can also bend some of the word stamps to fit inside a shaped banner stamp. These also work well with my NEW Stamparatus!
Hope this helps answer your questions about the different kinds of stamps that Stampin’ Up! carries.
