- Make sure your stamp is seasoned. Brand new stamps don't transfer images well. That's because they come from the factory with a certain resin that prevents the ink from fully saturating the stamp. To get past this, just ink your stamp and stamp the image on a piece of scrap paper. You will likely have to do this several times before the ink begins to stick. Once you get the desired saturation, you're ready to stamp for real!
- Bring the ink to the stamp; not the other way around. OK, you say. So now your stamp is seasoned well and the image is transferring beautifully--but so are stray marks from the edge of the stamp or the block! If this is happening to you, it's likely because you are inking the stamp by smashing it on top of the ink pad. Instead, keep the block on your table, stamp-side up, and apply the ink to the stamp using a twisting or pressing motion. Because the part of the stamp that you want on your project is raised, only that part of the stamp will be inked.
- Use the appropriate block size. Another way to avoid transferring stray ink from your block onto your project is by using the appropriate block size. Often when the block is too big, superfluous ink can collect on it. CTMH makes a variety of block sizes, and one of them is sure to be perfect for what you need. If your stamp would fit best on a 3 x 3 block, well, then use the 3 x 3 block!
- Press straight down and pull straight up. No rocking here! Even if you get some ink on your block (which I'll admit, is unavoidable sometimes), you can avoid transferring that ink to your project by simply pressing straight down when you stamp, and then pulling straight up. Do. Not. Rock.
- Stamps like to be cushioned. Finally, always be sure to stamp on a cushy surface. Your best bet? Close To My Heart's Versamat. I can't craft without that thing. One side is a self-healing mat for cutting and piercing and includes a 12 x 12 grid for ensuring that all of your papers are straight and centered on your project. The other side is cushioned especially for stamping! The cushion allows for some bounce-back so that the ink and the paper meet perfectly. If you're really in a pinch, you can also use the foam insert that comes with every CTMH stamp set. (Note: there is ONE exception to the cushion rule. If you are using one of our personalized stamps, I find that stamping atop your table is the better bet. Our personalized stamps are made a little bit differently than our regular acrylic stamps and transfer images best without any cushion).
So now you're armed and ready to stamp! Have at it!
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