Hints & Tips

Rubber Stamps

Rubber stamps fall into 2 main categories. The 2 types are known as mounted rubber stamps and unmounted rubber stamps. The difference between the two is quite simple. Mounted rubber stamps are generally mounted onto a wooden block and come ready to use. The unmounted style are compose a thin sheet of rubber/silicone with a raised design and will require a solid block of some description to be mounted onto before use. Each style has good and bad points (such as most things in life!) the main pros and cons are outlined below.

Rubber stamps can be used to achieve a huge variety of different results using the same stamp. A rubber stamp used with an embossing pad can be used with chalks to create a subtle coloured outline. If a rubber stamp is used with an ink pad then the outline will be more pronounced and depending on the type of pad used the design can be coloured in using a variety of methods. Mounted Rubber Stamps Pros

Mounted rubber stamps come ready to use, are usually easy to grip and simply require a firm surface to stamp onto. Cons

Mounted rubber stamps are quite bulky to store and you cannot see the exact position where you are stamping the design. In some cases they can be quite expensive to buy when compared to the unmounted variety. Unmounted Rubber Stamps Pros

Unmounted rubber stamps are generally cheaper than the equivalent mounted stamps. They can be stored very easily - a large number of stamps will fit into a relatively small storage space. The mounting block is usually clear which allows you to see exactly where you are stamping your image. The same mounting block can be used for all your stamps, which reduces the cost of your collection of rubber stamps. Cons

Some mounting blocks are not very easy to grip. You will need a firm but soft surface to stamp onto to achieve a clear impression. Some unmounted rubber stamps require a dry adhesive to attach them to the mounting block. Rubber stamping tips

Both types of rubber stamps need to be cared for in the same way i.e. preferably clean with a reputable rubber stamp cleaning block. Alternatively rinse the design in a warm weak solution of washing up liquid or wipe with an alcohol free baby wipe.

Related products: Mounted Rubber Stamps | Unmounted Rubber Stamps.

Ink Pads

There is a huge variety of ink pads on the market for all aspects of rubber stamping regardless of the type of media used. The choice of ink pad is really dependent on the type of results you would like to achieve from your rubber stamping. Main details of the variety of ink stamps available are outlined below, which may help you to decide on the choice of ink pad you require. The range of Ink Pads available at Cardomine Crafts is under constant review. If you do not see the specific type of pad you require then please e-mail us as we may have it in stock but not listed yet or we may be able to obtain the pad you require. Pigment/Permanent Ink Pads

Pigment ink pads are a permanent ink pad and can be used on almost any surface. A pigment ink pad is a permanent ink pad that will not ‘run’ if the image is painted afterwards. The pigment ink pad generally is a slightly slower drying ink pad so most of them can be used for embossing as well as outline detail. There are a variety of brands available including Memories ink pads, Ancient Page, StazOn ink pads and best of all the Brilliance ink pads range. The StazOn and Brilliance ranges can be used on a huge variety of surfaces including, vellum, glossy cardstock, shrink plastic, acetate and many more.

StazOn ink pads are solvent based but with a low odour. The range has been specifically designed to be used on non porous surfaces and quick drying on paper surfaces. As a general rule the StazOn range are usually ‘strong’ colours which are ideal for creating a strong outline to the stamped image. The ink pad is a raised pad so it is ideal for using with any size of rubber stamp.

Brilliance ink pads are a pigment ink which also gives a permanent result to the stamped image. Brilliance ink pads come in a lovely range of pearlescent colours as well as several matte colours. The ink will quickly dry on a multitude of surfaces including vellum, acetate, shrink plastic, glossy cardstock, photo paper etc. The range of colours available, include some gorgeous pastel pearlescent finishes and are ideal for creating your own background to your project. The ink is slightly faster drying than the StazOn range making it perfect for using on vellum as you do not need to be concerned about warping.

Pigment/Permanent Ink Pads are:-

*Acid Free, fade resistant and archival
*Waterproof on most surfaces
*Quick drying
*Smear resistant when using watercolours or watercolour pens

Solvent Ink Pads

Solvent ink pads are generally quick drying and suitable for using on non porous surfaces. Some solvent ink pads can have quite a strong smell apart from StazOn which has a very low odour and does not need re-inking between applications (depending on the depth of colour required). Solvent ink pads are unsuitable for heat embossing as they are quick drying.

Dye Based Ink Pads Dye based ink pads are quick drying and unsuitable for using with embossing techniques. As a rule they are also unsuitable for using on non porous surfaces as they do not dry on them very easily. These ink pads are ideal for using on rubber stamps that have fine details incorporated as they give a sharper definition. They are best used on pale coloured paper or card as the colour of the background does show through the stamped image. This type of ink pad is also ideal for using when a more blended effect is required using watercolour pens. Several types of brands are available including Adirondack, Kaleidacolor and Impress. Distress Ink Pads

Distress ink pads are ideal for creating a vintage/aged look to your image which is ideal for scrapbooking. The Tim Holtz Distress ink pads are available in 12 different colours with re inkers available. Tim Holtz helped to develop the range of ink pads specifically with the scrapbooker in mind to achieve that weathered look to photographs or backing paper. The 2” X 2” pads are raised so any size of stamp can be inked, enabling you to apply the ink to the edge of paper/card for a distressed appearance. Chalk Ink Pads

Chalk ink pads can be blended like a dye ink pad. Chalk pads dry quickly on porous surfaces and can be heat set to achieve the same result on non porous surfaces. This may warp some types of vellum and if you are using acetate then it needs to be a ‘printer friendly’ variety. Heat setting is a similar technique to embossing, when the image has been stamped the ink needs to be gently heated using a heat gun.

View our complete range of: Ink pads.