About Clear Stamps

How do I use clear stamps?

It's easy!
Peel. Stick. Ink. Stamp.

Gently peel clear stamp from transparent backing sheet.
Stick clear stamp to clear (acrylic) block.
Ink up clear stamp.
Stamp.

Prefer a visual example? Watch this short instructional video.

How do I clean clear stamps?

You can wash clear stamps with:
- mild (alcohol-free) soap and water
- a stamp cleaner intended for use with clear stamps

Clear stamps will stain with some inks. Staining does not harm the clear stamps.

How do I store clear stamps?

Once you have used and cleaned your clear stamps, simply let them dry completely and return them to the transparent backing sheet for storage.

Clear stamps should stay sticky and adhere well to clear stamp blocks for a long time. If, however, clear stamps should ever begin to lose their "cling", just wash and dry them and they should recover their tackiness.

It is recommended that clear stamps be stored away from direct sunlight for best results.

Where are your clear stamps made and what are they made of?

Ink Blot Shop LLC stamps are designed exclusively in the USA and are manufactured in the United States (USA) with Globally Sourced Materials. They are clear photopolymer stamps (and are latex free).

Do you have any tips for using detailed background stamps?

Background stamps can be tricky in general just because of the size, but the more detailed ones definitely require some extra effort. Very detailed background stamps require a lot of pressure/contact with the paper due to having so many fine details in a large space.

Here are some tips for getting the best results from your background stamps:

  • Rub the palm/heel of your hand over your stamp before inking to give it a "buffed" surface that will help the ink settle on the stamp more evenly.
  • Ink it up & stamp it several times on a scrap piece of paper or cardstock in order to really get it "primed" for stamping. Sometimes it takes several passes before the stamps really take ink well, especially when they are detailed.
  • Make sure your ink pads are very juicy, and be sure to give full, even coverage with your ink. Because of the large surface being covered on background stamps, sometimes you may see lines where the edges of your inkpad have been pressed on the surface (and may be especially noticeable when using smaller ink cubes).
  • Try using inks such as VersaFine, Distress Oxide inks (not regular Distress inks), and Gina K's Amaglam ink (such as Obsidian). These work well because they seem to have some sort of a pigment property, so if you have other pigment inks or inks with pigment properties, those may work also. You want something that really sits on top of the paper rather than sinking in as it will provide more even coverage on the paper when transferring the ink.
  • You can try a layer of clear embossing ink underneath a dye ink as an alternative to the pigment ink. Just ink up with clear embossing ink, then (without stamping) add your dye ink. Sometimes this helps.
  • It is possible that an additional layer of fun foam under your cardstock may help. 
  • Using a stamp platform can be helpful. When lifting the lid, sometimes the cardstock comes up kind of "stuck" to the stamp...in this case, leave it in place, cover it with a piece of scrap paper (while still in place), and rub your hands over it for some extra pressure. Make sure the stamp is laid on the platform evenly, with no bubbles. Often there are small air bubbles (that we cannot see) trapped under big stamps like this and that can give inconsistent/spotty results. If you are getting blank spots in the stamp each time, try lifting and repositioning your stamp on your stamp platform to make sure there are no bubbles. If you reposition your stamp and get blank spots in new areas, this indicates that it is likely a bubble issue, and you may get better results from using the stamp without a stamp platform.
  • As an alternative to a stamp platform, lay your background stamp on a very flat/firm work surface with the image side facing up. (Again, make sure there are no air bubbles trapped underneath.) Place your cardstock face down on the background stamp and cover with a scrap piece of paper. Use your hands to evenly put pressure all over. This method often gives better coverage than using a stamp platform, particularly when combined with inks that have pigment properties to them.