Stamping & Inking Tips
With just one stamp, you can transform your stationery, create wedding invitations and favours, business branding and packaging, decorate your home and furnishings and up-cycle fabrics and clothing. If you want to learn how to make the most of your stamp with different techniques, inks and stamping mediums, we hope you will find the following tips and advice useful and inspiring. For further inspiration, check out our social media pages and sign up to our newsletter.
SET UP:
Make sure the surface you are stamping on to is solid and smooth. If you are stamping an uneven surface, place something underneath or behind it so you have a firm surface to push against.
APPLYING THE INK:
- Do use your stamp gently.
- Dab the ink pad against the surface of the stamp rather than pushing it in too far.
- Do make sure you apply ink to the raised section of your stamp only.
- Do clean your stamp regularly between uses.
- Don’t push your stamp too firmly into the ink pad as you will risk flooding the design with ink.
- Don’t push your stamp down too firmly causing it to rock or wobble.
- Try not to get ink on the handle of the stamp as this is often caused by too firm when applying the ink.
AFTER CARE: If the wooden base or handle of your stamp handle is covered in ink, you are probably pushing too firmly in to your ink pad. Clean your stamp following our guide lines and start afresh. This will help to prolong the clarity and life of your stamps.
We only recommend the ink pads sold on our website. If you intend to use a different medium, you will need to check with the manufacturer that the product is suitable. DO NOT use any chemicals or spirits on your stamps.
Which ink pad do I need?
PAPER & CARD STOCK (uncoated):
For the best results every time, you can't beat our VersaFine range.
The pads are 75mm x 35mm but can be used on any size stamp. These ink pads are especially good for small text and fine detail.
VersaColor ink pads are very similar but not quite as good for really fine detail. On the plus, they are slightly larger and offer a great choice of colours.
Our XL ink pads are one of our best sellers. They are suitable for stamps up to 130mm x 100mm in size.
Whilst more suited to fabric and wood, our VersaCraft range will also work well on paper and card.
If you're looking for a metallic finish, our Delicata range are a raised pad that can be used on any size stamp.
FABRIC, WOOD, CORK, UNGLAZED CERAMICS & TERRACOTTA
VersaCraft ink pads are 75mm x 45mm and can be used on any size stamp. They are slightly juicier than regular ink pads so apply the ink sparingly.
GLASS, METAL, PLASTIC, GLOSS/COATED CARD, & LEATHER
For coated and non- porous surfaces we recommend our Stazon ink pads.
With all options, if you intend to use your stamp and ink pad for commercial purposes, we recommend you test the option to check it works for your intended purpose.
We only recommend the ink pads sold on our website. If you intend to use a different medium, you will need to check with the manufacturer that the product is suitable. Do not use and chemicals or spirits on on your stamps.
Which ink pad does what?
Our range includes Extra Large, VersaFine, VersaColor, VersaCraft, VersaMark, Stazon for glossy surfaces and Encore Metallic Ink pads.
All ink pads will work well on uncoated paper.
VersaFine Inkpads are 75 x 45mm and are great for fine detail or small text.
Encore Metallic Inkpads are 75 x 45mm. They are quick-drying true metallic ink available and are perfect for embossing as well as stamping.
VersaCraft Inkpads are 75 x 45mm and are suitable for stamping onto natural fabric and wood. Pre-wash the fabric before stamping to remove sizing and we recommend heat-setting your prints to make them permanent.
StazOn Inkpads are 75 x 45mm and are for stamping onto non-porous surfaces such as plastic, metal, shrink plastic, rubber, leather, polymer clay, laminated paper, coated paper, uncoated paper, photo, glass, porcelain, terracotta, cellophane
VersaMark Inkpads are 75 x 45mm and have no colour. They can be used for creating a watermark effect or a great base for embossing. You can use the Versamark Pen for embossing too.
VersaColor Mini Cube Inkpads are 25 x 25mm. These little ink pads are great when you are choosing lots of colours and perfect for gifts or adding additional colours to our stamp kit.
Stamping different surfaces around the home
You don't have to just stamp onto paper and card, you can use our stamps around your home too.
Stamp on untreated wood using a VersaCraft ink pad.
Useful tip: Use a spray varnish to fix after stamping to protect the image from wear.
Stamp on fabric using VersaCraft ink pads. Pre-wash the fabric before stamping to remove sizing. We recommend heat setting your prints to make them permanent on items you intend to launder.
You can stamp on interior walls and furniture using emulsion paint. Tester pots are great for this. Make sure the surface you are stamping on to is clean and dry. Gently sponge the paint on to the stamp using a dense roller or sponge. Do not use paints that contain chemicals or solvents.
Make sure the surface you are stamping on to is solid and smooth. If you are stamping an uneven surface, place something underneath or behind it so you have a firm surface to push against.
Stamping different surfaces for business
Rubber stamps are such a useful and economical way to create your own look and brand your business with a logo stamp, packaging stamp, swing tag stamp, bag stamp, loyalty card stamp.
When stamping your hot drink cups, keep a second cup inside the one you are stamping to give you a firmer surface to push against. Gently roll the stamp from one side to the over.
For boxes, the ideal option would be to stamp when the box is flat but if your containers are pre-formed, place a block inside or under the surface you are stamping on to to prevent it dipping.
Follow our guide below for the best results when stamping your paper bags.
Stamping on fabric
This collection of ink pads are suitable for stamping onto natural fabric. We recommend heat-setting your prints to make them permanent. As the pad is raised, you can ink large stamps like this.
How do I ink large stamps?
Inking Large Stamps
To ink larger stamps, you can use inkpads that have their pads raised a few millimetres above the plastic.
Large stamps work well but do require more patience and practice. You will get the best results using this inking technique and working above your project, i.e. standing up and working on a regular height table so you can use your body weight to push down on the stamp.
1. Hold the stamp face up in one hand and the ink pad in the other.
2. Using a dabbing movement, cover the stamp with the ink pad. Don’t push too hard as you risk flooding your design.
3. The stamp is now fully inked.
4. Hold the stamp carefully over the surface to be stamped. Press down with an even amount of pressure.
How do I stamp with multiple colours?
Stamping with Multiple Colours
You needn't limit yourself to just one colour when inking with our stamps.
1. Choose the colours you wish to use. VersaColor mini cube ink pads are useful for this technique because you can apply the ink precisely using the edges of their raised ink pad. You can also use any of our raised ink pads
2. Apply the first ink colour to your stamp, making sure to remove any excess ink that gets in to unwanted parts of the stamp using a cloth or cotton tip.
3. Apply the second ink, being careful not to mix the colours. If you need to add particularly fine details it might be useful to use the eraser on the end of a pencil or similar.
4. When you’re satisfied that your design is inked up accurately, stamp it onto your chosen surface.
5. If stamping onto paper or card you can also add a plain or sparkly clear embossing powder to give it a raised effect.
6. The finished effect!
View our page on caring for your stamps to make them last longer.
I'm not getting a great result
We test print all custom stamps before sending them out for delivery to ensure it works.
Our stamps work best when used gently. Dab your stamp with the ink pad. This gives a better result as you are less likely to flood your design.
We only recommend the ink pads sold on our website. If you intend to use a different medium, you will need to check with the manufacturer that the product is suitable. DO NOT use any chemicals or spirits on your stamps!
If your stamp is over inked, follow our care tips to clean it up.
If you still need help, please email us with a photo of the stamp, rubber side up and a photo of the results you are achieving and we will be happy to help.
How do I clean my stamp?
With the correct care, your stamps will last for years. We have some that are over 20 years old and still in great condition!
You should never wash a mounted stamp under the tap as the rubber can come away from the cushion.
For more guidance and product information read our Blog on How To Clean Your Stamps.
What is embossing?
Embossing your stamped images will add an elegant, raised effect to your craft project.
You will need;
An ink pad suitable for embossing or an embossing pen, embossing powder and a embossing heat tool to melt and set the powder.
Learn more here.
VersaFine or Extra Large Inkpads
The Fine Detail Ink Pads have a smooth, firm finish to the pad and so, every part of your stamp will be inked thoroughly. The result is a solid, more printed look. These pads are great for fine detail and can be used for any size stamp as the pad is raised.
Our Medium & Extra Large ink pads have a more traditional look, the pad is more sponge like and will give a softer, more rustic finish to your stamped image. These pads are constrained by their casing so the stamp size needs to fit within the pad.
