large clear stamp ink trouble

[Michele DeBlock]

Does anyone know how to use larger, solid clear stamps so that the ink does not look blotchy or uneven when stamped. I tried to place a foam pad under my work, I washed the stamps in soapy water. I use memento inks because of their beautiful colors but I am getting terrible results. Please help. I attached a sample.

Scan%205.jpeg

[Verna Angerhofer]

I have not tried it personally, but I believe I read where a fine sandpaper lightly applied to the stamp might give more tooth to it and it will retain the ink better. I have personally, cleaned my stamps with a stamp cleaner before using and that seemed to help, but since you tried soapy water, maybe that is not what will aid you then at all. It is a great question though and I hope someone can be of assistance more than I was.

[Doris W.]

What I find with solid area stamps is to smoosh (my technical term) the stamp back and forth  on the ink pad and not just tap the ink pad on.  Does that make sense? 

[Deb Fortin]

this may sound weird but I stick the stamp to an acrylic block and then rub the stamp against my forearm several times. this leaves a cloudy film on the stamp which allows the ink to stick without sliding around.

also when i apply the stamp to the acrylic block I "roll " it on from one end to the other to eliminate potential air bubbles in the centre of the stamp

[Lori McAree]

The large stamps can be tricky!!  In the past I have had luck with laying your block on your surface and gently placing the paper on top and evenly rub the paper over the inked stamp.

Good luck!

[Michele DeBlock]

Thank you everyone for answering my question. I tried all of the techniques, but I was afraid to sand the stamp. What worked for me was dragging the stamp across the stamp surface to get and even color. Sort of like smoosh the stamp like in Doris's suggestion. Thank you everyone.

[Gina K.]

Try inking the stamp with versamark first. Then your dye ink. The versamark helps hold the ink onto the clear stamps. If they are GKD stamps, don't sand them. It just may be that it needs to be used more to grab the ink a little better. The Versamark ink will help a ton!

[Michele DeBlock]

Thank you so much - I have been so upset that I can't find a way to use the new memento colors I purchased. I will try this right now.

I just tried it - It came out better but still very blotchy. It is like the ink is making tiny bubbles so when I stamp, I get a very uneven appearance. I am stamping on foam layers. I've also rubbed the stamp on the ink pad - but I get and obvious dragging pattern. Any other ideas? Thank you.

[Michele DeBlock]

Gina K. said:

Try inking the stamp with versamark first. Then your dye ink. The versamark helps hold the ink onto the clear stamps. If they are GKD stamps, don't sand them. It just may be that it needs to be used more to grab the ink a little better. The Versamark ink will help a ton!

[Robin Logue]

I was having a hard time w/ the penguin stamp(and cheap paper) and got the bright idea to use the Gina K 120 lb white card stock and then WOW problem solved. It stamped sooooo much better on the 120 lb. Lesson learned, weather it is rubber or clear if I have a large stamp it will stamped w/ Gina K paper.

[verna garrison]

Also try stamping off a time or two ;i've done this with cheaper stamps
but no trouble with Gina K ==Could be as i;m using her paper ..

[scrappykat]

I have had success with rubbing the inkpad all  over the stamp, then tapping it all over (so it's like you're doubling the ink).  And, yes, good quality paper can make all the difference in the world!

[Kathy Przeniczny]

Hi Michelle,

You say you are stamping on foam layers. Have you tried using something a bit firmer like a mouse mat or  a thickish piece of cardboard? It could be the surface you are stamping on that's the problem - ie too soft?

Michele DeBlock said:

 I am stamping on foam layers.