Have you ever tried to use a new photopolymer stamp only to have the ink bubble up on you? Or you don’t get a good stamped image when you stamp? I want to share some tips and tricks for using photopolymer stamps so you’ll get the most out of your photopolymer stamps.
Cleaning Photopolymer Stamps
When you get a new set of photopolymer stamps, you should clean them thoroughly. They come with a residue left over from the manufacturing process that may cause your ink to bubble up and give you an uneven image the first few times you stamp. Get rid of that residue by cleaning the stamp with Dawn dish soap and water. Also, using the Stampin’ Scrub with Stampin’ Mist from Stampin’ Up! not only cleans your stamps, but conditions them, as well.
Staining
Photopolymer stamps tend to stain. They like to soak up the reds and blacks from ink pads. Minimize staining by stamping with a lighter non-red color the first couple of times you use the stamp. Soft Sea Foam or Daffodil Delight are great choices. That way any initial ink they soak up will be lighter in color and you will notice less staining overall during the life of your photopolymer stamp.
Getting a Good Stamped Image
The key to stamping a great image with a photopolymer stamp is placing a foam pad under your work surface. Previously, I would’ve recommended the stampin’ pierce mat, but it is retiring in June 2020 and I believe it is already sold out. A really good alternative is the Stamparatus Foam Mat. Just place the Stamparatus Foam Mat under the cardstock you are wanting to stamp. Ink up your photopolymer stamp and stamp away! You can even place it under your grid sheet if you are stamping off the side of the cardstock. If you do get ink on the mat, it wipes off easily with a baby wipe or wet wipe.
Storage
Storing your photopolymer stamps is easy. Store your stamps in the package they came in. Stampin’ Up! stamp sets come in a “DVD” sized case that you can easily store your stamps in. Photopolymer stamps should not be left in freezing conditions or heat and sunlight. Moderate temperatures work best.
I hope these few tips and tricks with photopolymer stamps help you get a better image when you stamp. Make sure you sign up for my mailing list to get more of these tips and tricks delivered right to your inbox.