OK, I’ve bought them now what?

The beauty of purchasing and using unmounted stamps, in either rubber or clear polymer, is that they are much cheaper than wood mounted – and definitely take up less space.

They come in two types:  the traditional rubber (red, pink, grey, black and even purple) or clear polymer. By trimming closely and using acrylic blocks stamp positioning is a breeze.

Mounting Rubber Stamps

I prefer to use either EZ Mount Foam or Kling-On Foam, both of which come in A4 sheets (Kling On also comes in A5).

As many sheets of stamps come in A4, A5 or Quarter sheets, I like to stick the entire sheet to the mounting foam and then cut out the individual images.  This really is easy (if not a bit laborious), and all you need is a sharp pair of scissors.  I invested in a pair of Kai scissors as they have a short blade and large hand section, so cutting doesn’t hurt my hands so much.

It couldn’t be easier to apply, simply peel off the liner sheet, which is self-adhesive and stick to the back of the stamp…then cut them out…actually the cutting out is my least favourite bit, and I generally delegate to Mr Galaxy!

NB:  when cutting it is very important not to under-cut image, i.e. slanting the scissors under the image you are cutting), otherwise the outline of the image will not be supported enough – make sure that your blades are vertical.  Also leave a margin or about 1.5 mm all around the image.  If you find that when you use the stamp some bit of the margin is picking up and transferring ink, then trim that bit off.

Very often, the mounting foam is larger than the sheets, and I keep the excess margin bit (with the liner intact) for mounting small individual images and alphabet stamps.

Sometimes, where I have bought individual unmounted stamp images, I have to use a slightly larger piece of mounting foam, but the mounting process is still the same – I just cut a piece of mounting foam large enough to comfortably fit the image.

You will find that your scissors gum up when cutting up stamps – use either baby wipes, Undo or a tiny bit of WD40 to clean the blades as you go.

Once you’ve done this you are ready to use the stamps – see section below regarding acrylic blocks.

Mounting for Clear Polymer

Like their rubber counterparts these are sold in sheets, but you can get individual images too.

The way these stamps are manufactured means that will self-cling to the acrylic blocks, so you don’t need to use mounting foam with them.  To use, simply press the stamp onto the block and away you go.

Then when you are done, you can clean the stamp, peel it off the block and store- if you find that they cease to cling at some point, simply pop them in water, dry off and the cling will return.

Although, because they have no cushion on them, I would recommend that you use a stamping cushion or pad of paper for a bit of give – but it isn’t essential.

Please also note that polymer stamps are not quite so robust as their rubber counterparts, and they will also discolour over time – it doesn’t stop them working, but just bear that in mind.  Please also be aware that some solvent inks may affect them.

Acrylic Blocks

I would highly recommend that you invest in a good set of these – small, medium, large and an oblong one for borders.  There are some stamps out there though, that have a very large image, and you might then need to invest in a very large block too.

The advantage is that they are clear so you can see exactly where you are positioning your image as you stamp, and they are used over and over again

Other ways to mount rubber stamps

Foamcore Board

Cut out the stamp, and glue it to the foamcore. This method is cheapish, gives support, and you have something to hold when you stamp.  I do know of one or two people that use the cheap garden kneelers for this too.

Obviously, the storage of stamps mounted in this fashion is a little more bulky, and it’s not particularly cheap.

Magnets

You can buy wooden handles with magnets already mounted underneath, or you can invest in stamps by companies like Rubberdubberdoo, that are pre-mounted on foam which has a magnetic strip.  They will then cling to specially produced metal mounting blocks.  I have a few like this, but it’s a wee bit harder to position stamps, although not impossible with a bit of practice.

You could also consider purchasing a Xyron Magnetic Cartridge, or you magnetic sheet, cut out the individual images and then apply either of them to the reverse.

Halos ™

More widely used in America, these are acrylic blocks which grooves cut into them.  Inside the grooves are strips of hooked Velcro.  You then buy looped self-adhesive looped Velcro, peel back the lining tape, and place the stamped image onto this, and cut out.  Again, you will need to clean your scissors as you go as it is quite sticky.

Good Old Fashioned Glue Sticks

Basic, cheap and really only a temporary measure.  I would say it’s not ideal for long term use.  Make sure that you use a repositionable stick like Pritt, and don’t forget to remove from you block as soon as possible and wash off the glue with warm water from both the stamp and block.

 Repositionable Glue

As far as I know there are two of these:  Aileene’s Tack it Over & Over and Stamporium’s Ultimate Adhesive. 

If pushed, I prefer the Stamporium one myself, but it’s really personal choice.

Basically, you paint it all over the reverse of the stamps, allow to dry overnight and then cut out.  Again, I would recommend a matt underneath, but it’s not essential.

I have been known to use a repositionable tape runner or double-sided sticky tape in an emergency.

Galaxy Girl