How to Condition Your Scrapbooking Stamps

Scrapbooking stamps have become a popular product among avid scrappers. Stamps are extremely versatile and can be used to create beautiful layouts and projects. Rubber stamps were popular among scrapbooking enthusiasts in the late 80’s. Acrylic stamps were introduced more recently and tend to be more user friendly because of their see-through design.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Stamps (rubber and acrylic)
• Inks
• Paper
• Patience
• Stamp cleaner

1. If you are using brand new rubber stamps or acrylic stamps for your scrapbook project then conditioning your stamps will help them hold ink a better and as a result you will get a clearer, darker image. A freshly cut stamp needs to be conditioned in order to work properly.
2. For both rubber and acrylic stamps you may find a residue on brand new stamps. This is typically just something left by the manufacturer when the stamps were created.
3. When using acrylics you can try erasing the residue with a soft pink eraser. The eraser will pick up some of the residue left behind. After you have gone over the stamp with your eraser then you can ink the stamp and stamp on a scrap paper several times, clean the stamp with an acrylic friendly solvent and then repeat the process until your get a clear, concise image.
4. A quality rubber stamp should not need a lot of conditioning. Rubber stamps can be conditioned in a similar way by simply inking the stamp and stamping it on scrap paper. If there is a residue on the stamp try a twisting motion as you are stamping the image on your scrap paper. Clean the stamp thoroughly and proceed to ink it again for your project. Some practice stamping and good cleaning should do the trick.
5. Once your stamps are conditioned they should be ready to hold the ink and give you solid, clear images that you can use for your scrapbook layouts and craft projects.

Tips & Warnings

• When cleaning your stamps you should a soft scrubbing surface this will help clean the ink and residue from the stamps.
• Some people say you should use a fine sandpaper to condition your rubber stamps because it makes them have a smooth surface. This is one way to do some conditioning but typically it is not necessary. The sandpaper option may do more damage than good if you are not extremely careful.
• Acrylic stamps are easily damaged and may tear if you are not careful. Any conditioning should be done gently.
• When cleaning your stamps make sure you use a mild cleanser that is alcohol-free and stamp-friendly. Harsh cleaners will cause stamps to dry out and crack.