So you are interested in ordering a custom stamp. Many people do not realize the amount of options that are available when ordering stamps. Price can be a determining factor in choosing a stamp, but keep in mind that cheap is not always the best or correct option for you. Below are a few of the questions you might have when deciding on the proper stamp for your application.

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What type of material are you stamping onto?

The type of material you are stamping onto should be considered when selecting a stamp. If you are stamping onto a porous surface, like paper or boxes, any of our custom stamps will work. If you are stamping onto a non-porous surface like glossy brochures, metals or plastics, then you will need a natural rubber stamp with quick drying ink. For the sake of simplicity I will focus on the porous stamp applications at this time. Natural rubber stamps and quick drying inks have many options and requirements and deserve their own blog post.

How much do you intend to use the stamp?

The amount of usage can help determine the best stamp for you. Self-Inking stamps are best for high volume stamping as there is an internal pad that refreshes the stamp die after each impression. Our rubber stamps are another good option for high volume usage. There is just the added step of needing to ink the stamp with a separate stamp pad after each stamp. We do not recommend Pre-Inked stamps for high volume stamping as the stamp impression will continuously lighten with each stamp. Pre-Inked stamps need time between each impression to let ink flow down to the bottom of the stamp.

Are you looking for a high quality stamp impression?

If you are looking for a crisp, clean stamp impression to really show off that company logo, or ensure readability for those legal documents, we have a stamp for that. Keep in mind that you will never be able to duplicate print quality with a stamp, but you can get “near print quality” as we say, with our line of Pre-Inked stamps. They are the type of stamp we recommend for signatures, notaries and licensed professional stamps. Our other custom stamp product lines will work for quality stamp impressions as well. Most people realize that stamping can cause minor imperfections and high quality images will not always come out looking perfect.

How big do you want your stamp?

The size of the stamp impression you want is another way of choosing your stamp. If the stamp you want is very large our rubber stamps are the most economical option. Another great thing about using rubber stamps for large stamping applications is the option of getting a rocker mount. They are manufactured on a concave wood surface so you rock the stamp impression onto what you are stamping. The benefit of rocker mounts on larger stamps is that they are easier to get a clear stamp impression. If you do not use a rocker mount on larger rubber stamps the impressions tend to come out poor. This is due to a lack of consistent pressure across the entire surface of the stamp.

If you are looking for a large stamp without wanting to use a separate ink pad our Pre-Inked stamps are a good option due to the impression quality and ease of stamping they provide. There are a few large Self-Inking stamps offered but do not recommend them as we tend to see inconsistent stamp impressions. If you are looking for tiny stamps we have you covered. Any of our custom stamp product lines offer tiny stamp sizes as well.

What color of ink do you want your stamp to be?

The color of ink that you want can be a factor in which type of stamp would be best for you. We offer 5 basic ink colors for our custom stamps; Black, Red, Blue, Green and Purple. However that does not mean those are the only color options available to you. If you would like a metallic or specialty ink, our Rubber stamps and Self-Inking stamps are a good option for you. We can provide you with the stamp and a dry ink pad that you can ink yourself with whatever color you want. Another way you can determine what type of stamp you should buy is to look around your office and see what type of stamps other people use. Different types of stamps can require different inks so staying consistent is a good way to make sure the proper ink is used throughout your entire office.

What type of stamp do you prefer?

At the end of the day sometimes the only factor you need to determine your decision is, what kind of stamp do you like best? Personal preference goes a long way towards satisfaction. Sometimes the best decisions are the easiest decisions. And it is just a stamp after all.

How to Troubleshoot Poor Quality Stamp Impressions

Rubber stamps are a low-cost and effective way to leave a crisp, clear impression on documents, envelopes, paper bags, and more. A high-quality rubber stamp can last for years, but dirty or worn-down rubber dyes — or not following stamping best practices — can cause faint, smudged, or illegible stamp impressions.

If you’re having trouble getting a perfect stamp impression, you’ll want to troubleshoot some common issues.

Are You Following Stamping Best Practices?

To get the perfect stamp impression you will want to make sure you are following stamping best practices. This includes:

• Making sure that you are stamping on a hard, flat surface. If your surface is not level, or you’re not able to apply proper pressure, you may not be able to get a good impression.
• If you are using a wood handle stamp with a separate ink pad, you will want to make sure your ink pad has the proper amount of ink on it. Too much or too little ink will cause the stamp impression to be illegible. You will also want to make sure to tap your stamp several times on your ink pad to pick up a good amount of ink.
• Line up your stamp where you want to make your impression and press down evenly. If using a large wood handle stamp, you will want to use a slight rocking motion.

Learn best practices for a quality stamp impression here.

Are You Stamping on a Non-Porous Surface?

Non-porous surfaces include any surface where the ink will not absorb into the material, but remain on the surface, such as photos, CDs, glossy paper, plastic, metal, and cellophane. Stamping with a normal rubber stamp and ink likely won’t work on this type of surface.

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For the best results, we recommend using a Quick Dry Stamp and an ink suitable for the application and dry time.

Learn more about stamping on non-porous surfaces here.

Are You Stamping on Fabric?

Similar to non-porous surfaces, fabric requires a specialty ink and fabric stamp to work effectively. Using a fabric ink on a fine, tightly woven fabric will get you the best results. We also recommend using a larger pattern or design with few small details to get the best stamp impression.

Learn how to stamp fabric here.

Wood handle Stamps: Is Your Rubber Stamp Clean?

If you’re using a wood handle stamp, cleaning it properly will be one of the most important parts of ensuring it has a long life. Cleaning your stamps is also essential to getting that perfect stamp impression. Here are some tips for cleaning your rubber stamp:

• Avoid submerging the stamp in liquid. This can warp the wood and weaken the adhesive between the rubber dye and wooden base.
• You can use soap and water or a stamp cleaning solution and scrub gently to clean the stamp. Wipe dry with a cloth rag — stamps should be dry before storing.
• Avoid scrubbing too hard or using products that contain alcohol. This can damage the stamp.
• Store your stamps in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent drying and cracking.

Learn more about cleaning stamps here.

Self-Inking Stamps: Does Your Stamp Need Re-Inking?

If your self-inking stamp impressions are getting light, you can re-ink your stamps to prolong the life of your stamp and get better stamp impressions.

For example, when re-inking a Trodat self-inking stamp, push the stamp down slightly and pull the ink pad out. Add 10-20 drops of Trodat / Ideal Ink on the inked side of the pad, just enough to saturate the pad. Once the ink has absorbed into the pad, push the pad back in.

Other brands of self-inking stamps work similarly, but exact methods for removal and the number of ink drops vary from brand to brand and product to product. Make sure to always use the appropriate brand of ink for your stamp, since another brand’s formula may not mix correctly and damage your stamp.

Learn how to re-ink different brands of stamps, including Trodat, Plus, and MaxLight.

Self-Inking Stamps: Do You Need to Change Your Stamp Dye?

In some cases, you may want to change the stamp dye of your self-inking stamp to switch out the text or prolong its life. To change your stamp dye:

• Hold the stamp upside down and push down so you can see the stamp dye.
• Wipe the stamp dye to clean off the ink.
• Peel off the stamp dye and place the new stamp dye on the stamp.

This will work for date stamps or regular self-inking stamps like Trodat or Plus. Watch the video on how to change the stamp dye here.

When is it time to replace your rubber stamp?

Stamps that get dirty, dusty, or damaged can lose their details and design. Rubber can also dry out and crack when stored incorrectly. Any of the following may damage your stamp beyond repair:

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• Submerging the stamp in liquid.
• Scrubbing the stamp too hard or using products that contain alcohol when cleaning your stamp.
• Using the wrong brand of ink when re-inking your self-inking stamp.
• Storing the stamps in direct sunlight or extreme humidity or heat.
• Storing stamps in wicker or metal baskets.