Help with acrylic stamps?

[StampingShawn]

I just broke out my new MFT set to make a card, but I could not get it to ink or stamp correctly. I tried Stazon, SU classic, and a pigment ink and it took multiple tries to get an 0k image. The image was still a bit muddy. I cleaned the stamps and rubbed them on my jeans, but the image is still muddy. Help! Do I have a bad batch of stamps? I've used acrylics successfully before (even the dollar stamps from Studio G) so I'm very frustrated with this set. Any advice?

[lazydazy]

Stamp it a few times on scrap paper. See if that helps clear the image up.

[StampingShawn]

I tried that...it's still not working. Any other ideas?

[stampedbym]

Hmmm - try giving your stamps a *bubble bath* - clean them with a liquid soap like Dawn and warm water. Maybe that will help, sometimes there's a residue on them. I know Nichole Heady recommends for PaperTrey stamps to clean them with a clean pencil eraser. I hadn't found this successful, I just keep stamping until the image is how I like it. I don't own any MFT stamps, but I hope this works for you.

[rsalamon]

I've had problems with MFT stamps sticking to the piece of paper and not stamping a good image - very light - even after pressing down hard. I've tried stamping the image lots of times and also "cleaning" the image with a pencil eraser with no luck. I would be very interested in what others have to say.

[steubner]

First, I use a white eraser to clean off any residue from the manufacturing process. My 2 favorite inks for my MFT stamps are Versafine onyx black and Brilliance Graphite Black. I usually find SU Craft inks a bit too juicy. One other tip...with the large images, lay your block stamp up and tap the ink onto the stamp.

Also, the paper you're using makes a big difference. SU's whisper white doesn't do very well with new-ish photopolymer stamps (aka "clean"), and it tends to stick to the stamp. I have best results with Georgia Pacific, Papertrey, and Watercolor paper.

[HeatherHolbrook]

I agree with Shannon, using a white eraser to "condition" your clear stamps really helps the ink not puddle up.

[mm9772]

I haven't had any problems with my MFT stamps - didn't even condition them first. I use black Brilliance ink (my absolute fave ink of all time) on GP and I constantly reink mine so it's juicy (but not blobby).

In general I prefer pigment inks on clear stamps because they are sticky and cover the stamp better. Maybe your pigment inkpad needs reinking?

[jbabindds]

I have had the same problem with my acrylic stamps. I find if I use a very light weight sand paper over the image, it works great. I think there's a residue left the the stamp fabrication. Don't over sand it though...just a light once over.

[scraparella]

Maybe stamp on a computer mouse pad? Sometimes this has helped my image come out better.

[StampingShawn]

Thanks for all the ideas! I will try the eraser as I've tried all the other things. The thing that really bothers me and makes me think that it's not the ink(s), or paper, or my technique is that my cheap little Studio G stamps have a much clearer image...so I hope that the eraser works..otherwise I won't be buying anymore of these stamps despite the cuteness factor.

[steubner]

Before you give up all hope, Shawn, please contact Kim (the owner of MFT). These are way better quality than the studio G stamps and should be performing so!

[The MFT Lady]

Shawn, I'm wondering why you didn't email me for assistance, I am always happy to help! Let me know specifically as to set, image, what's happening and let's troubleshoot. You may very well have a dud. It doesnt happen frequently, but it does happen. Given that there are only two clear stamp manufacturers in the US, you've probably stamped with images made my manufacturer multiple times. [email protected]
we'll get you fixed up in no time!

[StampingShawn]

Hi Kim,

Thanks for checking in...I was really seeking help and came to find out that I had tried everything except the erasers. I will email you if that doesn't work.

[The MFT Lady]

Please do! It's my intention to make sure everyone is able to have a lifetime of stamping bliss with their MFT sets!