Can't get a clear black image with Botanical Garden!

[spedabstbit]

I know that with some new stamps with solid images, it's difficult to get them well-inked. So I've cleaned and scrubbed on dry fabric several times, as well as re-inked my black ink pad, and even inked with a brayer, but I STILL cannot get a good image! I was so looking forward to doing some of those beautiful cards where Botanical Garden is stamped in black and then colored in in bright colors. Are there any other suggestions?

[mamakimberly]

have you tried lightly sanding??

[smartinez182]

You may have already tried this but this is what I do. I rub them back and forth and then stamp up and down. Does that make any sense?

[texasjodylynn]

I would try the petal point black chalk pad. I get better coverage with that than with my classic ink pad. I can't think of anything else you could do... have you tried the butt stamping method? Maybe you're just not pressing hard enough.

I was going to try out the same stamp set tonight... I hope I can get it to work!

[stephleider]

One of my customers had the same problem, but I sanded it down for her, using one of our white sanding blocks. I kept testing it as I went. It required a lot more sanding than I typically do, but I was able to get it to the point where it stamps well using a classic pad.

Stephanie

[spedabstbit]

Kimberly and Stephanie, I'm new to this idea of sanding, so I don't have one of the white sanding blocks. Would something else substitute? Maybe a nail buffer?

I have done the back and forth, up and down thing, and haven't officially tried the butt-stamping method on this particular one, but I THINK I couldn't press much harder, especially since I've tried cardstock on top with my hand and with the brayer. Still, it's worth a try!

And, I was excited about the possibility of the chalk pad option, even before my original post, because I just got those in the same shipment as the Botanical Garden, but the ink is actually a dark brown, and while it is pretty, it doesn't give the deep, sharp contrasting look that I was hoping for with the black. And when I did try it, even it was a bit splotchy like the black.

I guess my best hope at this point is sanding, perhaps combined with some butt-stamping. Can I use the nail-buffer?

Thanks for all the great suggestions!

[stampinstepmom]

If you are nervous about sanding, use an eraser! Works like a charm every time. The whole idea behind this is to get rid of the residue that is sometimes left behind in the stamp-making process. This residue is what sometimes prevents the ink from completely adhering to the stamp.

Mary Ann

[qcbetty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spedabstbit

Kimberly and Stephanie, I'm new to this idea of sanding, so I don't have one of the white sanding blocks. Would something else substitute? Maybe a nail buffer?

I have done the back and forth, up and down thing, and haven't officially tried the butt-stamping method on this particular one, but I THINK I couldn't press much harder, especially since I've tried cardstock on top with my hand and with the brayer. Still, it's worth a try!

And, I was excited about the possibility of the chalk pad option, even before my original post, because I just got those in the same shipment as the Botanical Garden, but the ink is actually a dark brown, and while it is pretty, it doesn't give the deep, sharp contrasting look that I was hoping for with the black. And when I did try it, even it was a bit splotchy like the black.

I guess my best hope at this point is sanding, perhaps combined with some butt-stamping. Can I use the nail-buffer?

Thanks for all the great suggestions!

I think my next try would be versamark and black EP!
Just a thought.....
(and try buttstamping! It works!!)

[texasjodylynn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spedabstbit

And, I was excited about the possibility of the chalk pad option, even before my original post, because I just got those in the same shipment as the Botanical Garden, but the ink is actually a dark brown, and while it is pretty, it doesn't give the deep, sharp contrasting look that I was hoping for with the black. And when I did try it, even it was a bit splotchy like the black.

Thanks for all the great suggestions!

I'm such a dork! :oops: I have the chalk ink pads and always thought it was black... um even though I applied the little stickers and could have read the color. DUH (can you tell I haven't used that color yet?) :lol: How about a black craft ink pad then? How about a black staz on?

[rapstine]

I have discovered a trick that works well with stamps that don't make good contact. I use a foam sheet under my cardstock. I bought it at the craft store 2 for $.99! This seems to allow just enough give that I get good contact everytime without smudging.