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I just purchased my first SU stamp set. It is the Prayers and Sympathy set. I am finding that the raised images aren't' raised that much and I am getting the border. I've trimmed them the best I know how. Is this usual for the red rubber stamps from SU?
I find that if I push too hard on my stamps when I'm putting the image on the paper, I get the lines around the image.
I also find that SU stamps have too much rubber left around the image for me. :rolleyes:
Are you using clear mount on the acrylic block or is your stamp wood mounted?
Thx for your quick reply. It is on acrylic block. I have been to two separate SU card making events and did not experience this problem. I am very disappointed, however i do like the set, but hesitate to purchase more. I am newbie in the stamping world. Is there a brand of stamps that you prefer?
I am confused. SU stamps are die cut now. You shouldn't have had to trim anything. (Also, is your set "Thoughts and Prayers"? I can't find one called Prayers and Sympathy.)
I find it easier to put my ink on the stamps rather than to tap my stamp into the ink. I also usually check to make sure that there isn't any ink the edges of my stamp (and if there is, I wipe it off with my finger or a baby wipe).
It is also possible that your stamps weren't molded correctly; contact your demo if you think they may be defective.
Although the SU stamps are die cut, I find that there is too much extra rubber around the image for me to be happy, so I do still trim around nearly every single one. Of course, I strip the foam off of them, too, so it's no big deal for me. I have noticed, though, that the rubber itself is much thinner on new sets than it was on the older ones, so they aren't as deeply etched as the older stamps...
Even though they're die cut, I also trim my SU stamps when I get them. I'm sure it's not necessary for most stampers, but I need all the help I can get when it comes to not getting those edges around the image.
I, too, find it absolutely necessary to trim the SU red rubber stamps whether the old, good & thick rubber, or the newer thinner pre-cut rubber ones. I also find the newer rubber ones tend to slide around on the backing foam. Most other brands also require trimming to prevent the shadow lines. It is really frustrating that so many companies now make such shallow etched stamps. Even my last set of Gina K required trimming to prevent the dreaded lines. I trim them pretty much to the quick. I also check very carefully as I am inking to make certain there are no stray ink shadows on the edges before I stamp them. I don't remember having to so vigilant about this in the past. I don't think my stamping/inking skills have deteriorated so much that it is my fault.
With the new foam stamp pads, when you ink your stamp do several very light tap-tap-taps on the pad. They're not like the linen pads that required more generous taps to get ink onto the rubber. When you do that, you shouldn't get any ink on the edges of the rubber, but if you do then do what Emily says and wipe it off.
Also like Emily says, I often turn my stamp up and tap the stamp pad onto the stamp instead of the other way around. It seems to lessen the problem of getting ink on the edges of the rubber.
When you stamp to your paper, time is better than increasing pressure. Don't push so hard that you push the rubber image down into the foam; just push firmly enough to make good contact with the paper.
It is possible to trim the image closer by hand. Just be careful when cutting that you don't remove any foam under your image. Also, be careful trimming really close to thin lines. It's too easy to mess it up! Ask me how I know!
Yes,
My set is Thoughts and Prayers...it was a senior moment. Lol I am seeing the demonstrator I purchased the set from on Wednesday. Maybe them we can determine whether it is the stamp or the stamper. :-)
Hi again...
Thx you. I will try all those tips. I do think some of it is me. When I watch all the YouTube videos, they seem to me pressing the heck out of the acrylic block.
Blessings,
Marie
P.S. What does that mean Creative Crew?
I was into stamping a life time ago and it did seem like I did a fairly decent job w/o encountering many issues. Perhaps My reflects have deteriorated! Thx you for your response bc it makes me feel like it's not me...it's them. Lol
Hi again...
Thx you. I will try all those tips. I do think some of it is me. When I watch all the YouTube videos, they seem to me pressing the heck out of the acrylic block.
Blessings,
Marie
P.S. What does that mean Creative Crew?
The Creative Crew is a group of Stampin' Up demonstrators who make projects each month using a theme. It's like a SU version of the SCS Dirty Dozen. There's a link to the Creative Crew gallery in my signature.
Images not raised very much
