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I just got this stamp, used it once to add to my inventory and then I noticed all these little cracks in it. I contacted the company and they sent me out another one right away saying that sometimes they get a bad batch. Ok, that is fine, but I just received the replacement and it exactly the same and this time I haven't even stamped it once!! Should I contact the company again or is this normal for these stamps? I've only used photopolymer stamps so far so this is my first set of red stamps. The pictures below are the 1st set, not the replacement, not that it matters... TIA
I don't believe that is normal.
I have stamps that vary from new to 15-20 years old and they don't look like that.
I'd guess these were either exposed to some extreme heat/cold, or treated/cleaned with something not appropriate for the rubber.
Paula, guess I'm old, too. It was before I even read down to your post, and I was sitting here, sticking my face closer to my monitor (and it's a big monitor), and tilting my head sideways. (I have no idea what difference tilting my head sideways would make, but ...!). DD just happened to walk by right as I did that, and said, "WHAT are you doing?" Anyway, I can't see any cracks either. lol
Okay, I THOUGHT that set looked familiar. I have it. If the "cracks" you're talking about are on the dog's ears, nose and spots and on the cat's tail, those are supposed to be there. They're lines/shading. If you click on the little magnifying glass it makes the picture larger so you can see what it should look like stamped.
I can see the very fine cracks or lines in the second photo. That happened to my daughter as well; she contacted our demo who then called demo support. To be safe, SU sent out a replacement set and I got the original set There isn't enough depth to the fine lines to make any difference to usage so I benefited from the flaw!
In answer to your question, no isn't normal nor is it common. Just happens once in awhile.
I see the lines/cracks between the words. I have them on some red rubber stamps that I have used. Unless the foam backing shows, they should stamp okay. I'm like you, I don't like them on brand new stamps. I would contact company again.
Okay, I THOUGHT that set looked familiar. I have it. If the "cracks" you're talking about are on the dog's ears, nose and spots and on the cat's tail, those are supposed to be there. They're lines/shading. If you click on the little magnifying glass it makes the picture larger so you can see what it should look like stamped.
Ohhhh, Crafter 4 Life, now that you said where to look I can see them on the second picture. I just pulled my set out too, and at first couldn't see a crack. Then I got my phone and used the camera to zoom in on it. There IS a crack on the dog stamp, same place. Even though I haven't used my set, I bought it a year ago, so I won't be exchanging it. Hopefully it will be just fine. The etching is nice and deep, so I don't think it's going to matter at all. I never, ever would have noticed it if I hadn't read this thread.
BathBelle, I'm guessing the link doesn't work for you because it's the US Stampin' Up catalog. Sorry. It's called "Giggle Greetings" in case you want to look in your on-line catalog.
I have some stamps with cracks but none in the actual image portion. Since it doesn't affect the stamping I just kept them but I wonder what will happen over a long time.
Paula and Pam, you're not losing your eyesight. I just pulled them up and it is extremely difficult to see the cracks I'm referring to. It's not shading, it's actually cracks between the words. It doesn't affect the stamp now, but my concern was down the road is it going to get worse and end up being unusable when I should have just had it replaced in the beginning? I did go ahead and contact SU and sent her the pics as well. She said it is not normal for me to get one like that the first time, but to get it that way on my replacement one too is just crazy. She's pulling another set and having it sent to her personally before she sends it to me so she can inspect it. Thank you all for your response. I just wasn't sure if this was normal for these stamps or not.
Okay, now I see what you're talking about. Maybe a flaw in whatever they cast the stamps in? I don't think I'd worry about it, but it's good that SU is making it better.
__________________ Keep what is worth keeping
and with the breath of kindness
blow the rest away.
I had one set that did that, but on a large flat area that was noticeable. A new set was sent right away and I haven't had a problem with the second set. Given how much rubber I have, one set is not a bad ratio and the service was great.
Is this normal??
