How do I Choose the Best Mounted Rubber Stamps?

Choose the best mounted rubber stamps by selecting pieces that feature clear images, good quality, flexible rubber, and designs that can be used for multiple purposes. Mounted rubber stamps are available from many different sources, including craft and scrapbook stores, independent designers and office supply stores, and wherever papercraft supplies are sold. Choosing the best mounted rubber stamps for a specific project is a matter of matching the design and size to the intended surface and purpose.

Mounted rubber stamps can be purchased for use in a specific project; wedding, baby, and holiday themed stamps are all limited to a single theme or purpose. Rubber stamps are also available in a variety of themes, words, and images that are generic enough to be used in all types of art stamping and scrapbooking projects. Depending on your needs, the best stamp will be one that features a specific image or a more universal one that can be applied to a number of different themes.

Look for mounted rubber stamps that are firmly attached to the wood mounting block. The block itself should be easy to grasp, feature an image of the stamp design, and be in excellent condition. Some stamps will have handles while others will be simple blocks of wood; either type of block is acceptable. The rubber portion of the stamp should have a matte sheen; brand-new rubber stamps will have a slight "rubbery" odor. The rubber portion should be free of any obvious damage or digs and the image should be in the same position as the image on the mounting block.

The best-quality mounted rubber stamps produce clean images with sharp details. The best way to determine the quality of a rubber stamp is to do a sample stamping on scrap paper. If that is not possible, then stamping with water on a piece of dark construction paper is another way to determine if the image quality is acceptable. Minor rubber tags at the edges of the rubber portion of the stamp won't affect the image and can be snipped away with scissors if needed.

Once purchased, even the best mounted rubber stamps can quickly become worn or damaged if they are not cared for properly. Stamps should be cleaned after use and allowed to dry completely before storing. Store stamps in an upright position in a dry location, and don't stack heavy items on top of them. Caring for your mounted rubber stamps properly ensures they will last a lifetime.