SU Photopolymer (Clear) Stamps:
Stampin' Up just started offering clear stamps (photopolymer) this year! Shelley, Founder and CEO, had said that SU would NOT make clear stamps until they found a better, higher quality material--and they have!
I was a Stampin' Up! Hostess briefly in 2009. Stampin' Up! was my first foray into the art of stamping--it was like the full potential of stamping realized and it was exciting to see the possibilities. I bought several SU stamp sets (still have, love, and use them) but after I quit attending, I just started buying clear stamps. (I didn't realize that I could order SU online.)
I fell in love with both the price of clear stamps and the fun designs. I now have tons of clear stamps and while I still use them, but I prefer my rubber stamps--especially SU"s clear mount stamps. I love clear mount because the stamp itself is rubber with foam backing, the rubber is easier to use and the foam evenly distributes pressure for a perfect image every time. They are also less expensive than wood mounted stamps for obvious reasons and it is easier to see the placement and they take up less space.
The regular clear stamps are more affordable, but you definitely pay a higher price in terms of time and paper--they are simply more difficult to use and it's harder to produce a perfect image. The stamps are really squishy so you have to be careful when you apply pressure, otherwise your image with be thick on the sides and not stamped in the middle. I've been using them for years and I still have to make several practice images before I will stamp my project, hence the use of time and paper.
Another difference between rubber stamps and clear stamps is ink. The best ink for clear stamps is pigment ink because it coats the stamp evenly. You can use water-based ink but it doesn't coat the stamp evenly and it tends to make your image uneven and splotchy--think of an oil and water scenario, the water just doesn't adhere to the material. My remedy is to coat the stamp with a light pigment ink and then ink it with the water-based ink--it changes the color a little bit but the the 2 step method helps the water-based ink adhere evenly.
Another downside is they lose their sticking power because they collect dust and debris like a magnet--even after they're thoroughly washed. Which leads to the annoying occurrence of the stamp falling off after it has been inked and right as its coming in for the landing. If it happens during your practice run you can use tape runner to secure it. I try not to use it with all the stamps because I hate the adhesive residue.
Needless to say, I've been really excited to try SU's new photopolymer stamps and see how they compare. I just got my first clear stamp set and I'm very impressed! They don't have the problems of the other clear stamps. SU clear stamps are VERY firm and won't squish under pressure, so the intricate lines show up perfectly. I used SU water-based ink and it adhered perfectly,without splotchiness and without the hassle of the 2 step method! Finally, the stamps are sticky on both sides and firmly contact the mounting block. I can't compare the dust and debris attraction because they're brand new. I'm hoping the increased stickiness (this is the technical term ;)) doesn't result in increased dirt and dust. I'll keep you posted. Oh and did I tell you, the photopolymer stamps are even less expensive than clear mount stamp sets and the price is comparable to regular clear stamps! I've included some sets from my wish list. I have the Point & Click set and I love it--I can't wait till I get them all!!
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