• How to use unmounted rubber stamps with acrylic mounts

We have manufactured rubber art stamps for over 10 years. When I first started stamping, I purchased only wood mounted stamps...MANY of them.  I had no idea how simple it was to use unmounted stamps, and resisted the big changeover until I ran out of room to store them. Also, back then, unmounted stamps were just really coming into vogue. We didn't have all the nice products we have now to use unmounted stamps.  I was told to put restickable glue on the backs of the rubber stamp and then it would stick temporarily to the clear acrylic mount.  Well I did that.  But over time my acrylic mounts got messy and also the stamps stuck together in my little storage drawers and I'd find myself picking little balls of glue off of the front of stamps before I could stamp with them.  It was a mess! Luckily I discovered how to use vinyl cling to make my stamps stick temporarily to the mounts, which I'll describe in this guide.

Because we are in the business of selling unmounted stamps, we get questions on how to use them almost every day.  For many, it seems confusing and difficult...so much so that they will continue to buy mounted stamps at double the price of unmounted.  It is easy, clean and economical once you know what you are doing, and this guide will help you understand the process if you take a few minutes to read it now.

First of all, there are many companies selling many types of 'unmounted' stamps out there.  Be clear before you buy...what does it come with?  Does it come with cushion attached to the back of it, and maybe even a wood or foam block to mount it on?  Or, like most unmounted stamps you will find online, is it just the rubber die only? Ours are rubber die only, which is explained in each listing we have for unmounted stamps.  Purchasing unmounted stamps will be exciting for those who are new at it...there are unmounted individual stamps, unmounted grab bags, unmounted full sheets, unmounted partial sheets, unmounted lots, etc...and you can buy lots of stamps for little money! 

So...let's get started! Once you get your unmounted stamps, whether a full sheet of them or individual images, you will need to trim each of them closely. I have used several types of scissors, but I like the Kai rubber cutting scissors best. They cut through the rubber very easily and allow you to get into tighly curved areas of the stamp.  Once your unmounted stamp (hereafter referred to as Um or Ums) is trimmed up close, you have a couple of choices of cushion for how to use it.  The first system I will describe is what I started with years ago and still use today. 

1. Double Sticky Cushion and Vinyl Cling- this is a stamp cushion that has adhesive on both sides, and the vinyl cling comes in sheets like a sheet of paper.  Some sell it in a long roll.  Attach the trimmed UM to one of the sticky sides of the cushion - the side without a liner paper if it is only on one side.  If liner paper is on both sides of the cushion, just peel it back enough to put the stamp in place. (back of stamp against cushion)  TRIM around the stamp closely now with either the Kai scissors or an exacto craft knife.  It can get a little gummy, but you can use some 'goo gone' when you are done, OR, better yet-before you trim, run your scissors blades over an embossing ink pad...the slickness will stop it from getting so sticky and gummy when you trim through the cushion.  Once you have your Um trimmed on the cushion, peel the backing paper off the backside the the cushion.  (the back side of the stamp)  Now stick it to the shiny side of the vinyl cling - the side that does not have a liner paper on it.  Now you trim around the stamp again, but this time not as close up.  I normally leave at least 1/4" of vinyl cling around the Ums. The last thing to do is peel the backing paper (liner paper) off the back of the vinyl cling - and now you are ready to stick it to a clear acrylic mount and STAMP!  If you have a hard time visualizing how this looks...you have your rubber stamp, cushion, and vinyl cling all attached together in that order. The vinyl cling sticks to the acrylic mounts just like window cling decorations (like stores use) stick to glass windows.  If both are clean and free of oils, embossing powders, etc...they will stick nicely.  It is a temporary stick...you peel it off and can stick another Um on.  One set of clear acrylic mounts for ALL of your unmounted rubber stamps!  The initial investment in a good set of acrylic mounts pays for itself very quickly once you start saving money by buying unmounted stamps!

* Search! Double Sticky Rubber Stamp Cushion 

         *Search!  Vinyl Cling     

2. EZ Mount Vinyl Cling Foam/Cushion- This stamp cushion works on the same principle, but saves you a step in getting the stamp ready for use.  The vinyl cling is actually IN the cushion on the backside!  EZ Mount is only sticky on one side, but has a liner paper on both sides.   The other side is smooth, non sticky and is the side with vinyl cling in it that sticks to the acrylic mounts.  You put your trimmed UM on the sticky side, (back of image down on adhesive). Trim your Um closely, again, with Kai scissors or exacto craft knife.  Once you have trimmed your Um on the EZ Mount cushion, you can peel the liner paper off the backside of the cushion.  Your unmounted stamp is now ready to use!  It will adhere nicely to your clean acrylic mounts and easily peel back off.  You don't have to remember all of this...the directions are printed right on the liner paper...how easy is that!

*Search! EZ Mount Vinyl Cling Foam Cushion  

                                        *Search!   5 pc. Acrylic Mount Set for unmounted stamps

Using unmounted stamps with clear acrylic mounts allows you to see where you are placing your stamp, saves you storage space, saves you money on stamps, AND is super easy to do!  Look for a quality set that has polished edges so that they are easy on the fingers when you stamp, and has at least 5 basic sizes included. There are also 'starter' kits available (see below) that come with the Kai scissors, EZ Mount cushion, storage panels/pages, AND a 5 pc. acrylic mount set.  It is a great starter kit at a savings over buying them individually, and highly recommended to those who want to start using this system.

*Search! Stamp N Stor Starter Kit

One of the things that would sell me on this system over another,  is that they make the storage panels (pages) that fit in the D-ring large binders to store your stamps on. Stamps that have EZ Mount on them will stick nicely to the pages, and you can store stamps on both sides.  A great way to organize your unmounted stamps in a small amount of space, not to mention being able to travel with them!

Hopfully this guide has solved some of the mystery of (using) unmounted stamps for you.  If it has been helpful, please be sure to let us know!  If you still have questions, we would be happy to answer them for you.  PrairiePeddlers

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