Stamping detailed engravings

[XrayAmy]

I'm often asked at shows how to get a crisp impression of a detailed engraving. I've found that ink plays a big part in getting a good image. If you use a poor quality ink with a high water content the fine lines will bleed together making the image look mottled and messy. I've found that Marvy ink is fool proof. You can use a brayer if you want but I just apply the ink with a raised ink pad. Another trick is to give the stamp one good ink application and let it dry, then reapply the ink and stamp. For paper, I just use paper off the printer. If you are still having a problem getting a good image you can use a coated paper like glossy or a matte coat.

Amy

[stampin stacy]

I was also told to not rush it, to count to 10 before lifting the stamp off the paper. Seemed to help

[XrayAmy]

I like to tell people to do CPR on larger stamps too. Those stamps where you have a hard time getting the middle to come out? Make sure yo don't move the stamp at all but put pressure with the heal of your hands, one on top of the other right in the middle, then along each corner. Putting a magazine under your paper helps too.

[Maryann]

Don't laugh. I stand on them.

[alsmouse]

Maryanne, so how do you get up onto your craft table to do that?? Just a mental picture I got in my head. LOL I sometimes stand on mine too. I also have some of the MONSTER punches that need a little stomp too. I hope I'm not the only one who does the stomp on her punches. :P

[XrayAmy]

Hey I'm just jazzed that someone rated my thread 5 stars! :clap: :clap: :clap:
I fell so special right now!

[dare2cre8]

I stomp on stamps and punches ... and anything else that needs stompin'. All in the name of art!

Also: I've been told that when you first ink up a stamp, even if you've already used it before, 70% of the ink is absorbed into the rubber, which is why the stamped image may look faint or uneven. Therefore, you'll get better results if you stamp the image on a piece of scratch paper or scratch cardstock first, then ink the rubber again and stamp on your project. So far, I've found this to be true. Might also help with finely detailed stamps.

[cmcveigh]

Hey I'm just jazzed that someone rated my thread 5 stars! :clap: :clap: :clap:
I fell so special right now!

I hope you didn't hurt yourself when you fell ~ :))

[stampin stacy]

I fell so special right now!

I hope you didn't hurt yourself when you fell

LOL, :)) I'm gonna "fell" right out of my chair if y'all don't stop!

I read this thread yesterday and never even notice. :noway:

[inkieroo]

LOL, :)) I'm gonna "fell" right out of my chair if y'all don't stop!

I read this thread yesterday and never even notice. :noway:

gee and here I sit--reading all the time and never saw the ratings! I would have given you a 5 Amy--just because!~