Creating Rubber Stamps:
Not All Methods Created Equal (Part 3 of 3)
Welcome back to “Creating Rubber Stamps: Not All Methods Created Equal.” In parts one
and two of this three-part series, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages
of the laser-engraving and photopolymer rubber stamp-making processes.
In this final installment, you will learn how to make custom rubber stamps
and art stamps from the comfort of your very own home!
When making stamps at home, a chemical or non-chemical process can be used. Whether chemical
or non-chemical, for homemade rubber stamps or art stamps, a flat eraser will become
the artist’s palette. To use a non-chemical
process, take a pen and outline on the stamp the image to be etched.
Using a sharp item, such as a box cutter, steak knife or linoleum cutter,
etch away the non-inked eraser so that all that is left is the raised image the
rubber stamp will imprint. If you are
not confident in your drawing skills, you may want to use a piece of tracing paper
and trace the image you would to place on the rubber stamp.
Once the image has been traced, flip over the tracing paper and rub the outline
onto the stamp. A pin, fork, or other
hard surface can also be used to make indentations of the traced surface.
This may not make the most precise image; however, it will provide some guidance
for artistically-challenged individuals.
If more precise guidance than tracing paper is preferred, a chemical process can
also be used.
First, a clear black-and-white photocopy of the image will be needed. Wet the image with acetone using a cotton
swab or ball, and press the dark and wet side of the image on the eraser.
Acetone is highly flammable and may irritate skin; stay in a well-ventilated
area and make as little contact with the chemical as possible.
Remove the paper from the eraser; the ink will have transferred to the rubber
eraser. Using the box or linoleum cutter,
carve away the non-inked areas of the eraser; this will create a rubber stamp out
of the raised surfaces.
After the rubber stamp has been carved, you may want to mount it on a piece of wood
or other hard surface.
This will promote the longevity of the stamp and keep it from suffering too much
“wear and tear” while stamping. Mounting
the eraser will also help the user to stay away from the ink while stamping. Another advantage of using a mounted
stamp is the guarantee of a hard surface and quality impression with every imprint.
Although making a stamp by hand is an attractive option, it requires extensive hand-customization
and allows little room for error.
If the carver makes a mistake, they must adjust the image for the mistake or,
in a worst-case scenario, start completely over.
In addition to the extensive time required, there are also costs that must
be incurred for each stamp created.
For example, to create a 1” x 1” wooden-mounted stamp, the cost would be approximately:
$2.00 1”
x 1” wood block
$0.50 rubber
eraser
$6.00 Small
utility knife or linoleum cutter
$2.00 acetone (nail-polish remover)
$10.50 total
These charges will not be incurred with every stamp. A bottle of acetone and a box or linoleum
cutter will last for quite a long time, so subsequent stamps may cost as little
as $1-$2. In comparison, the average
cost for a 1” x 1” stamp online is $4.00-$6.00.
While the carving tools and acetone may need to be replaced infrequently,
the other costs, lack of precision and hassle-factors may prove incentive enough
to purchase stamps from an online or retail store.
Whether you’re laser-engraving, creating photopolymer molds, carving rubber stamps
by hand or shopping for rubber stamps online, take the knowledge from this three-part
series to make your decision!
Remember that, when it comes to rubber and art stamp customization, the possibilities
are endless!
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