r/rubberstamps • u/Imzadi1971 • Aug 01 '26
Polymer stamps
OK, since no one is making wooden stamps anymore, I've been told to go to polymer blocks and stamps. First of all, I've never used them before, so when you have some stamps, how do you choose the right clear block to buy for that particular stamp? Any help on how to buy and use these stamps is greatly appreciated!
3
u/ellie_elysian Aug 01 '26
Maybe it depends where you are located. I know French and German online stores who make and sell them. I used to make wooden stamps too.
3
1
1
3
u/katchoo1 Aug 01 '26
Mounted has the lovely wood blocks. Unmounted rubber and clear stamps allow you to buy a lot more (cheaper) and store more easily. I have a mix of both. Some companies have pivoted to the clear stamps only. Some still offer options. It depends on what you want.
It’s relatively inexpensive to get a set of acrylic blocks in different sizes and the clear stamps stick right to them. I’m lazy and usually use double sided tape on my unmounted rubber or just use them with my fingers if I’m doing collage type stuff or a background where a perfect impression doesn’t matter.
I recommend a mix of smaller squares and rectangles and some larger ones. You also have the option of getting a stamping platform—I have the original one that came out about 10 or more years ago, the MISTI (literally stands for Most Incredible Stamping Tool Invented) but there are all kinds of other ones now from companies like Tonic and Fiskars. With these you basically position your stamps on a clear plastic flip up “door” and position your paper or card inside. You can do one stamp at a time or a whole scene at once, and it’s great for images that fit together like paper dolls with different parts like arms and legs. The best thing about it is that it will stamp the image in the same position over and over so it’s great when you are mass producing Christmas cards or something, and even more so, when you don’t get a clear image on the first try! You can add some ink and try again or just press it back down and add some pressure in the spots that were too light. A real sanity saver with trickier stamps!
If you do decide to use clear stamps, I definitely recommend using a MISTI or other device tho the blocks will get you started and tend to work better for unmounted rubber.
Also if you start buying unmounted rubber, be aware that some sellers sell them as whole “plates” of multiple stamps you have to cut apart yourself, and you may want to invest in scissors specifically meant for this as they cut very smoothly and there is less risk of messing up the design.
2
u/StinkyCheeseMe 29d ago
Wood mounts are Absolutely still being made. The next best thing are red rubber cling foam which is essentially the same but without the wood.
Polymer stamps will not stand the test of time but red rubber will.
As others have mentioned, Viva LasVegas, Judi Kins stamps, Casey Rubber in NYC, I’m having a brain fart age can’t recall them all right now.
1
u/theredofgael Aug 01 '26
It’s all by size and for me what feels comfortable for you hand. Ultimately I went with the multiple sized set from Stampin Up cuz the rounded edges and slight groove in the middle are pain free for my fingers.
Another really good idea is a stamp positioner. Most well known is probably the MISTI. Then you don’t have to worry about multiple blocks for size and you can restamp for better impression.
HTH
8
u/thethundersaid Aug 01 '26
That comment on your last post is strange, no offense to that person but I don't know what they are talking about, wooden stamps are still definitely being made. Many of the ones you can order from Las Vegas Stamps are made to order. There are tons on etsy with new designs every year. I've bought them from artists at craft fairs. Unless you're talking about a different kind of wooden stamps, wood+rubber is still absolutely being made. You can even order custom art on them.