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Which Stamp?

Choosing the right rubber stamp can make a significant difference in your workflow and creative projects. With various options available, it’s important to understand the benefits and best use cases for each type. Here, we outline the positives and ideal uses for traditional rubber stamps, self-inking stamps, pre-inked stamps, and acrylic stamps to help you make an informed decision.

WHAT IS A SELF INKING STAMP

A self-inking stamp is a type of rubber stamp that incorporates an ink pad
within its housing. Unlike traditional rubber stamps that require a separate ink pad, self-inking stamps automatically ink the rubber after each impression.
This is achieved through a mechanism that flips the stamp’s rubber die back
into the ink pad after the surface has been stamped. Self-inking stamps
are convenient because they eliminate the need to manually apply ink before each use, and they often provide consistent and clean impressions.
They are commonly used in offices, businesses, and for personal use in tasks
such as addressing envelopes, marking documents, signatures and labeling.
Overall, self-inking stamps offer convenience, efficiency, and consistency
in tasks that involve repetitive stamping. Plus your self-inking stamp pad can be replaced or re-inked.

WHAT IS A PRE-INKED STAMP

A pre-inked stamp is a type of stamp that doesn’t require an ink pad. Instead, the stamp itself contains ink reservoirs built into its unit.
These reservoirs hold ink and transfer it through the stamp image when pressure is applied. Pre-inked stamps are known for producing clear and crisp impressions because the ink is evenly distributed and contained within the stamp. They are convenient and mess-free compared to traditional rubber stamps that require a separate ink pad.

Businesses often use pre-inked stamps because of the larger size options than the regular Self Inking Stamps.
Perfect for stamping their Logos, Branding, packaging and accounting grid Stamps.

WHAT IS A TRADITIONAL STAMP

A traditional rubber stamp is a stamp made from rubber mounted on recycled wooden block with Handle. These stamps require an external ink pad to be used. When you press the rubber design onto the ink pad, it picks up the ink, which is then transferred onto the surface you’re stamping when you apply pressure. Traditional rubber stamps are versatile and can be used with different coloured inks, making them popular for various applications.

Traditional Rubber stamps are versatile tools for various do-it-yourself projects, including marking documents, packaging, Coffee Cups, labeling, decorating,
or creating patterns on surfaces like fabric, wood, or paper.

WHAT IS AN ACRYLIC STAMP

Acrylic stamps are a modern and versatile option, often used in crafting and DIY projects. These stamps are clear, allowing for precise placement of the image on your project. They are mounted on acrylic blocks and can be used with various types of ink pads. Acrylic Stamps are the perfect tool used to give a clean and deep impression for pottery, soap and leather.

GET IN TOUCH

Understanding the unique benefits and applications of each type of rubber stamp can help you select the perfect tool for your needs. Whether you prefer the flexibility of traditional stamps, the convenience of self-inking stamps, the precision of pre-inked stamps, or the versatility of acrylic stamps, there is a solution tailored to your specific requirements. If you’re still not sure which type of stamp you need please get in touch with one of our friendly team members.

Stamp Size Guide

Download PDF size guide and print A4 size at 100%.

Traditional Stamp Size Guide – PDF

Self-Inking Stamp Size Guide – PDF

Pre-Inked Stamp Size Guide – PDF

Pre-Designed Stamp Size Guide – PDF

Artwork Preparation

We prefer to work with original vector images for all our custom products, saved as an ai, eps or pdf file. If you are providing a vector file, please make sure all fonts are converted to outlines/objects.

We can also accept JPG, PNG, GIF and TIF files provided they are single colour [ideally black] and high resolution [at least 300 dpi].

We offer Artwork Assistance to get your artwork manufacturing ready. On your order upload your image and choose “Artwork Assistance” and we will get your artwork ready for production. This incurs a $35.00 labour charge.

Please call us if you need any help with the artwork prep

Rubber Stamp Artwork Guide

Creating artwork for rubber stamps requires careful consideration to ensure the final product is clear, detailed, and functional. Here are some key guidelines to follow:

1. Design Simplicity

  • Keep it Simple: Rubber stamps work best with simple, bold designs. Avoid intricate details that may not transfer well onto the rubber.
  • Bold Lines: Use bold lines and shapes to ensure clarity. Thin lines or fine details can get lost during the stamping process.

2. High Contrast

  • Black and White: Design in black and white to see how the stamp will look when inked. Avoid gradients and shading.
  • Clear Edges: Ensure there are clear, distinct edges in your design to create a crisp imprint.

3. Size and Scale

  • Proper Dimensions: Create your design to fit the exact dimensions of the stamp size you will be using.
  • Check Legibility: Ensure that all text and images are legible at the size of the final stamp. Test by printing your design at the actual size.

4. Text Considerations

  • Readable Fonts: Use simple, bold fonts. Avoid cursive or highly decorative fonts that might not reproduce well.
  • Spacing: Maintain sufficient spacing between letters and elements to prevent them from merging when stamped.

5. Image Resolution

  • High Resolution: Design at a high resolution (300 DPI or higher) to ensure the stamp maker can capture all the details.
  • Vector Graphics: Use vector graphics if possible. They provide the clearest lines and can be resized without loss of quality.

6. Design Elements

  • Negative Space: Incorporate enough negative space to ensure that elements are not too close together. This helps in achieving a clean stamp.
  • Borders: If using a border, ensure it’s not too close to the edge of the stamp to avoid partial impressions.

7. Testing and Adjustments

  • Test Prints: Before finalizing, print your design on paper to check for clarity and detail.
  • Adjustments: Make necessary adjustments based on the test prints. Simplify further if needed.

8. File Formats

  • Preferred Formats: Save your final design in commonly accepted formats such as PNG, JPG, or vector formats like SVG or AI.
  • Design Software: Use professional design software like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or similar for best results.

By following these guidelines, you can create effective and visually appealing rubber stamp designs that reproduce well and serve their intended purpose efficiently.