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Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Getting Clear Mount Stamps to Stick to the Blocks

I love clear-mount stamps, they are so much easier to store and they are less expensive than wood mount stamps. Getting them to cling to the blocks can sometimes be tricky, especially in a humid climate. Luckily, I’ve got some great tips. Start by making sure the block is clean; cleaning them with the Clear Block Cleaning Cloth (item 121779, $3.95) OR rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner works great. Once your block is squeaky clean, apply the stamp to the block firmly – you can’t damage the stamp or the block, so push hard for three full seconds. You can tell if you pushed hard enough by turning the block over (rubber side down) and looking at the air bubbles. If the air bubbles are flat, you’re good. If they’re still nice and round, push harder until those bubbles flatten out.

If the stamp is still not sticking, try these quick fixes:
  • Create a bit of static electricity by rubbing the block and back of your stamp quickly a few times on your pants or shirt sleeve.
  • Apply just a little squiggle of 2-Way Glue (item 100425) on the label of the stamp and let it dry completely. It dries clear but is a little tacky, which helps the stamp stick to the block better.
  • Because the foam on the clear stamps has a stronger cling than the label, trim around the image on the sticker as close as you can before you peel off the paper, exposing the foam around the edges when the sticker is adhered.
  • Or, you can use the stamps totally without labels. This only works on stamps that you haven’t labeled though. If you’ve already labeled your stamps, don’t try to pull the label off; you’ll damage the stamp and the label!
Here is a good video from a Demo across the pond.