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, the
advantages and disadvantages of the laser-engraving and
photopolymer rubber stamp-making processes were discussed. 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 and 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 that the rubber stamp will impress. 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 give 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 side of the image on the eraser. As 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 costs would be
approximately: $0.75 1" x 1" wood block $0.50 rubber eraser
$6.00 Small utility knife and/or linoleum cutter $2.00 acetone
$9.25 TOTAL
In comparison, the average cost for a 1" x 1" stamp online is
$4.00-$6.00. While the carving tools and acetone may last for
quite a while, 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! If you are looking for the precision of
laser-engraving, the economy of photopolymer, or the homemade
look of erasers, each stamp-making method has something to
offer. Remember that, when it comes to art stamp and rubber
stamp customization, the possibilities are endless!