Rubber Stamps Guide

Self inking or custom made rubber stamp

 

Types of Rubber Stamps

 
There are many different types of rubber stamps out on the market today.  Deciding on which one to purchase depends on what a person needs them for. 

A self inking rubber stamp is where the rubber stamp and the ink pad are one unit.  The die plate usually sits right on top of the rubber stamp.  When pushed down on the surface, the stamp flips around and connects with the ink pad, and in one sweep flips back around and connects with the surface, leaving a clear impression.  This is the rubber stamp that is most highly used and recommended.  It is the stamp that is the easiest to re-ink, and the stamp that is the most economical to purchase.

A custom rubber stamp is by far the most fun and creative way to stamp.  A person can go online and create their own stamp with a picture of their own, or just by using the companies templates. The ideas are endless with this type of stamp.

A pre-inked rubber stamp is where the die is embedded right directly on the rubber stamp.  The main problem with this stamp is that when the ink runs out or gets faint, it is difficult to re-ink this stamp.  The stamp has to go through a heating process to embed the die into the rubber, and after the initial ink has run out, the quality is never the same.

A flash stamp is similar to the pre-inked rubber stamp.  The difference being that there is a thin membrane on the rubber stamp that the die is embedded on, which allows for easier re-inking of the stamp.  However, this process has to be done with special equipment, therefore, it will be more expensive to have done.  Also, the availability of having that service might be scarce, too.

The traditional hand stamp is another widely used rubber stamp.  The stamp and the ink pad are two separate entities.  The biggest advantage of this stamp is that the stamp can be made in just about any size that a person wants.  When the ink runs out, simply buying another ink pad takes care of the problem. 

Ink comes in many colors, but the most common are black, red, blue, green and violet.  Some rubber stamp companies have more colors to offer. Another item to consider when purchasing a rubber stamp is the type of handle.  They come in several types, but the most common are wood or rubber handle.  The face of the stamp can be either rubber or now they have a new foam stamp that offers promising results, as well.