Rubber Stamps
Author: Graeme Ramsey

There are several different methods of producing rubber stamps.
The most cost effective method of making rubber stamps is
vulcanizing.

This process involves the creation of a rubber mould into which
is poured the raw rubber stamp gum.
The gum is placed on top of the mould and the stamp is then
formed with a press.

This is a relatively cheap method of stamp creation as many
stamps can be produced quickly with the one mould.

The only major expense in this process is the cost of making
the plates for the mould. Once this is done the raw materials
are relatively inexpensive.

Unfortunately this is not quite as cost effective when one-off
custom rubber stamps are required.

When a higher quality stamp is required for specific purposes
laser engraving is the process of choice.

Laser engraving produces uniform thickness and surfaces that
are free from blemishes and this is essential when the stamps
are required for printed images.

Rubber stamp making, while once only used for businesses, has
become a hobby where many people are creating their own rubber
stamps for craft projects.

To do this they generally use a process where liquid polymers
are crafted into stamps that are then affixed to wooden
handles.

There is quite a lot of information available now for the
hobbyist explaining the techniques required to create good
rubber stamps using the liquid polymer method.

It can be a little involved for a beginner but once mastered
excellent quality rubber stamps can be custom made for a
relatively low cost.

There are also books available that have ideas for decorative
or art stamps that seems to be gaining in popularity with
crafts people.

Rubber stamp making has progressed considerably with the modern
processes and raw materials that are available now and this has
been partially responsible for the increase in the popularity
of rubber stamp making.


About The Author: Graeme Ramsey writes about many different
arts and crafts topics. http://www.rubber-stamps-and-stuff.info