What is the difference between a mounted and unmounted stamp?
(Or for some...what is an unmounted stamp?)
Traditional rubber stamps consist of a rubber die (stamp image), cushion and a wood mount. They are assembled in that order and are held together by an adhesive.
Unmounted stamps are just the rubber die without any kind of a mount.
Why use unmounted stamps?
There are three major reasons:
1. The main reason I use unmounted stamps is that they are easier to stamp with when using a temporary mounting system of acrylic blocks. You are able to see through the block so you know exactly where the stamp is placed. This allows you to get a far more accurate placement of your stamped images.
2. Unmounted stamps are much less expensive then mounted stamps. There is no additional expense for the wood mount and the assembling of the stamp.
3. Unmounted stamps take up far less storage space than mounted stamps because all you have is the rubber die. Just take a look at the above picture and you can see the difference in size!
How are unmounted stamps sold?
Unmounted stamps can be sold a variety of ways. They can come as individual images, sets or sheets of various sizes. Normally unmounted stamps are sold as just the rubber die without the cushion. Some companies do sell their unmounted stamps with cushion or will give you the option.
Once you get your stamps you will probably need to trim them. The stamps should be trimmed as close to the image as possible. You will need a good pair of scissors. Preferably a brand recommended for cutting rubber. The most popular scissors to cut rubber are Kai scissors. The easiest way to cut the rubber is in small short straight cuts. Unmounted stamps are much easier to cut then stamps already on cushion. When a stamp is on cushion there is a tendency to undercut the cushion. This happens because you actually are cutting on an angle when trying to go in a circular motion. This is why I recommend getting in the habit of using straight cuts to work your way around an image.
The stamp on the left is a wood mounted stamp.
The stamp on the right is an unmounted stamp.
This is what a small set of unmounted stamps will look like.
You will need to cut them apart and have them trimmed as close as possible before stamping.
How do you use unmounted stamps?
Unmounted stamps can be used two ways:
1. Permanent mounting - in which you adhere the rubber die permanently to a wood mount.
2. Temporary mounting - where you use a block and take the rubber die on and off as needed. This is the most efficient way to use unmounted stamps. Acrylic blocks are used for this method.
If you decide to use a temporary mounting system you will need an acrylic block(s), adhesive and possibly cushion for your stamps. Many stamps do not require cushion to stamp a good clean image. I normally put all my stamps on cushion. I have tried many of my stamps without cushion and have found that they stamp just as good without the cushion due to them being deeply etched. I actually prefer using the definition stamps without cushion for the best impression. The background stamps work best with cushion. I think everything else falls inbetween and is a matter of preference. My advice is to try stamping it first without. If you are not happy with the image you get, then put it on cushion.
Using unmounted stamps with cushion:
There are several different types of cushion available. My absolute favorite is the one I am now selling and can be seen here. This is a red sponge cushion that I got hooked on from one of the direct sales stamp companies. There is adhesive on one side and the other side is textured. To use this cushion you remove the film backing from the sticky side and place your rubber die on the cushion. If you are mounting full or partial sheets you can lay the whole sheet down and cut it that way. I like to be frugal with my cushion and will do image by image to maximize space. Once your rubber die is stuck to the cushion you are ready to cut. Don't be intimidated! You will laugh at yourself after you see how easy it is. Just make sure you use short straight cuts/snips like mentioned above to avoid undercutting.
Now your ready to attach your stamp to your acrylic block. There are two ways you can adhere this cushion to your acrylic block. My favorite is to use Aleene's Tack It Over & Over liquid glue. It is an extra step but I feel well worth it. One application will last a long time allowing you to stick the stamp to the block "over & over" again. I like the nice tight grip I get between the cushion and block. The glue can be found in any craft store. It is a white liquid glue that you can apply with a makeup sponge or a disposeable sponge brush. You just want to apply a light coat all over the textured side. Once the glue dries and turns totally clear it is ready to go! Let the makeup sponge or sponge brush dry and keep using it. The glue will build up and will help apply a nice thin coat.
If you don't want to be bothered with the extra step of gluing and waiting for it to dry then simply use tape! You can use the tape method described in the next section with the cushion as well.
Using unmounted stamps without cushion:
The easiest and least expensive adhesive to use especially when not using cushion is a removeable poster tape. I use Scotch Removeable Poster Tape by 3M in the red packaging. All you need to do is tear a small piece of tape and apply it to your acrylic block. Then take your trimmed rubber die and stick it onto the the block. Press lightly to make sure the stamp is secure. Now your ready to stamp away! It's that simple.
When you are done stamping with one image, simply remove the rubber die and leave the tape on the block. You can now attach and stamp your next image. If you are done stamping, leave the tape on the block and re-cover the tape with the original backing. This will prevent the tape from getting dusty and will be ready to use in the future. Once the tape has lost its stick just remove it and apply another piece to the block. The nice thing about the removeable tape is that it does not leave any sticky residue behind.
Place a piece of removeable poster tape directly on your acrylic block (see righthand block). The tape will securely hold your stamp in place while stamping. You can see how the tape will hold the stamp as pictured on the lefthand block.
