Everything needs maintenance. Unfortunately when it is about rubber stamps these poor things are used and left uncared for. With just a little maintenance you can make the stamps last longer.
Rubber deteriorates – clean it
Rubber is used in stamps. Natural latex rubber is prone to degradation. It dries up, becomes hard and cracks on exposure to air. The chemicals used in stamp pad inks can also lead to damage to rubber in that it can swell and deform. Lettering in the stamp can accumulate debris leading to smudges. This is the minimum you can do for your rubber stamps:
- The best solution for cleaning stamps is a proprietary cleaner but you may find it hard to source. Simply use a toothbrush and some soap and water to brush and clean the stamps.
- If you cannot get hold of toothbrush then you can use normal face wipes.
- A better way to clean and condition your stamp is to use glycerin. Glycerin slightly moistens rubber and prevents it from drying out. Mix a spoonful of glycerin in a half cup of water and add a few drops of detergent. Dip a brush and scrub the rubber part of the rubber stamps. Clean with water and dry.
- If a stamp has accumulated debris you could try using toothpaste with a soft brush and then wash with water.
Rejuvenating the inking pad
Ink pads are prone to dry out even when you keep them covered. Ink may settle at the bottom of normal pads and pads in self-inking stamps may dry out. In this case do not add water. Inks use specific chemicals so it is better to buy ink refills and use a few drops to rejuvenate ink pads. If you add chemicals like glycol for instance, it will desaturate the colour. Rejuvenate self inking pads by pushing the button on the side of your Trodat stamp, pulling out the pad and adding about 10 drops of Trodat ink. Some self-inking stamps allow you to remove the pad. Remove the pad in such cases, moisten with ink and let the pad remain outside until it absorbs all the ink. Replace the pad. Use less ink, not more otherwise ink will leak from the pad. While you are at it, clean the rubber parts as shown above.
Is it worth it?
Most people consider stamps as disposables and do not even think about maintenance and care. The stamp lasts for about two to three years and it does not cost much to replace it. Still, proper maintenance and care will make it last longer besides giving you the assurance of clear sharp impressions.
It may not matter much with regular stamps but when you get a custom stamp made then you will find that maintaining it is worth the effort. Buy quality stamps from Addprint Rubber stamps and then invest some effort in maintenance. Your stamps will last longer and give clear impressions.
