Clear stamps – oh they are so cool! Just peel and place on an acrylic stamp and you can see exactly where you are placing your image. You can use more than one stamp on an acrylic block at a time too. And now that they have been out on the market for many years, they have also improved. The first ones tend to yellow with age, but it does not affect the stamped image. Now, they stay clear unless you are using certain inks that will permanently stain. Oh, yes, I have done that too. Most stamps come with care directions on the back of the package, but I have noticed not all do and that the dollar ones don’t.

• One thing they do not tell you is that you should take an eraser – just a plain pink pencil one – and rub the stamp. This gets it clean so it can hold the ink. If not it can pool and look odd. Trust me, you’ll get a much better print if you do.
• Peal off the stamp carefully, they can tear – yes, I’ve done that too and was not happy about it.
• Make sure to clean your stamps immediately after using them. There is cleaner specifically made for clear stamps. Do not use the Staz-On Stamp Clear – it will ruin your stamp. No cleaning with acetone, bleach or other oil-based cleaners. I find that using the soap and water cleans nicely and restore cling. I blot dry with a paper towel or air dry. If you need to clean the acrylic blocks, rubbing alcohol works wonders. I’ve also used soap and water.
• Don’t forget that some ink can discolor and stain stamps, but it does not affect the stamp.
• Keep your stamps stored on the sheet they came on, out of the sunlight. Extreme heat and cold are also bad for them – for us too. Would you want to be stuck in a box out in a hot garage in the middle of summer in Phoenix? There are boxes and organizers out there that you can buy. I like using a three ring binder with page protectors to slide them into. I have them categorized.

If you have any other tips, suggestions or questions about caring for clear stamp, please leave a comment below.