| Whether you're a rubber stamp rookie, dabbler, or | | | | stamps can be programmed to engrave at once. The |
| seasoned veteran, you've undoubtedly wondered how | | | | speed of engraving for one square inch of rubber |
| to make your own rubber stamp. When creating a | | | | stamp is approximately 60 seconds. While this may |
| custom rubber stamp, there are many methods that | | | | seem slow, a laser engraver will make deeply |
| can be used; in this three-part series, you'll learn the | | | | engraved "cut lines" while it is etching. A cut line |
| pros and cons of several different stamp-producing | | | | engraves so deeply that no actual cutting or special |
| methods. | | | | scissors are necessary for the rubber; simply push on |
| No matter the method, if you are looking to become a | | | | the etched item when the engraving is complete. |
| rubber stamp vendor, good luck. It would be easier to | | | | These cut lines will save a large amount of time that |
| find Osama bin Laden's cave than to find a wholesale | | | | would be otherwise allocated to tedious cutting and |
| vendor for stamp mounts and cases. Besides their | | | | hand customization. |
| clandestine status, wholesale vendors may also have | | | | Once the rubber stamps are finished etching, simply |
| a minimum purchase requirement or different price | | | | remove them from the laser engraver and soak them |
| breaks for quantity. When starting out as a small | | | | in water for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rubber dust |
| business, it may be best to buy cases and mounts | | | | and resin to be easily cleaned off with an item such as |
| from a local arts and crafts store. | | | | a toothbrush. The washing of the rubber is imperative; |
| If you're serious about creating high quality rubber | | | | without cleaning the rubber, residual dust from the |
| stamps, the best technology to use is a laser engraver. | | | | engraving process may impede the quality of the |
| Though they may cost thousands of dollars, many | | | | impression. After the rubber is clean, wipe it dry with a |
| high-end engravers can create a stamp as precise as | | | | paper towel or hand towel. At this point, you may |
| 1000 dpi. Laser engravers are optimal for high | | | | leave it unmounted or adhere it to a wood block, |
| productivity and quality rubber stamps, and items like | | | | pre-inked, or self-inking device. |
| graphics or small text are easily achieved. Laser | | | | Now that you have learned one of the many |
| engravers are less messy than other rubber | | | | stamp-making methods, stay tuned! Exciting |
| stamp-making methods, and advanced alignment | | | | information about making stamps at home is yet to |
| technology creates little waste. | | | | come! |
| Laser engravers are not labor intensive; hundreds of | | | | |