A Guide on Materials for Durability & Sustainability - choosing the best stamps for crafting
Not all stamps are created equal! Whether you’re a casual crafter or a serious journaler, knowing what your stamps are made of can help you choose the best option for durability, performance, and even environmental impact.
🟠 Red Rubber Stamps
✔️ Highly durable—can last for decades.
✔️ Deeply etched for crisp impressions.
✔️ Natural rubber is more eco-friendly; synthetic rubber is petroleum-based.
💰 Higher upfront cost, but great cost-per-use if you use them regularly.
🔵 Photopolymer Stamps
✔️ Sharp, clean stamping with good ink adhesion.
✔️ More durable than acrylic or silicone.
✔️ Production involves UV curing, with some VOC emissions.
💰 Mid-to-high price range, but longevity makes it a good investment for frequently used designs.
🟢 Acrylic Stamps
✔️ Clear for easy placement.
✔️ Lower cost than photopolymer.
✔️ Often made from petroleum-based plastics (non-biodegradable).
💰 Budget-friendly, but may degrade over time if not properly cared for —best for designs used occasionally.
🔴 Silicone Stamps
✔️ Soft and flexible but may not hold ink well.
✔️ Typically the lowest cost.
✔️ Often found in bulk craft sets; wears out faster.
💰 Cheaper upfront but less durable.
🔎 Cost-Per-Use Considerations
Many crafters own a wide variety of stamps but don’t use the same ones frequently. If you use a stamp often, investing in photopolymer or red rubber might save money in the long run. If you use a stamp only a few times, an acrylic or silicone version may be more practical despite its shorter lifespan.
How to Identify Different Types of Stamps to help you choose the the best stamps for crafting
If you're unsure what type of stamp you have, here are a few simple ways to tell them apart:
🟠 Red Rubber Stamps → These are deep red or dark brown in color and usually come mounted on wood or with a foam backing for use with acrylic blocks. They feel firm and durable, and their deeply etched designs create crisp impressions.
🔵 Photopolymer Stamps → These are clear, slightly tacky to the touch, and cling well to acrylic blocks without additional adhesives. They tend to feel firmer and slightly flexible but not overly soft. They hold ink well without excessive beading. Many manufacturers may specify that stamps are photopolymer as an indication of quality.
🟢 Acrylic Stamps → Often completely clear, but feel stiffer and smoother than photopolymer. They may not cling as well to acrylic blocks over time and can lose their stickiness. Ink sometimes pools on their surface, leading to uneven stamping.
🔴 Silicone Stamps → Usually softer and stretchier than photopolymer or acrylic. They may feel slightly rubbery and don’t always cling well to acrylic blocks. Ink often beads up on their surface, making it harder to get crisp impressions. They often appear cloudier and attract dust easily.
When it comes to crafting, the right tools can make all the difference—and that includes your stamps. Whether you prefer the long-lasting durability of red rubber, the crisp impressions of photopolymer, or the affordability of acrylic and silicone, understanding their differences helps you make informed choices. While sustainability and cost-per-use are important factors, the best stamp for you ultimately depends on how often you use it, what you can afford and what kind of results you want to achieve. By choosing wisely, you can get the most out of your stamps while reducing waste and ensuring your crafting supplies stand the test of time. Happy stamping!
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