Clear stamps are made from a type of plastic and the best quality ones are made from photopolymer. Because of this property, they should always be stored in a cool place and out of direct sunlight (or high heat) to avoid warping and discoloration. They also stain fairly easy when inked up, but this is merely a cosmetic issue and does not affect the quality of further impressions whatsoever. One of the greatest advantages is they are see-through, so placement on your project is easy. Be careful when pulling them of the backing as they are tacky. Over time they can lose their stickiness due to dust and dirt, which can be solved by simply washing them with some water. It is best not to use them with StazOn inks for extended periods of time or use harsh stamp cleaners as this may damage the material.

Cling stamps are (red) rubber stamps with a foam backing (i.e. cling material). These stamps usually have more detailed designs and because of their rubber properties, will not deteriorate over time.

Both types typically require the use of an acrylic block or stamping tool to mount the stamps on. However, a background stamp can also be used without one, simply placing the stamp with the image up on your workspace, inking it up and placing your cardstock directly on top of the stamp.

Tips:

- Always clean your stamps after use to avoid ink residu on the next image, but use a shammy (instead of something that leaves behind fibers) and avoid harsh stamp cleaners.

- If you are not satisfied with the crispness of the image, condition your stamps before the first use. Gently rub with a sand eraser over the clear stamps to get rid of some manufacturer's residu on the stamp. Or use Versamark as a primer to help stick the desired color to the stamp.

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