How Custom Rubber Stamps Are Made

I've discovered that custom rubber stamps are incredibly versatile tools that breathe life into various aspects of both personal and business projects. Whether it's about branding your own products, adding a personal touch to greeting cards, or simply making a unique mark, I've found that custom rubber stamps are not only a creative outlet but also an efficient solution. Ever wondered how these handy tools are made? Let's take a closer look at the fascinating process of creating custom rubber stamps.

Choosing Your Stamp

Before anything else, I've found it helpful to select the stamp you are looking to customize first. Self-inking, pre-inked, and wooden handle stamps are all available as fully custom stamps. Simply choose the stamp type and size you are looking for, then start customizing. Any time I'm struggling to decide which stamp is best for my needs, I've found this blog post on all the different stamp types to be helpful.

Designing Your Stamp

You have complete control over the customization of your custom rubber stamps. This could mean anything from custom text, images, artwork, and more. Once you select a stamp and add it to your cart, the design wizard will make the designing process smooth and simple. It gives the option to choose your own fonts and sizes for a truly unique stamp design.

Here are my personal tips to guide you through the design process:

1. Keep It Simple: From years of crafting and seeing countless designs come to life, I can't stress enough the importance of simplicity. A clean design with clear lines ensures your stamp is versatile and always leaves a crisp impression.

2. Bold Is Better: Opt for bold lines and high contrast in your design. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about functionality. Thicker lines and stark contrasts translate best to the medium of rubber stamps, ensuring your design is always legible, no matter the surface.

3. Step Away from Fine Details: I know how tempting it is to incorporate intricate details into your design. However, through trial and error, we've learned that rubber stamps work best with solid, clear shapes. Fine lines and gradients often get lost in translation. If finer details are critical to your design, consider choosing a Pre-Inked Stamp, with larger sizes being better.

4. Think About the End Use: Consider where you'll be using your stamp. Different surfaces might require different types of ink, and your design may need to be adapted accordingly. If you're unsure, we're here to help guide you to the best choices for your stamp's intended use.

5. Utilize Negative Space: Negative space isn't just empty space; it's a powerful design tool. It can help your main design elements pop and add an elegant simplicity to your stamp. When used cleverly, negative space can turn a good design into a great one.

6. Size and Aspect Ratio Are Key: The size of your stamp and the aspect ratio of your design play crucial roles in the final outcome. When considering the size, also think about the aspect ratio of your design. If your design is too wide without enough height (or vice versa), it might not stamp as clearly as you'd hope. Match the shape of your impression to the size and shape of your stamp. Aim for an aspect ratio that complements the content of your design, whether it's a logo, text, or a combination of both. Is your design especially wide or tall? Consider choosing a Wood Handle Stamp, which we can adjust to fit your design.

Transforming Your Design Into a Stamp

When it comes to creating your custom stamp, the Simply Stamps team uses two primary methods:

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving machines use high-powered laser beams to remove the rubber material selectively, following your design's outline. The lasers are controlled by our software, which ensures that they engrave exactly around your unique design. The laser beam vaporizes or melts away the rubber, creating the raised portions of your stamp. This method is used to make our custom self-inking and wood handle stamps.

Flash Machine

Flash machines work by flashing light through a vellum with the stamp image that is being produced. The light melts away the surface of the flash die plate and leaves the surface of the desired image porous in order to allow ink to flow through. This method is used to make our custom pre-inked stamps.

Ensuring Quality

Before we ship your new custom rubber stamp, our team double checks that your stamp produces clear and consistent impressions. Any adjustments needed to achieve the desired result are made at this stage, so you can enjoy a high-quality product!