Rubber Stamps

Designer Stamps create incredibly accurate details using ceramics glazes.  These stamps can be used with contrasting glazes for stimulating effects or as a template to create an outline that can be coloured in.  Flexible stamps are especially beneficial for working on curved or rounded surfaces.  And they are great for creating textured designs in unfired clay.

Apply Glaze to Stamp

• Clean stamp prior to first use with mild soap or AC-525 Brush cleaner and water to remove film that could repel glaze.
• Place paper towel on flat surface and lay stamp on it.
• Dispense glaze that will be used onto a palette, plate or other surface which will allow glazed to be exposed to air. You will want the glaze to “tack up” or dry a little before applying to the stamp.
• Dip a synthetic sponge (or AC-212 sponge on a stick) into the glaze, pat off any excess, and lightly dap the sponge against the raised design of the stamp. Avoid getting glaze on the outer areas of the stamp or over applying to raised design.

Apply Glaze to Ceramic Surface

• Use on top of unfired glazed surfaces or directly apply to bare bisque.
• Lay stamp on ceramic surface.
• Gently pat the stamp to apply the design – pat too hard and you may distort the image.
• To remove the stamp – pinch th ends of the stamp and lift straight up from the surface. Avoid letting the stamp slide as this too could distort the image.

Tips

• As you are only applying a light application of glaze with the stamp, lighter colours may not show up well when stamped over darker colours.
• Keep stamps clean with a toothbrush and water. The toothbrush will remove glaze may setle in the crevices of the stamp.
• For precise stamp placement - use a pencil to make hash marks where you wish to lay the stamp (pencil marks will fire out).
• If you wish to use a specific section of the stamp, cut a piece of paper to create a “window” which will block unwanted design details from being transferred to your work.
• Many good designs can be created by only “inking”up sections of the stamp and stamping in random angles.
• Clear glaze is not necessary (unless used on bare bisque).