Clear Stamps vs Rubber Stamps: Which One Is for You?

Cardmaking has become a beloved craft, allowing people all over the world to customize handmade cards for special occasions. This hobby heavily relies on high-quality cardmaking tools, and stamps are one of them. 

Stamp Smarter, Not Harder: SlimGrip Sticky Mats Revealed!

Clear stamps and rubber stamps are currently the most popular and readily available in the market. They both have their fair share of pros and cons, and today we’ll be diving into each of them in this guide to help you choose which one’s best for your crafting projects!

Why Choosing the Right Stamp Matters

Stamps make the crafting process easy simply because all you have to do is apply ink on ready-made images and then press them on paper. Whether you’re looking for simple sentiment stamps or more intricate floral stamps, the process remains the same — ink and stamp! 

However, it’s worth noting that different stamp types may have varying effects on paper. Choosing the right one depends on your preferences. Are you looking for something convenient to use? Easy to clean? If you’re not sure, we’re going to dive into some characteristics of clear and rubber stamps that will help you decide.

Understanding Clear Stamps 

Most crafters are likely to be familiar with clear stamps. There are different types of clear stamps like photopolymer or acrylic, but we’ll be discussing the former in this guide since it’s considered the better variant. Learn more in the coming sections and see if clear photopolymer stamps are for you: 

Clear Backing 

True to its name, clear or photopolymer stamps are transparent. They are attached to a clear block for stamping, and can also be detached for easy storing. They have no elements like wood or plastic, making the intricate details of the stamp visible on both sides.

Some crafters may argue that this looks more aesthetically pleasing and that it’s easier to see the ink incorporated into the stamp itself. You can apply fresh dye inks and ensure that every part of your stamp is covered in ink thanks to its clear properties.

Easy to Align 

Since this stamp type is clear, it also makes visibility and alignment a game-changer. If you’ve ever experienced stamping but found that the result was crooked or misaligned, you won’t have to worry about that with a clear stamp! 

Once you’ve mounted your stamp on an acrylic block or a Stampwheel, apply ink, carefully press it on the desired location on your cardstock, and press. It may take a few tries if you’ve never used a clear stamp, but rest assured that once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that clear stamps are truly a godsend when it comes to crafting. 

Best for Layered Stamping 

The beauty of stamping is that there are plenty of opportunities for you to mix and match designs or even layer certain shades one on top of the other. Crafters who are looking for more versatile stamp sets should consider clear stamps since they are best for layered stamping. 

Let’s say you want to stamp some tie-dye art on your card. All you have to do is stamp the first layer in one color, apply another color to the next layer, stamp it again, and so on. The clear backing is perfect for layered effects because you can see where you’ll position your stamp without worrying about misalignment.

Understanding Rubber Stamps 

Now, let’s move on to a more traditional and commonly known stamp type. Rubber stamps, as the name suggests, allow ink to sit on a rubber surface. It then seamlessly transfers it to paper. Take a look at some rubber stamp characteristics below, and whether or not they would suit your crafting projects: 

Covered Backing 

Unlike clear or photopolymer stamps, the rubber variant has a covered backing. It can either be made out of wood or some type of plastic to help you hold and press it properly. Often, these covered backings have a drawing of the stamp design itself. This is handy as you are not able to see through the stamp to help with placement. 

Slightly Clearer Imprint 

If clear stamps are best for achieving a bold and vibrant effect, rubber stamps are known for their clarity. All you have to do is apply some ink, press it on paper, and that’s it! You’ll find that the details are translated well and that the result has a clean look.

A Bit Challenging to Align 

Since rubber stamps have a covered backing, it can be hard to see the precise location of where you’re stamping. Some attempts might be misaligned or slightly off, which means that this variant is not the best for those who want to experience incredibly accurate stamping.  

However, some tools can help you with that! For instance, using a stamp positioning tool like the Stampwheel will help you achieve more precise placements using rubber stamps. This crafting material keeps your stamps in place and accurately applies them to your desired location.

Stampwheel - SlimGrip Sticky Mat (White)

Best for Non-Layered Stamping 

Lastly, the characteristics of rubber stamps make them great for non-layered results. Due to its covered backing, it will be challenging to layer different styles and colors on one card, so if you’re looking for a simpler, more straightforward stamping experience, then rubber stamps might be the best choice for you. 

On the other hand, it’s also worth knowing that rubber stamps can limit the crafting techniques you can do and take up more storage in your crafting space as well.

The Pros and Cons of Rubber vs Clear Stamps for Cardmaking

FEATURES	RUBBER STAMP	CLEAR STAMP
Visibility and Placement		✔
Easier to Store		✔
Layered Stamping		✔
Captures Finer Details	✔
Variety and Versatility		✔
Nostalgic Stamp Vibes	✔

Choose the Best Stamps for Your Cardmaking Needs! 

We hope this guide has been helpful in your decision to choose the best stamps for cardmaking. Whether you go for clear stamps or rubber ones, you’ll no doubt have a blast using them for creating special and heartfelt handmade cards. 

Get your own stamps for crafting today, and enjoy a fun and convenient cardmaking experience!