Frequently asked questions

The stamp

Q: What is the quality of imagepac Stampmaker stamps like?
A: Image Quality: Standard rubber can hold some detail whilst silicone or acrylic stamps usually just have simple designs. Polymer can hold the finest images possible and make the most intricate stamps, even photographs. 
Ink usage: Rubber based stamps can be used with any inks; polymer stamps however, are designed for use with water based inks. Long term use of solvent based inks and cleaners with polymer stamps will cause them to curl and weaken.  Having said this, you can easily get a long life out of a polymer stamp when using solvent based inks by just cleaning soon after use - many hundred stampings.

Q: What inks can I use with my stamp?
A: All photopolymer stamps work well with pigment and dye based inks (water based inks). You can use solvent inks but bear in mind that the solvent (including in your stamp cleaner) will degrade your stamp over time. Use solvent cleaner sparingly.

Q: How long can I expect my stamp to last?
A: We have tested stamps to a million impressions so it will last as long as you need it to if treated correctly!

Q: Is an imagepac stamp expensive?
A: No, it will be very profitable to make and sell stamps.

imagepac Stampmaker

Q: What is the light in the Stampmaker?
A: It is mainly UVA peak 360nm, you should avoid direct contact with the eyes.

Q: Can imagepac be hardened in other UV units?
A: Yes but you will have to get the times right yourself.

imagepac

Q: What material is the imagepac?
A: imagepac is a photopolymer resin.  Photopolymer has been used in the printing industry for over 40 years and is used today to make printing plates. It is well known for its imaging ability and its ink transferring ability.

Q: Is it toxic or harmful?
A: No.  Photopolymer is a mild irritant. If you get it on your skin, wash with warm soapy water. When hardened it is completely safe to handle just like any other clear stamp. 

Q: Can I use just part of my imagepac and keep the rest?
A: No, it is not really practical to shield part of the imagepac to keep it liquid.  You should use an imagepac of the correct size. We make Small, Medium and Large sized imagepac, just pick the one that is right for your artwork.

Making the artwork

Q: How do I get the right ink jet printer settings on my printer?
A: Print using the ‘normal’ or ‘draft’ setting, not best
Increase the ink volume (if possible) to maximum
Change the paper setting to ‘photo paper matte’
You can draw a little box in Word (click insert text box and right click on the border open properties and select black fill).  Then print this box using different settings above and compare to select the darkest.
We recommend HP, the paper setting that delivers most ink varies from printer to printer, but try ‘photo paper matte’, ‘specialty film’, ‘brochure paper’ or ‘card stock’.
Ultimately the black must just stop light, so look at it against the light and see if you can through it!

Q: How do I make text stamps?
A: Text stamps are really easy, you can insert text using the imagepac program, but Microsoft Word has more functionality, so we would recommend using that. Insert a Text box and adjust its size, right click on the border and in Format Text Box change the fill from white to black. Then in Format font change the color to white. Leave about of black border around the edge of the text to keep the floor of the stamp nice and level at the edges.

Q: Can I use any ink jet printer?
A: Virtually all ink jet printers will give you artwork that is black enough to stop light getting through if you optimize the settings.  We recommend you use the model we selected.

Q: Can I use a laser printer?
A: Only some will print dark enough, so we recommend inkjet. 

Q: What happens if my artwork ink remains wet?
A: If your ink remains wet on your imageblack artwork then you have printed on the wrong side.  The printable side is slightly rough to the touch. If you want a quick way of telling which side to print on then wet your fingers and press on a corner, one side will stick and this is the side to feed into your printer so that it will take the ink. Take care as the printed film is easily scratched.

Q: Can I use refilled ink jet cartridges?
A: Possibly, but it’s unlikely and the quality may not be as good as the manufacturer’s brand.  Check the quality of the own brand first and then see if you get the same quality with refilled ones.

Q: Can I use a cheaper ink jet film?
A: It is unlikely OHP film will be black enough. imageblack ink jet film is a very high quality film that uses a sophisticated system to enhance the black and improve your image. 

Q: Can I make a stamp from a photograph?
A: Yes, use the imagepac software and press ‘photograph’. Reduce the time in Stampmaker by 1 to 1 ½ minutes to hold detail open. 

Q: Do I have to use a printer to make my artwork?
A: No, you can draw them with permanent ink pen onto the soft side of the imagepac, onto the film (in negative format) or use a stencil that lets light through and stops it.

Washing out the stamp
 
Q: Why is my stamp not washed out properly?
A: To wash your stamp out you should hold it under a gently running hot tap until the liquid has fallen off, then squirt a generous amount of washing up liquid on it and rub it in a circular motion until it is clean.  Finally, rinse and check against the light.

Q: Can I use soap instead of detergent?
A: Yes, we recommend washing up liquid (dish soap) as it is quicker and better.

Q: Can I use cold water?
A: Yes, but it will wash out faster and easier in hot water.

Q: What happens if leave the imagepac in the water too long?
A: If left in the water for a long time the plate will turn white and will swell up, this may permanently deform the plate (probably about 1 hour). 

Hardening the stamp under water

Q: Can I make my stamp less tacky?
A: Yes, leave it under the lights for a few more minutes.

Q: Can I make my stamp completely clear?
A: imagepac Stampmaker stamps will have a residual red color. imagepac has a yellow colour, daylight is bright yellow and only imagepac super clea are perfectly clear stamps.

Please feel free to email us your questions. We love to hear from you!