Rubber Stamps

There are several different methods of producing rubber stamps. The most cost effective method of making rubber stamps is vulcanizing.
This process involves the creation of a rubber mould into which is poured the raw rubber stamp gum.
The gum is placed on top of the mould and the stamp is then formed with a press.
This is a relatively cheap method of stamp creation as many stamps can be produced quickly with the one mould.
The only major expense in this process is the cost of making the plates for the mould. Once this is done the raw materials are relatively inexpensive.
Unfortunately this is not quite as cost effective when one-off custom rubber stamps are required.
When a higher quality stamp is required for specific purposes laser engraving is the process of choice.
Laser engraving produces uniform thickness and surfaces that are free from blemishes and this is essential when the stamps are required for printed images.
Rubber stamp making, while once only used for businesses, has become a hobby where many people are creating their own rubber stamps for craft projects.
To do this they generally use a process where liquid polymers are crafted into stamps that are then affixed to wooden handles.
There is quite a lot of information available now for the hobbyist explaining the techniques required to create good rubber stamps using the liquid polymer method.
It can be a little involved for a beginner but once mastered excellent quality rubber stamps can be custom made for a relatively low cost.
There are also books available that have ideas for decorative or art stamps that seems to be gaining in popularity with crafts people.
Rubber stamp making has progressed considerably with the modern processes and raw materials that are available now and this has been partially responsible for the increase in the popularity of rubber stamp making.