Serpentine 12x12 Decor Stamps 1 sheet

PREPARATION IS KEY.

Before removing from backing, condition your stamps with very fine sandpaper, scuff the surface in two directions. This helps the mediums stay put, and not bead (which some types, like ceramics glazes, tend to do).

Remove stamps from backing when ready to use. This takes some force, but don’t worry, the stamps are strong.

DIFFERENT MOUNTS FOR DIFFERENT SURFACES.

Large mounting block. This is recommended for surfaces that are perfectly flat, for example, if you are doing fabric on a perfectly flat work surface. 

Freestyle stamping. This is what we call it when you use a flexible piece of plastic, such as the clear sheet that came with the stamps, as a mounting device. Simply position the stamp on the sheet and proceed. This is great for irregular surfaces such as walls or furniture (surprisingly, many furniture surfaces that appear flat have dips- this method will conform nicely).

No mount. This is when you would use the stamp without mounting to anything, because you want it to really conform to a curved surface, or even stretch. For example, I stamped the front of my cowboy boots, and was able to stretch the stamp and conform it cleanly to the surface even though the boot is very curved. When using the bare stamp make sure that your fingers don’t stick to it, this could cause the stamp to lift from the surface and create a smudge. Nobody likes an unintentional smudge.

Whichever mounting method you use, the stamp backs must be perfectly clean, as well as the mount, in order for the stamp to cling firmly to the mount.

DIFFERENT MEDIUMS

Paint: Paint works wonderfully with the Décor Stamps. When using paint we recommend creating a small puddle to roll a small dense foam roller in. Make sure you get an even load and roll onto the design side of the mounted (or if using unmounted, proceed accordingly) stamp. This part takes a little practice to get the feel of the load so that it’s enough to give you the impression you want without being sloppy. Also keep in mind variables such as the surface you are stamping, the medium you are using, as well as the look you are trying to achieve. Practice makes perfect!