Description
IOD stamps are a simple idea but with huge possibilities. They are so easy to use and offer the user many fantastic creative inspirations for restoring, embellishing and simply making things more beautiful. From furniture and household items to fabric, walls and even food, the stamps are an ideal way to transform the dull and boring into works of art!
Using the stamps
Before removing the stamps from the clear backing sheet, prepare them by lightly scuffing the surface with a very fine sandpaper in two directions. This creates a key for the ink or paint to cling to rather than bead and sit unevenly. Once this is done, remove the stamps from the backing sheet. This takes a little effort but don’t worry, the stamps are nice and strong.
Different mounting techniques
The stamps are self adhesive and once removed from the backing sheet, can be easily adhered to whatever you find easiest to use. Here are our most popular methods of mounting:
- Large mounting block: This is recommended for surfaces that are completely flat for example, when 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.
The different Mediums you can use…
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 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!
Ink: Our Décor ink and most other inks work fabulously with the Décor Stamps. Ink gives finer detail and tends to be a little more translucent than paint so keep this in mind with each new project. We find that we like using paint and ink equally, and they lend themselves well to different projects and surfaces. We recommend using the blank stamp pads to apply the ink (one for each colour), then pat the surface of the stamp with it.
Surfaces and Applications
Fabric: When stamping fabric be generous with the medium you’re using in order to penetrate the fibres. The finished look will vary with different levels of fabric texture and décor ink, Chalk paint and other fabric suitable mediums work well. Although the ideal fabric for permanent washables is 100 percent cotton, blends and some other natural fibres can sometimes work as well. Do a small test to be sure. Allow your newly stamped fabric to dry/cure for a minimum of 24 hours, then heat set with an iron on high heat before washing.
Furniture: Both painted and stained furniture are some of the most popular uses of our Décor Stamps. You can use ink but paint tends to be more successful for furniture.
Walls: Walls are a fabulous surface opportunity for Décor Stamps. Create all over patterns that are a level up from wallpaper, and completely custom, or use the décor stamps to create an old world border. We love using paint for wall applications!
Food: The IOD décor stamps aren’t just for furniture and home décor, they can also be used to transform your food art as well! The stamps are made from a food safe material (but do not use the same sets for food and paint).
Caring for your stamps
The easiest way to care for and clean your stamps is to keep wet wipes nearby and avoid letting the medium dry on the stamp surface. Then, once the project is complete, wash them with mild soap and warm water. For some mediums you may find that you need a stamp cleaner. Use one that is safe for clear stamps. After thoroughly cleaned, place them back on the clear backing for storage
Please note – The stamps are not for high heat applications. Do NOT put in dishwasher as they will melt at extreme heats.