Defining 'rubber stamp' sounds easy. In reality, there are many different types of rubber stamps, and what make defining 'rubber stamp' so hard is that the different types of rubber stamps are very different. The only commonalities are that they all use ink, and they use a rubber surface to create the stamp impression.

Rubber Stamp varieties can be narrowed into 3 categories:

(i)traditional wooden/plastic handle stamps

(ii)self-inking stamps

(iii)pre-inked stamps.

Traditional wooden/plastic-handle stamps

Traditional rubber stamps are the ones that you press onto an ink pad first and then onto the surface you wish to stamp. These are the original rubber stamp and are still extremely popular today. The popularity exists because they have 2 characteristics, compared to self-inking and pre-inked stamps, which actually make them a better option for many. First they are available in virtually any size, whereas self-inking and pre-inked stamps are limited to the size of the stamp chassis. The largest self-inking stamps is around 2"x3" and the largest standard pre-inked ones are around 3"x 4" in size. On the other hand, a Traditional Rubber stamp is only limited by the size of the ink pad you have. So if you have an ink pad the size of a magazine, then you will be able to use your magazine-sized rubber stamp. Second, a traditional stamp can use multiple color inks - all you need is different color ink pads. Simply use one color, wipe the rubber face clean (or wait for it to dry) then use another color.

Pre-Inked Rubber Stamps

A Pre-Inked Rubber Stamp holds ink within its own ink-saturated rubber die (the die is rubber part of the stamp that has the cut/engraved design on it). There is no ink pad which flips up and down like a self-inker. Instead, the ink oozes it's way out of the rubber face (die) of the stamp as it is used. The benefits of pre-ink rubber stamps offer a better image quality than self-inking stamps and slightly larger sizes are available. They also last a lot longer between re-ink than a self-inking stamp and in most cases the quality of the stamp die is much better than both Traditional Stamps and Self-inking Stamps, making them the 'premium' choice of rubber stamp. Pre-inked stamps are available in a range of colors, but each stamp can only use one color. Pre-inked stamps are available in 'stock' layouts (i.e. FAXED, PAID, RECEIVED, AIR MAIL, COPY, CONFIDENTIAL etc) and in 'custom' layouts (where you specifiy your own text).

Self-Inking Rubber Stamps

The Self-Inking Rubber Stamp has a special mount that has a built-in ink pad and spring mechanism that automatically re-inks the die between impressions. The rubber stamp flips up and down against an ink pad with each impression made. Self inking rubber stamps use a water based ink, and require re-inking more often that pre-inked stamps, although re-inking is a very simple process. Like Pre-Inked Stamps, Self-inking Stamps can only use one color at a time (although you can change out the ink pads to a different color - although this is a bit messy), and they are also available in 'stock' and 'custom' layouts.

Uses for Rubber Stamps

Traditional, Pre-Inked and Self-Inking Rubber Stamps are all used in a wide variety of 'business' applications, from simple one-word stamps through to 'daters' and 'numberers'. Self-inking and pre-inked stamps are taking over the 'business' market because of their low cost, high image quality and simplicity of use, but Traditional Rubber Stamps are still widely used.

Traditional Rubber Stamps are also used, almost exclusively, in Art Stamping. Art Stamping is far-reaching, encompassing everything from simple text-based stamps right through to intricate detailed stamps. Images span from the simple beauty of a single rose to zany images that add humor to our lives, so can your stamp masterpieces evolve from simple cards to extensive mail art. Art Stamping is fun and it is a unique way to express your sentiments. In an era where everything is mass-produced, it is a genuinely warm and loving feeling to receive something that is made from the heart.......