An InstaStamp rubber stamp is almost clear, this factor is very important when mounting on acrylic blocks for stamping, being able to see right through stamp and block gives the user perfect placement.

You will find people use many stamp mounting methods for craft stamps, each have advantages and disadvantages. Traditional red rubber vulcanized stamps such as those supplied by Stampin Up, Hero Arts and Penny Black are obviously not clear so these are generally permanently mounted directly onto wooden blocks.

Most polymer stamps in the past were manufactured where the stamp backing is removed after manufacture so the stamp back retains a small amount of uncured polymer. This uncured polymer remains sticky and allows the stamp to be moved from acrylic block to storage folder a number of times. This style of polymer stamp has its disadvantages, the absence of a backing subjects the stamp to distortion and possible tearing and the presence of a sticky back means the stamp will collect dirt and dust easily.

You can make this style of craft stamp with the InstaStamp Stamp Making System if this is the type of stamp you prefer, however since the development of InstaGrip we have found manufacturers are opting for a stronger stamp that does not pick up dirt and where the backing substrate actually keys into the polymer during the curing process.

InstaGrip is not sticky yet has similar properties to a sticky backed stamp. To grips like adhesive, allowing perfect placement of images. InstaGrip can also be used with red rubber stamps which means that you can do away with wooden mounting blocks to free up storage areas. For technical information about InstaGrip please see our InstaGrip page.