| Unmounting Wood Handled Stamps | |
Tools required: Converting wood handle mounted rubber stamps (or thick foam rubber mounted stamps) for use with the StampEZ Mounting System, or AcrylView Traditional Stamp Mounts is quite easy. The first step is to simply remove the stamp from the original foam backing. It may come off easily depending on the type of adhesive used by the manufacturer, but do not force it. After removing the original foam cushion, simply rub off any remnants of the foam or adhesive with your fingers. If the adhesive is of higher quality, you may need to heat the stamp to loosen the adhesive. (There is some debate about using heat to loosen the adhesive. We have preformed hundreds of stamp and cushion removals from wood and foam mounted stamps. We have not experienced any problems with the microwave oven method.) The easiest way to heat the stamp is in a microwave. Depending on the wattage of your microwave and the stamp size, it will take 5 to 25 seconds. The heat loosens the adhesive bond to the rubber stamp, which allows the stamp to be separated from the foam more easily. Rub off any excess adhesive with your thumbs, or use finger protectors available at any office supply store. (Some stampers clean the back of the stamp with alcohol to remove the residue. We recommend not doing so, to avoid any potential damage to your rubber stamps.) We recommend rubbing the adhesive off with your fingers and washing the unmounted stamp in a mild soapy solution if necessary. The surface should be clean of any debris, and oils from your skin. You are now ready to mount your stamp for use with the StampEZ Mounting System, or Traditional Acrylic Stamp Mounts. |
