Photopolymer Stamps – what are they and how do they perform?

Photopolymer stamps were introduced to Stampin’ Up! line of stamps during March of this year.  These stamps are not your normal acrylic stamps but they are clear, see through stamps.

I created a birthday card with the new stamp set and I will offer up my opinions on the stamps.  But first, here is my card that I created using these photopolymar stamps, a birthday card for my SIL

Supplies:

Stamps: Designer Type Set Photopolymer (c – 132956 – online), Make a Cake (c – 126742 w- 126740 p44 2012/13 Annual Catalogue), Birthday Wishes (retired hostess set)

Paper: Midnight Muse, Whisper White, Naturals White, Print Poetry DSP, Patio Party DSP

Ink: Midnight Muse

Accessories: Big Shot, Chevron Embossing Folder, Markers: Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse, Pool Party, Chocolate Chip,   Blender Pen, Gold Brad, Decorative Label Punch

Designer Type Set

These stamps are fairly new to Stampin Up so I can tell you what I know now about the Photopolymer stamps.

• the stamps are very sticky and cling to the clear block instantly.
• the stamps are bendable, ie, for the banner stamp was curved a bit on the block and then stamp
• the stamped images are very clear
• the price is reasonable
• to clean the stamps, you can use soap and water, Stampin’ Scrub and Stampin’ Mist, and if you use Stazon ink, you can clean with Stazon cleaner (use sparingly)
• the stamps come in a cello bag, between two sheets of acetate and can be stored in the clear cases – do not leave in sunlight
• the stamps are made in the US, however, the photopolymar comes from the UK
• multiple images can be stamped at the same time by positioning on the clear block

Some of the downsides are:

• the stamps have a smell when you first open them, but that dissipates after they are left exposed for a while
• some of the darker inks will stain the stamps however to prevent the staining clean immediately.
• some of the stamps in this set are very small and can be easily lost – return them to their packaging when you have finished using them

• 

  Show and Tell (133450); Show and Tell 2 (133481), Bombs Away Birthday (133411)

Would I purchase these stamps again.  Definitely yes, there are some fun images that will appeal to all sorts of age groups.

Happy Stamping