1. General Information
The Hero Arts CM359 Clear Stamps, part of the 'From The Vault Flowers' collection, are designed for various paper crafting projects, including card making, scrapbooking, and journaling. These high-quality photopolymer stamps offer crisp impressions and are easy to position due to their transparent nature. This manual provides essential information for the proper use and care of your clear stamps.
Figure 1.1: Hero Arts CM359 Clear Stamps, showcasing the full set of flower and sentiment designs on their backing sheet.
2. Safety Instructions
- Keep out of reach of small children. These stamps are not toys and may pose a choking hazard.
- Do not ingest any part of the product.
- Use in a well-ventilated area when working with inks or cleaning solutions.
- Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, rinse thoroughly with water.
3. Package Contents
Your Hero Arts CM359 Clear Stamps package should contain:
- One (1) sheet of Hero Arts CM359 Clear Stamps, 'From The Vault Flowers' design.
Note: Acrylic blocks and ink pads are sold separately and are required for stamp operation.
4. Setup
Before first use, prepare your clear stamps for optimal performance.
- Remove from Backing: Carefully peel the desired clear stamp from its acetate backing sheet. The stamps are designed to be easily removable and re-adherable.
- Adhere to Acrylic Block: Press the clear stamp firmly onto a clean acrylic stamping block. The natural cling of the photopolymer will hold the stamp securely in place. Ensure the stamp is flat against the block to achieve an even impression.
- Prepare Work Surface: Ensure your work surface is clean, dry, and flat. For best results, place a foam mat or a few sheets of paper underneath your project to provide a slight cushion for stamping.
5. Operating Instructions
Follow these steps to use your Hero Arts clear stamps effectively:
- Ink the Stamp: Gently tap your ink pad onto the surface of the clear stamp, ensuring the entire raised design is evenly coated with ink. Avoid pressing too hard, which can cause ink to pool in the recessed areas.
- Position and Stamp: Carefully position the inked stamp onto your desired surface (e.g., paper, cardstock). Apply even, firm pressure across the entire acrylic block. For larger stamps, you may rock the block slightly to ensure full contact.
- Lift the Stamp: Lift the acrylic block straight up from the surface to reveal your stamped image. Avoid sliding the stamp, which can smudge the impression.
- Repeat as Needed: Re-ink the stamp for each subsequent impression.
Figure 5.1: Examples of finished projects demonstrating the use of Hero Arts CM359 Clear Stamps for card making.
Tips for Best Results:
- Mix and Match Designs: These stamps are designed to be mixed and matched with other Hero Arts stamps and coordinating products, such as the DI641 From the Vault Flowers Frame Cuts, for creative versatility.
- Even Pressure: Consistent, even pressure is key to a clear, complete stamped image.
- Test Stamping: Before stamping on your final project, it is recommended to do a test stamp on scrap paper to ensure proper inking and pressure.
6. Maintenance and Care
Proper care will extend the life of your clear stamps and ensure consistent results.
- Cleaning: Immediately after use, clean your stamps with water or a specialized stamp cleaner. Gently rub the stamp surface to remove all ink residue.
- Drying: Pat the stamps dry with a lint-free cloth or allow them to air dry completely before storage.
- Storage: Once dry, return the clear stamps to their original acetate backing sheet. Store them flat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. This helps maintain their cling properties and prevents warping.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use harsh solvents or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the photopolymer material.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Faint or patchy impression | Insufficient ink; uneven pressure; stamp not fully adhered to block. | Ensure stamp is fully inked; apply even, firm pressure; re-adhere stamp to block. |
| Smudged impression | Stamp slid during lifting; too much ink; ink not drying fast enough. | Lift stamp straight up; use less ink; allow adequate drying time for ink. |
| Stamp not clinging to block | Dust or debris on stamp/block; stamp is dirty or oily. | Clean stamp and acrylic block thoroughly with water and mild soap, then dry completely. |
8. Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | CM359 |
| Product Dimensions | 6 x 4.4 x 0.15 inches (packaging) |
| Item Weight | 1.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | HERO ARTS |
| Material | Photopolymer |
| Country of Origin | USA |
9. Warranty and Support
Hero Arts products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For specific warranty information or support inquiries regarding your CM359 Clear Stamps, please refer to the official Hero Arts website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
Hero Arts Contact Information:
- Website: www.heroarts.com
- Customer Service: Refer to the 'Contact Us' section on the official website for current contact methods.