Both the wood-mounted and the clear-mounted stamps are made of the traditional red rubber. The wood-mounted stamps are permanently adhered to a wooden block. Once the stamp is adhered, it is ready to use whenever you choose.
The clear-mounted stamps are not permanently adhered to a block. Clear acrylic blocks are used instead of the wooden block. The stamps cling to the clear block and can be removed when you are finishing stamping. With a clear block, you can see more clearly where you are stamping. This is easier for precise placement and alignment. You can line up multiple stamps on the same block. This is especially helpful when spelling out a name or making a collage of stamps. Clear-mounted stamps are also more compact and take up less storage space because the blocks are not stored with the stamps.
Photopolymer stamps are made of see through, flexible plastic. Like the clear-mounted stamps, photpolymer stamps are not permanently adhered to a block. Photopolymer stamps have slightly sticky backing and will stick to clear acrylic blocks. Because they are transparent, photopolymer stamps are great for precise placement, alignment, two-step stamping, and adding more ink over the same area (if there wasn't enough ink on the stamp, etc.). You can line up multiple photopolymer stamps on the same block. This is especially helpful when spelling out a name or making a collage of stamps. You can also shape and bend photopolymer stamps to add even more creativity to your projects. The blocks are also not stored with photopolymer stamps, making them more compact to store. Unlike the clear-mounted and wood-mounted stamps, photopolymer stamps do not have a little cushion of foam between the stamp and the block. To make up for this, use a piercing mat underneath your cardstock to ensure a crisp image.
The wood-mounted and clear-mounted stamp sets will come unassembled. For wood-mounted stamps, remove the stamp from the rubber sheet. Next remove the paper backing on the stamp and adhere directly to the wood block. Then adhere the coordinating sticker on top of the block.
For clear-mounted stamps, remove the stamp from the rubber sheet. Then remove the paper backing on the stamp and adhere the coordinating sticker directly on top of the foam side of the stamp.
Photopolymer stamps come between two sheets of clear acetate. One sheet has the stamped image printed on it. The other sheet is blank. To use, peel the blank sheet back, pull the stamp off the printed sheet, and place on a clear block.
Whichever stamp style you choose, you know you will great a clear, crisp image! Check out this video from Stampin' Up! to see more on how to assemble the stamps. Then take a look at my shop to see more stamps. I have create a Wish List for you to keep track of your favorites!
Thanks for stopping by!
Beth
