Iron Orchid Designs silicone stamps are perfect when used in cardmaking, scrapbooking, mixed media and paper crafting. When used correctly with ink, they create sharp, detailed, beautiful impressions. However, many crafters struggle with uneven ink coverage or faint images. In this guide I'll explain how to use silicone stamps with ink correctly to achieve consistent, professional results.
IOD Meadowlark Stamp from the Spring 2026 Release
Why Iron Orchid Designs Stamps are so popular
IOD stamps are flexible, transparent, and easy to position, making them ideal for precise stamping projects. IOD's Flexible Grid Mount Sheet for stamps helps you to position your stamps before you start your project.
Common uses for silicone stamps include:
- Cardmaking and invitations
- Scrapbooking layouts
- Art journaling and planners
- Mixed media projects
Iron Orchid Designs Stamps are perfect for paper crafting.
How to prepare your IOD Stamps for Ink
Your new IOD silicone stamps may initially resist ink due to them being smooth after manufacture. Proper preparation improves ink adhesion and image clarity. You must condition your IOD stamps before you use them - simply sand them gently in all directions using a fine grade sandpaper. This step is essential for preventing patchy or incomplete stamped images.
Best Ink for Silicone Stamps
Choosing the correct ink is critical for clean stamping results and IOD ink is the perfect choice. It is a permanent ink, comes in a variety of colours and it can be used on your paper and fabric projects.
IOD Ink is perfect for your stamping projects
How to mount your IOD Silicone Stamps correctly
Attach your silicone stamps to your IOD Flexible Grid Mount Sheet or, alternatively, use a clear acrylic block that closely matches the stamp size to ensure even pressure across the entire design.
Stamping technique tips:
- Press straight down onto the paper
- Avoid rocking or twisting
- Lift the stamp straight up to prevent smudging
For large stamps, apply pressure evenly across sections. You can use your fingers or a brayer to help press the stamp evenly onto your surface.
If you're stamping onto a curved surface, you can use your IOD stamps without any backing at all. Simply ink up your stamp and position it around your project, applying gentle pressure over the surface of the stamp. Commit to the positioning - don't reposition or your impression will smudge. If you're stamping onto a ceramic surface, and have made a mistake or changed your mind, you can wipe off the ink straight away with a damp cloth.
The best way to ink Silicone Stamps using an IOD Ink Pad
Instead of pressing the stamp into your IOD ink pad, flip the ink pad over and gently tap it onto the stamp surface.
This method:
- Prevents over-inking
- Preserves fine details
- Produces sharper stamped images
- It's less messy too!
If you look closely at your inked stamps, the ink coverage should appear even and not pooled on the surface.
Best surfaces for IOD Stamp Printing
You must ensure there is a smooth flat surface underneath your project before you start stamping. Any unevenness, lumps or bumps, fragments of paint or clay (from previous projects) will prevent a sharp clean impression.
How to clean IOD Silicone Stamps after use
Cleaning your IOD stamps immediately after use prevents ink build-up and extends their lifespan.
Cleaning tips:
- Use mild soap and warm (not hot) water - or a wet-wipe
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers
- Dry thoroughly before reattaching to the backing sheet
I've found that clean stamps consistently produce clearer impressions.
Always do Test Run before final stamping!
Always test stamp on a piece of scrap paper before working on your final project. This allows you to adjust pressure and ink coverage for optimal results. Stamping onto fabric requires more ink on your stamps whereas stamping onto smooth card requires less.
Final thoughts: using IOD Stamps with Ink
Understanding how to use your IOD stamps with ink properly can dramatically improve your stamping results. With the right preparation and technique, IOD stamps deliver crisp, reliable, beautiful impressions for all types of projects.
IOD Palais des Fleurs from the Spring 2026 Release
Frequently Asked Questions About Using IOD Stamps With Ink
Will IOD ink work on all of my stamping projects?
Absolutely! IOD ink is permanent, easy to use and comes in a variety of colours. It doesn't require sealing but can be sealed/varnished/waxed after it has fully dried if you want to enhance your project. It can be used on fabric too but needs to be made permanent by using heat - a hot, dry iron over a cloth or piece of baking paper will seal in the ink.
Why won’t the ink stick to my IOD stamps?
Ink won't stick to your IOD stamps if the surface hasn't been conditioned first. Simply take a piece of fine sandpaper and gently rub the surface of the stamps. This will allow the stamps to 'grab' the ink.
Are IOD silicone stamps better than rubber stamps?
Your IOD silicone stamps are simple to use as they offer precise placement because they are transparent. They are very flexible and work well on both flat and curved surfaces unlike rubber stamps which are, generally, more rigid and opaque.
How do I position my IOD stamps before stamping?
The best way to position your stamps is to use IOD's Flexible Grid Mount. It allows you to place your stamps exactly how you want them before stamping onto your project.
Can I stamp onto a curved surface using IOD Stamps?
Yes! All you need to do is remove your stamp from its backing sheet before inking up. You'll find it's very flexible and can be pressed around curved surfaces.
I'm stamping onto a ceramic surface and I've made a mistake. Help!
Don't worry! IOD ink can be removed from ceramics by using a damp cloth or wet wipe immediately after stamping.
How do you get a clear image with my IOD silicone stamps?
To get a clear image, you must make sure that you're working on a smooth flat surface. Any lumps, bumps or unevenness on your surface will cause an incomplete stamped impression. You need to ensure that you have conditioned your stamps first and applied ink evenly to the surface.
How do you clean my IOD stamps after inking?
All you need to do is wash your stamps in warm, soapy water. Make sure that you use a mild washing up liquid and warm (not hot) water. Dry your clean stamps and then place them onto their backing sheet. Don't use any harsh chemicals or abrasive products to clean your IOD stamps.
How long will my IOD stamps last?
If you look after your stamps, with proper care and regular cleaning, they will last for many years without losing detail or performance.
Should I do a test run with my IOD stamps before I start a project?
Yes! Doing a test run is highly recommended! Grab a piece of scrap paper and try out your stamping. This will allow you to adjust your ink coverage and pressure before stamping on your final project.
Have lots of fun with your stamping projects!
Sara x
YSP