Stampimprinting

Stampimprinting is a technique that transfers a design from a stamp onto a surface, using either pigment transfer or direct embossing. In pigment stamping, ink, paint, or dye is applied to a designed stamp and the stamp is pressed onto a substrate such as paper, cardstock, fabric, leather, or metal-coated surfaces to leave a printed image. In imprinting, the raised or engraved features of the stamp are pressed into a softer substrate, such as clay, plaster, wax, or clay slip, to create an impression of the design.

Stamps used for stampimprinting are typically made from rubber, silicone, polyurethane, polymer, or carved metal or wood. They are mounted on blocks or handles to control pressure and positioning. In textile work, fabric inks or heat-set dyes may be used, and heat-setting or air-drying is often required to fix the imprint. In ceramics, stamps decorate unfired or bisque-fired surfaces by stamping with slip or underglaze to create repeating patterns.

Techniques vary, including single-color stamping, multi-color stamping with separate inks or stamps, layered stamping, and resist stamping that uses wax or other resist substances. Imprinting can produce both relief impressions and printed patterns, depending on substrate and material properties. Alignment, pressure, and timing influence clarity and depth, while stamp cleaning and ink management affect repeatability.

Applications span arts and crafts, scrapbooking, card making, textile printing, pottery and ceramic decoration, packaging, and industrial labeling. The method has ancient roots in seal and block-print traditions and continues to evolve with modern materials and customization options. See also: stamping, block printing, embossing, imprinting.