estampar

Estampar is a verb used in Portuguese and Spanish to describe the act of applying a stamp or imprint to a surface. It can refer to creating a mark with ink or dye using a stamp, as well as to the broader process of printing designs onto materials such as textiles, paper, leather, and ceramics. In fashion and crafts, estampar is commonly used to produce decorative patterns on fabrics. When a fabric features a repeating pattern, it is described as estampado in Spanish or estampa in Portuguese; the adjective estampado denotes the printed design. Beyond decorative printing, estampar also refers to affixing official stamps or seals to documents or objects, serving as authentication or authorization.

The term derives from estampa, which denotes a stamp or printed design, and is cognate with related words in other Romance languages. In practice, estampar encompasses a range of techniques. Manual stamping uses carved or rubber stamps with ink or paint. Block printing and screen printing apply patterns through templates, while pad printing and heat transfer are used for irregular shapes or complex materials. Digital textile printing has expanded estampar methods by enabling photo-quality designs on fabrics.

In cultural and commercial contexts, estampar describes both traditional crafts and modern manufacturing. The concept is central to textile design, branding, and product customization, where the choice of technique affects texture, durability, and visual effect.