Clear cling stamps, also known as self-adhesive stamps, can be tricky to store properly. Like most adhesives, the stickiness can wear off over time or become accidentally stuck to other surfaces if not stored correctly. Proper storage is key for keeping cling stamps fresh and usable for crafts, gift wrapping, labeling, and more.
Keep stamps clean
One of the most important rules of thumb for cling stamp storage is keeping them free of dirt, dust, oil from fingers and anything else that could contaminate the adhesive. Any debris that gets stuck to the adhesive can impact its ability to stick properly. It’s best to always have clean hands when handling clear cling stamps.
Avoid touching the adhesive directly and handle cling stamps by the edges if possible. Try using a stamp handle or block when working with them to minimize contact with oils from skin. Any protective liner or covering that comes with new cling stamps should be left on until they are ready to be used.
Store in a cool, dry place
Humidity and heat are two of the biggest enemies when it comes to damaging self-adhesive stamps. The adhesive can become less tacky when exposed to humidity in the air. Heat can also soften and break down the adhesive over time.
The ideal storage conditions are in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Try to keep stamps in an area with a consistent room temperature between 60-80°F if possible. Avoid attics, basements, garages or anywhere else prone to extreme temperature swings.
Use an airtight container
Choosing the right storage container is key for maintaining the adhesive quality of cling stamps. The best options are airtight containers that protect stamps from humidity, dust and other environmental threats.
Plastic containers or acrylic cases with rubber gaskets provide the most secure seal to block out moisture. Metallic tins also block humidity well if the lid fits tightly. Even simple zip closure plastic bags can work if you squeeze out excess air before sealing.
Recommended airtight storage containers:
- Plastic bins or craft boxes with lids
- Acrylic display cases
- Metal tins
- Plastic bags or poly bags
- Small tackle boxes or craft caddies
Use storage sheets
For those looking for a more organized storage solution, cling stamp storage sheets help keep each stamp properly in place and separated from the others.
These transparent sheets have a nonstick surface that allows the stamps to be lightly adhered in position. They prevent stamps from sticking together while also protecting the adhesive from contamination.
Most sheets have grids with squares or circles to easily align and organize stamps. This makes it easier to inventory stamps, find the one you need quickly, and prevent any mix ups.
Benefits of cling stamp storage sheets:
- Keep stamps neatly organized in place
- Allow stamps to be lightly adhered without damage
- Protect adhesive from dust, humidity and oils
- Easy to flip through and see each design
- Can stack sheets neatly in albums or binders
Consider cling mount stamps
Those who use clear cling stamps frequently may want to consider purchasing cling mounted stamps instead. These have the stamp image already adhered to a sturdy mount designed for cling stamps.
The mounts can be clear acrylic or foam and do not have their own adhesive. They can be used with a separate cling stamp handle that lightly adheres to the mount when pressed down.
Cling mount stamps provide more stability when stamping and protection for the adhesive compared to unmounted stamps. The mounts also typically come with a protective case and are easier to store neatly.
Advantages of cling mounted stamps:
- More stable when using with stamp handles
- Adhesive protected by the mount
- Reusable protective case included
- Organized storage in case trays
- Easy to see designs with display cases
Store stamps flat
Stamp adhesives can weaken over time if they are bent, folded or creased while being stored. It’s best practice to always keep cling stamps stored completely flat.
Avoid letting stamps flop over edges or placing anything heavy on top that could bend them. Flat storage helps reinforce that the adhesive stays evenly distributed and maintains maximum stickiness.
This is especially important for larger stamps. The more surface area, the more potential for weak spots in the adhesive if not stored flat.
To keep stamps flat:
- Use rigid protective cases
- Choose flat storage containers
- Stack sheets neatly in a binder
- Don’t let stamps hang off edges
- Avoid rolling or curling stamps
Go low-tech for easy access
While clear stamp organizer sheets and acrylic cases may be ideal for long-term cling stamp storage, they aren’t always necessary. Simple low-tech methods can work great too.
For stamps that are used more frequently, keep them handy by adhering the sheets to a backing that can easily be grabbed. Try sticking stamps to the inside of a cabinet door, side of a desk drawer or even a box lid.
Place the more frequently used stamps on the outer rows for quick access. Use this for your most-used 5-10 stamps and keep the rest stored neatly away until needed.
Quick access low-tech stamp storage solutions:
- Inside of cabinet doors
- Underside of shelf
- Side of desk drawer
- Inside of a box lid
- Binder covers
Store stamp pads properly
In order to use cling stamps, good quality stamp pads are needed. The ink pads also require proper storage to maintain smooth coverage and ink quality.
Keep stamp pads away from extreme heat that could dry them out prematurely. Check that lid seals are tight fitting to prevent the pad from drying out.
Store stamp pads flat just like stamps. Avoid letting the inked surface crease. Over time, folding and bending can cause cracks in the ink pad surface.
Consider storing stamp pads right alongside your stamps for easy access. Just be cautious of potential ink smearing and keep anything away white or light colored.
Stamp pad storage tips:
- Seal lids tight
- Keep in cool, dry place
- Store flat
- Keep ink side face up
- Store with stamps
Keep stamps out of sunlight
Direct sunlight and UV exposure degrades adhesives over time. The UV radiation can break down the chemical composition of the adhesive on cling stamps.
Be wary of storing stamps anywhere they will get regular sunlight throughout the day. Keep them in an enclosed space away from windows and bright light.
If you want to display stamps, choose options that will block UV light. Acrylic plastic absorbs UV rays and provides clearer visibility than glass.
Ways to block UV light:
- Use window tinting film
- Display out of direct sun
- Choose acrylic over glass cases
- Use UV blocking sleeves
Control temperature fluctuations
Temperatures that frequently swing up and down or get extremely cold/hot are problematic for stamp adhesives. The continuously expanding and contracting can wear down the adhesive’s effectiveness.
Try your best to keep stamps away from frequently used exterior doors, heating/cooling vents, or other fluctuating temperature spots.
Maintaining a consistent stable temperature between 60-80°F will minimize damage from temperature swings.
Tips for stable stamp temperatures:
- Avoid exterior walls
- Keep off ventilated floors/shelves
- Store inside interior room
- Insulate storage container
- Maintain 60-80°F range
Watch out for humidity
Excess moisture in the air can be detrimental to maintaining cling stamp adhesives. Humidity causes the adhesive to absorb extra moisture, leading to a loss of tack and stamps not sticking as effectively.
Try to store stamps in an area of your home that maintains 35-45% relative humidity if possible. Use a dehumidifier during humid months to keep moisture levels in check.
Be extra cautious of humidity in basements, garages and sheds. Only store stamps in these spaces if the humidity is controlled.
Ways to protect stamps from humidity:
- Use dehumidifier
- Add silica gel packs
- Avoid basements/garages
- Check humidity levels
- Use airtight cases
Keep different brands separated
If storing multiple brands of cling stamps together, keep them separated on individual sheets. Mixing and matching different brands on one sheet is not recommended.
The adhesives used are often proprietary blends that may react negatively when touching. For example, the adhesive could transfer to the other stamp, diminishing effectiveness.
It’s safest to keep each brand isolated on its own storage sheet. This also helps keep inventory organized by brand and ensures no cross-contamination.
| Brand | Sheet 1 | Sheet 2 | Sheet 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand A | A stamps | ||
| Brand B | B stamps | ||
| Brand C | C stamps |
As shown in the table above, keeping brands separated on their own storage sheets prevents adhesive cross-contamination.
Ensure stamps lay flat
The flat, smooth surface of cling stamps is imperative for getting a good impression. Take care that stamps are always adhered flat to their storage surface.
Do not let stamps overlap each other on the sheet. Make sure each one lays individually flat with no parts lifted or curved up.
Avoid stacking anything on top of stored cling stamps that could bend them out of shape. Pressure or heavy weight can warp stamps over time.
Tips for flat stamp storage:
- Align neatly on sheets
- Use flat protective cases
- Don’t let stamps overlap
- Keep free of heavy objects
- Lay completely smooth without curling
Test old stamps before using
Even with proper storage methods, cling stamps won’t maintain perfect stickiness forever. Adhesives will eventually dry out and lose tackiness over time.
Stamps that have been stored for years may appear perfectly intact, but are likely overdue for replacement. Always do an adhesive test before assuming old stamps are still usable.
Press the old stamp onto a scrap piece of paper. Check that it leaves a clean, crisp impression without parts missing. If not, the adhesive is no longer effective and the stamps should be replaced.
Signs stamps need replacing:
- Faded or incomplete stamp impression
- Stamp doesn’t fully adhere to surface
- Areas losing stickiness
- Adhesive has darkened color
- Back of stamp feels dry and not tacky
Conclusion
While cling stamps will eventually lose effectiveness over time, proper storage can significantly prolong their usability. Protect stamps from humidity, direct sun, fluctuating temperatures, dust, and contamination for best results.
Invest in quality airtight containers, acrylic cases, and storage sheets for organized safekeeping. Handle stamps as little as possible and keep them stored in a cool, dry place for ideal maintenance.
With careful storage methods, clear cling stamps can retain their sticky adhesive and provide impressions for many years before needing replacement.
