How To: Stamp On Photos

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is, 'what ink do you use to stamp on photographs?'

The answer: Staz-On permanent ink.

StazOn is super permanent ink. It can be used on any non-pourous surface — paper, transparencies, photos, etc. It’s an acid-free, archival, ink that dries super fast. Learn more about different ink types in my Stamping 101 post.

It's one of my absolute favorite inks. I almost never put it away. I use jet black about 90% of the time, but it does come in a variety of colors and I keep grey and white on hand.

The bad news: Stamping on photos can have a steep learning curve.

The good news: It gets easier with practice, and here are some do's and don'ts to help you along.

Do:

• Ink your stamp well.

• Practice on scratch paper.

• Stand over your photo and bring the stamp down vertically, not at an angle.

• Let it dry.

Don't

• Move the stamp around once it's down. Photos have a slick surface and inked stamps slide easily.

• Press down too hard.

• Touch it until it is completely dry.

• Expect it to be perfect.

Stamping is an imperfect craft, and works best when you embrace the unique quirks and let them become a part of your art. If you want perfect stamping, use a digital photo editing app/program before you print your photos.

Have any questions? Leave them in the comments below.