I hadn't noticed this, but when I purchased a big 6x12 sheet from Stampeaz, I did notice roller marks from the extrusion process on one side. This is a manufacturing issue related to a height adjustment on the handling machinery and is in no way anything that Webfoot can remedy.
The main issue with the pink stuff is the compression seen along one or two edges. This is probably a side effect in the molding process, not the cutting process, as the rubber would be cut after it has cooled and would, therefore, spring back into place.
But I've countered this "thin edge" problem (which can affect 1/8" to 1/4" of the material) during my mounting process: I use an extra-thick bead of glue along that edge, press the REST of the stamp down until it's perfectly flat, then level off that one edge by pressing until it's at the right height.
The issue that I'm talking about is neither...it is caused by the shrink wrap fold pressing into the surface, compressed by the weight of stacked blocks. On most blocks I buy, the indention is as far as one-half inch from the edge. On two adjacent edges, that accounts for as much as 4 3/4 square inches of affected surface (nearly 20 per cent of the block).
I have also noticed the "thin edge" that you mention, but it is not what I am describing here.
How odd... every time I've bought the smaller blocks, the shrinkwrap seams are on the edges. But, as I haven't bought a smaller block in a while (what? did the local stores think nobody uses this stuff??), it's possible they changed their shrinkwrapping machine.
Did you think to turn it over and use the other side, or is it on both sides? I haven't noticed a problem with the supply available where I get it. As much as I go through, you would think I had noticed.
That Speedy-Stamp logo comes right off with a bit of acetone.
Doesn't matter, though; the rounded corners are usually on both sides. Using acetone to correct those would involve a lot of acetone and time and effort. Better to just slice 1/8" off each end and throw it away.
The roller marks are generally on one side... but then I took a real close look and I see a lot of ripples on the other side. I haven't noticed them causing any problems, though.
I have tried both dyes and pigment stamp pads, Marvy and Crayola markers all of them tend to bead, but I'm persistent and over ink them. I have used a gentle press, a more firm press, a rocking press and upside-down paper on stamp rub.
There are others who have mentioned this as well, so I know I'm not the only one with this issue.
However, I continue to use the pink stuff because the consistency lends itself to better detail with my remedial carving skills. Although, I don't use it exclusively.
I draw a picture in pencil then turn it over on the pink rubber and then...well... rub. The graphite appears on the rubber and I carve the graphite parts away, using either the speedball or steadler carving tools #1-V for most (if not all) of it.
I don't get it. So I looked through the boards, and saw only only instance of the "pink stuff" (searched with quotes) being tough to ink, other than yours. Not surprisingly, I was the one to try to solve the issue.
I've carved 60+ stamps, all in pink, and I've only had one stamp not hold ink well, and that's because of the paper, the printer and a little too much heat (or for too long... can't remember which).
Are you huffing on your stamps after inking? You need only do this if it took you a LONG time to color the stamp. Say, more than a couple of minutes.... and even then, a couple of light huffs will do the trick.
Ink from inkpads does not need huffing (indeed, inkpad ink is the ONLY thing that can get a decent coating on PZKut), especially pigment inks.
Most of the time, ink from Marvy markers does not need huffing, either. If you're using WASHABLE Crayola markers, they can puddle very easily on anything.
inkpad ink is the ONLY thing that can get a decent coating on PZKut
PZKut is a medium I have not yet tried, only because I have not run across it. I like to buy what I can see (Hobby Lobby, Michaels, etc.) and I've bought from MisterArt.com. I tried to buy from Stampeze this morning to try the PZCut, but I don't mess with PayPal. Perhaps I'll look around and find it somewhere else.
I have tried MasterCarve White (thick and regular).
I have tried Speedball "Pink Stuff" and thicker beige. The beige is Master Carve wanna-be, in my opinion, but much crumblier. The speedball pink is what I have been referring to in this thread.
I don't huff and maybe that's my problem...?
But the rub might be that we are talking about different things, if you are referring to PZKut and I'm not...?
I don't get it. So I looked through the boards, and saw only only instance of the "pink stuff" (searched with quotes) being tough to ink, other than yours. Not surprisingly, I was the one to try to solve the issue.
I've carved 60+ stamps, all in pink, and I've only had one stamp not hold ink well, and that's because of the paper, the printer and a little too much heat (or for too long... can't remember which).
Are you huffing on your stamps after inking? You need only do this if it took you a LONG time to color the stamp. Say, more than a couple of minutes.... and even then, a couple of light huffs will do the trick.
Ink from inkpads does not need huffing (indeed, inkpad ink is the ONLY thing that can get a decent coating on PZKut), especially pigment inks.
Most of the time, ink from Marvy markers does not need huffing, either. If you're using WASHABLE Crayola markers, they can puddle very easily on anything.
I only know one context for the term "huffing" and it's not related to creating works of art. It's how they describe kids sniffing paint and glue, etc to get high.
What in the sam hill are you doing where "huffing" is something that you do to a hand-carved stamp after inking?
huff /hʌf/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[huhf] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –noun 1. a mood of sulking anger; a fit of resentment: Just because you disagree, don't walk off in a huff. –verb (used with object) 2. to give offense to; make angry. 3. to treat with arrogance or contempt; bluster at; hector or bully. 4. Checkers. to remove (a piece) from the board as a penalty for failing to make a compulsory capture. 5. Slang. to inhale the vapors of in order to become intoxicated: to huff glue. –verb (used without object) 6. to take offense; speak indignantly. 7. to puff or blow; breathe heavily. 8. to swell with pride or arrogance; swagger or bluster.