This is another idea you'll eventually find does more harm than good. When the substrate is too soft you'll start picking up stray marks in the stamp

Interesting. I've been using foam for several years and haven't noticed this problem. Maybe I'm not applying enough pressure in the first place so that is why the images are better with the foam underneath?

Honestly, it all depends on the image, stamp, ink and the skill of the stamper. If you are looking for a quality press into your book, you have to choose your technique and ink after you see the stamp.

Finely detailed images or fine lines carved on OZ need to be pressed firmly and you should use a good pigment or solvent ink. I have used the kudichan patented stepping on it technique for LTCs before to get a good print. Now, I often use my printing press when I am at home. Cushioning under a page is a good idea too. You can get away with less pressure that way. I would use thin foam, not the stuff we back our stamps with though. Maybe even a piece of felt would be better.

The same type of image in pink should be stamped with less pressure and a good ink with a firm pad should be used. If you use a squishy pad, then you risk inking up the carved away areas too. If you don't avoid inking up the carved areas, when you press you get stray marks because pink flexes.

Stamps with a ton of solid areas stamp better with pink. Great inks for that are brilliance and versafine. Use gentle even pressure. Don't push with your fingers, push with the meaty part of your palm. This is a good idea for all types or stamps and inks.

I rarely use dye inks. They really aren't easy to get a nice image with. They are great for other things, but not for printing stamps.

Color box. I am not a fan. Squishy pads. They dry up quickly. Blech.

Versafine, brilliance and stazon are terrific choices. Reinkers are important for regularly used colors.

My two cents. Take it for what it's worth.

have used the kudichan patented stepping on it technique for LTCs before to get a good print. Now, I often use my printing press when I am at home.

Doesn't stepping on it cause skidding? I think that the printing press is more reliable for this.

Reinkers are important for regularly used colors.

I agree. I use it for my Ranger Jet Black ink pad.

have used the kudichan patented stepping on it technique for LTCs before to get a good print. Now, I often use my printing press when I am at home.

Doesn't stepping on it cause skidding? I think that the printing press is more reliable for this.

Ahem. The patented technique works perfectly with firmer materials like OZ. Just place it on a hard floor surface, step carefully onto it with one foot, and when your friend or family member walks in and sees you, tell them to stop looking at you like that.

Oh wow! You even have a sig stamp showing off your patented technique of paw printing!