How to Stamp with Bleach

Rubberstampers are always looking for “new” inks to try. Bleach can be used as an ink creating an image with its color removing qualities. Practice this technique and you’ll love the unique results.
 

The Right Stamp

A stamp with intricate details might not be the best stamp to learn bleach stamping. You can use a stamp with intricate details, but you need to be very careful not to “over ink” the stamp with bleach. You’ll lose all those tiny details you love. Start with a stamp that has some solid design and as you learn to control inking your stamp with bleach, go for the stamp with more detailing.

The Right Paper

Bleach stamping is created when the bleach removes the color of the paper leaving an image. Dark papers are best when learning the technique, but experiment as you feel more confident with the bleaching process.

Pad Method

Using an un-inked purchased inkpad or a piece of thick felt placed inside bowl or container pour enough bleach over pad to moisten it. You don’t want the bleach inkpad to be sloppy or have bleach seeping over the side of the contain. Test your pad with a rubberstamp. Too much bleach and you will get a white blob with no image details and too little bleach will only yield you a very faint shadowy image.

Brush Method

Apply the bleach direct to your stamp using a soft bristle brush. A light touch and you’ll get the results you are looking for. Again, you don’t want to overload the stamp with bleach as it will drip or give you a blotchy image. Many stampers use water pens filled with bleach, but don’t leave the bleach in the pen after you finish for the day.