Stamps

Altenew sells clear photopolymer stamps, made primarily in the United States. Sizes run from small single-image sets up to 8 by 10.5 inches. Stamps are sold individually and in bundles with coordinating dies.

As of July 30, 2026 the store lists 1,426 stamp products and 2,773 stamp bundles.

What they are for

Two distinct uses.

Single-layer stamps produce one outline image, usually coloured in afterwards or left as line art.

Multi-layer sets build one image from four to six separate stamps, applied in sequence in progressively darker inks from a single matched ink family. This is what Altenew is best known for.

How to choose

• The polymer is clear because alignment is done by sight. The user positions the stamp by looking through it.
• Multi-layer sets are designed around a matched ink family. A layered set bought without the gradient inks it was designed for will not produce the image shown on the packaging.
• Coordinating dies exist for most stamp sets and cut the stamped image out cleanly. Buying the bundle guarantees the stamp and die register to each other.

Season a new stamp before first use

New photopolymer has a surface film that makes ink bead up, so a brand-new stamp often gives a blotchy or patchy first impression. This is normal and is not a defect.

Three ways to season a stamp:

1. Stamp it repeatedly with a light-coloured ink on scrap paper until the impression is even.
2. Rub the stamping surface gently with a clean pencil eraser to remove the shine.
3. Sand the surface lightly.

Care

Cleaning. Use Altenew's stamp cleaner, or mild dish soap and water. Avoid alcohol-based cleaners, which dry out the polymer and shorten the life of the stamp.

Staining. Clear polymer stains, particularly from dark and red dye inks. The staining is cosmetic. It will not transfer to the next project once the stamp is clean.

Yellowing. Photopolymer yellows over time with exposure to light and air. This is also cosmetic and does not affect impression quality.

What stamps do not do

Stamps need ink and a firm, even surface. Detail work suffers on textured or heavily coated cardstock. For guidance on paper choice, see Paper.