Step 1
(Optional) Buff surface of the blank to a matte finish using Matte Finish Buffing Blocks. Use medium grit to create a brushed matte textured surface. Hold buffing block in palm of hand and use even, smooth downward strokes to buff the surface to a matte finish. Repeat until desired texture is achieved.
Note: High Polish Finish Blocks & Matte Finish Buffing blocks can be used on all ImpressArt blanks excluding ImpressArt Artisan collection plated blank.
Step 2
Place Oval stamping blank on stamping block. Sketch out a constellation design on the blank using a non-permanent marker. This will become your stamping design guide.
TIP: Use stamp tape to secure the blank to the stamping block so it doesn't move while stamping.
Step 3
Create a constellation design using the Ultra Detail Birth Flower, Straight Line, and other design stamps. Use the Tilt & Tap technique to stamp 6mm and larger stamps, or stamps with more details. While applying pressure to the stamp, strike once with medium force. Then without lifting stamp, continue to strike while very slightly tilting the stamp in a circular motion to catch all sides of the design.
TIP: If the stamp has an ImpressArt logo, make sure it is facing you so that the impression is stamped in the correct direction.
TIP: Place stamping block (with no rubber feet or padding) on a hard sturdy surface when stamping aluminum, brass, or copper with Curved or Line Metal Stamp.
Step 4
Secure a straight stamp guide on blank. Use the guide marks to evenly space out letters and align stamp impressions.
TIP: Write desired message directly onto the stamp guide and utilize the guideline marks for spacing.
Step 5
Place stamp on blank, above the corresponding mark on the stamp guide. Lightly drag stamp towards the guide until the stamp catches the edge of the guide. Hold stamp flat and firmly in place by anchoring the side of your hand on workspace. Then strike stamp once with medium force using Metal Stamping Hammer. Repeat to complete desired date, initials, or word. Remove stamp guide.
TIP: Slightly tilt the stamp towards you while dragging the stamp towards the guide. Make sure you hold the stamp flat and firmly in place before striking the stamp.
Step 6
For a spark of color, stamp using a crystal setter. Hold crystal setter flat and firmly in place on the stamping blank. Strike with medium force using metal stamping hammer until a round indentation is formed in the stamping blank. The indentation should be deep enough so that the edges of the crystal are set in the divot and the top of the crystal protrudes out from the blank.
NOTE: Don’t position crystal punch too close to the blank’s edge as this may cause the blank to bulge out and distort as the metal spreads.
Step 7
Remove any remaining non-permanent marker by applying a fresh coat of non-permanent maker over the dried markers, then wipe/rub immediately with a paper towel. Next, highlight impressions with Black Stamp Enamel. Wait 3-5 minutes and then wipe away the excess enamel from the surface of the blank.
Step 8
Place oval blank, stamped side up, inside dapping cavity of dapping block. Hold punch in center of blank and tap the punch with the Metal Stamping Hammer. Then continue to tape the punch while rotating the punch at an angle in the dapping cavity until blank is evenly domed into a concave shape.
Step 9
Turn the dapped, stamped blank over so that it’s upside down on the stamping block.
Step 10
Secure stamp in the hammer by tightening the screw at the bottom of the hammer.
Step 11
Hold the hammer with your palm of your hand over the screw and use two fingers, to hold the blank in place. Then strike the middle of the blank repeatedly with medium force to flatten the center. This will ensure that the ring dish will sit flat.
Step 12
Use the fine and super fine grit on the High Polish Finishing Block to clean and buff metal to a high shine.
Note: High Polish Finish Blocks & Matte Finish Buffing blocks can be used on all ImpressArt blanks excluding ImpressArt Artisan collection plated blank.
Step 13
Secure flat back crystals inside stamped divot impressions with jewelry adhesive, and allow to dry.
