Monday, September 24, 2007

EASY DOES IT: ACRYLIC BLOCK PROTECTOR

Think everyone has at least one acrylic block in their collection. The glory of an acrylic block is the see-through-it feature. Knowing where that stamp is going is a tremendous feature.

Acrylic blocks do require a bit of care when selecting the cleaning supply used to keep them sparkling clear (and clean). Neither alcohol nor amonomia based products are suitable (both cause the acrylic to craze and crack). Scratchy cleaners or pads leave their imprint. Plain old water with a bit of dish detergent, applied with a soft cloth, is the best choice for cleaning an acrylic block.

However, that presents a problem...especially when permanent inks (either alcohol or dye based) are used on the stamps. Plain soap and water won't budge those inks after they have dried on a surface. Eliminate the problem by placing a piece of Grafix Cling Vinyl on each side of the block ; cut the vinyl to the sides of the block. When the vinyl gets really yucky, replace it with a new piece. Doesn't get any easier than that...

Cling Vinyl can be purchased either at the Grafix site (http://www.grafixarts.com/) or
one of the many retailers listed on the site.

Don't fret that the repositionable mounting system you use on the back of a stamp won't stick securely to Cling Vinyl. All of them, including EZ Mount and Scotch Poster Tape, work perfectly.

Strips of Scotch Poster Tape on acrylic blocks (either plain or with a vinyl covering) are 'cleanable.' When the tape gets filled with bits of cat hair, EP, dust bunnies and paper, run cool water over the tape (still on the block), rub gently with your finger tip, then blot the tape dry with a tissue. Allow the tape to dry completely (still on the block). It'll be as sticky as it was when it was bran-spanking new.

BTW: Almost every PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) is water resistant, so this cleaning method works for just about all of them.

2 comments:

Dindrane said...

I hope you don't mind, but I mentioned you on my own blog:
http://www.dindrane.com/?p=111

I just find your blog very well-done. :)

Nancy Ward said...

Mind?!! I couldn't be more pleased. Many thanks...I appreciate it.

Nancy