MAKE IT EASY: MAKING A MASK (GRAFIX FRISKET FILM)

We usually put off making a mask til it's needed. But, if you make masks for stamps when you buy the stamps, those masks will be all set to go when needed. You'll be amazed how masking no longer is that 'do I have to?'' technique.

Grafix All-purpose frisket Film is my favorite supply for a mask; I generally use matte. This ultra-thin film is available in packages of 9 x 12" sheets. The low-tack removable adhesive allows placement of a mask on any surface. Best of all, thanks to thin vinyl film, the masks withstand repeated use.

Due to the size of a sheet of the Film, it's possible to quickly and easily make masks for an entire uncut sheet of rubber at one time. The rubber is trimmed (and cushion is applied if desired) after the masks are made.

Place the sheet on a flat surface. Ink (either with a rubber brayer or pad) the stamps; the ink should be applied in a thin and even coat. My ink of choice is a dark color of Clearsnap Ancient Page.

Place a sheet of Grafix frisket Film, vinyl side down, on the stamps. Taking care not to move the film, rub a flat burnishing tool (twist-off bottle cap, furniture slider, barren, etc.) over the paper backing on the film until all images are visible through the backing. Lift the film from the stamps. Don't be concerned if each image is not perfect. although the outer lines of the image should be defined. Dry the ink with a hair dryer at high heat. Do not remove the paper backing from the film until after the film has been cut along the outer lines of the image. To use, remove and discard the paper backing; position the mask where needed. After use, wipe off ink from the mask, allow to dry and store.

For single images (mounted or unmounted), place the stamp, die up, on a flat surface. Lightly ink either with a rubber brayer or a pad. place a piece of frisket, vinyl side down, on the die. Rub a flat burnishing tool (see above) over the paper. Lift the film from the stamp; dry the ink with a hair dryer set at high heat. Do not remove the paper backing from the film until after the film has been cut along the outer edges of the image. To use, remove and discard the paper backing; position the mask where needed. After use, wipe off ink from the mask, allow to dry and store.

The masks are reusable, so it's important to store them properly. If your stamps are mounted on wood blocks, place the mask for a stamp on the index on the back of the block...it'll be ready to go when you need it. If your stamps are unmounted, the type of storage method you use determines how the masks are stored. Many UM users have a binder with pages of stamped images of all their stamps. If that stamped sheet is placed into a scrapbook page protector, cut masks can be placed on the front of the protector, directly over the stamped images on a page; untrimmed masks can be kept in the protector. If you store your UMs in CD cases, there usually is room to place the masks in the case.