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Stamp & Embosser Help

Can I change the wording or image on my embosser?
	You have the option of ordering a new seal insert so you can change the wording or image. Our seal inserts will only fit with the specified body. For example, pocket inserts do not interchange with desk seal inserts and vice versa. If the handle did not originally come from Acorn Sales please contact us so that we can make sure that your insert will fit.
Does it matter what kind of paper I use?
	YES, it DOES! The weight of the paper, the lining, the texture and the glass on the paper play a major role in how the embossed image will look. We want you to be happy with your embosser but we really need to know how you will be using it. If you are using specialty paper, we are happy to look at a sample of your paper before you order so we can recommend an embosser model that will work best for you
How big of an impression can the embossers make?
	The largest impression that is available is 2 ¼” in diameter. Most embossers have a 2” in diameter or 1” x 2” impression.
How can I insure that my embossed image looks really crisp and clear?
	Choosing the right type of embosser for the type of paper being used is very important. Equally important is the type of image you wish to use. Sometimes your image or the type of paper you wish to use will not be the best fit for an embosser so we can help make recommendations about changing the paper stock, image or choosing a stamp instead.
How do I re-ink my Flash Pre-Inked Stamp?
	It is important to avoid over-inking your stamp. Small Flash Stamps will require only a few drops of ink; extra large stamps may require as much as 14 drops. We recommend starting with less ink and adding more if needed. 1. Use only Ink that is designed for Pre-inked Stamps. 2. Carefully remove the cover from the top (the handle end) of the stamp. This will expose the inkwells (see image below). 3. Select the proper color of ink. Hold the ink tube over the inkwell on the stamp and gently squeeze the tube. Some stamp models have more than one inkwell; be sure to distribute ink evenly between them. 4. Let the ink soak in overnight (minimum of 8 hours), leaving the stamp in the upright position. If ink is light, repeat the process. Please click here for an instructional image.
How do I re-ink my Self-Inking Stamp?
	1. On the left and right sides of the stamp you will find red buttons. Using your thumb and middle finger, apply a slight pressure on the red buttons. 2. With your other hand place your thumb and middle finger on the bottom and top of the stamp. 3. Slowly press the top and bottom of the stamp until the stamp clicks partway open. If you have difficulty pressing the stamp you are applying too much pressure on the red buttons. 4. Looking at the front of the stamp, locate the pad. It is a thin black rectangle. 5. Using a pen or pencil, push the pad out the backside of the stamp. Be sure to use only enough pressure to push the pad far enough to allow you to grasp it with your fingers. Too much pressure will cause the pad to come completely out. 6. Grasp the pad on each end, being careful not to touch the inked surface. Pull the pad out of the stamp mount and place on the counter, inked side up. 7. Use ink designed for your specific stamp, place a few drops on the pad where you see the stamp copy indented. Please note that it is better to use less ink and re-ink often than to over-ink the pad. Over-inking may cause a messy ink overflow. 8. After placing a few drops of ink on the pad, place it back into the stamp mount, making sure the inked surface is facing down. The pad will click when pushed back into the correct position. 9. Once the pad is in position, place the stamp on a piece of scrap paper and press it down to unlock the red buttons. 10. Please note it may take a few sample impressions to get the ink evenly distributed on the pad. Please click here to view an instructional how-to image.
How exactly do embossers work?
	Today’s embossers are designed to raise the surface of the paper and impress an image into a piece of paper, using a perfectly aligned “male” and “female” die plates. The male die plate holds a raised etched “positive” version of the image and the female die plate contains a debossed etched “negative” version of the image. When pressure is applied to the embosser, the male and female plates are pressed together, and the material in between the 2 plates is simultaneously “raised” up by the male plate and down by the female plate. This process effectively “tears” the embossed material, leaving behind a raised replica of the original image.
How To change the insert in your Desk Embossing Seal
	1. In order to unlock your desk embosser, push down on the handle. 2. Now, move the lock to the down position. 3. Your seal will now be in the open position. 4. To remove the insert (clip), pinch the top and bottom plate together and pull the insert out. 5. Insert the new insert (clip), by pinching it together and lining up the prongs with the correct holes on the bottom. Please click here for insuctional images on how to change the insert for your desk seal.
How To change the insert in your Pocket Embossing Seal
	1. In order to unlock your pocket embosser, place the embosser in your hand and squeeze the embosser. 2. Now, move the lock to the down position. 3. Your seal will now be in the open position. 4. To remove the insert (clip), pinch the top and bottom plates together and pull the insert out. 5. Insert the new insert (clip), by pinching it together and lining up the prongs with the correct holes on the bottom. Please click here for instructional images on how to change your seal insert.
How To unlock your Desk Embossing Seal
	1. In order to unlock your desk embosser, push down on the handle. 2.Move the lock to the down position. 3. Your seal will now be in the open position and ready to use. 4. To use the seal, insert your paper between the top and bottom plate and press down with your hand to crimp the paper. Please click here for instructional images to show how to unlock your desk seal.
How To Unlock Your Pocket Embossing Seal
	1. In order to unlock your pocket embosser, place the embosser in your hand and squeeze the embosser. 2. Move the lock to the down position. 3. Your seal will now be in the open position and ready to use. 4. To use the seal, insert your paper between the top and bottom plate, and squeeze with your hand to crimp the paper. Please click here for instructional images to see how to unlock your pocket embosser.
If I order an embosser that is designed for heavier weight paper, will I still be able to use it on regular stationery or gold foil labels?
	Yes, most of the time. We cut the die deeper for heavier paper so sometimes tearing may occur when using lighter paper stock or labels. Some folks will use another sheet of paper with the paper they wan to emboss so that tearing will not occur or they may decide to order an additional insert with a shallower cut die.
What are your dies made of?
	We are pleased to be manufacturing our embossing seals with a material called Delrin. Delrin is the brand name for a rugged acetal resin polymer invented by the DuPont Company in 1952. It provides the embossing seal industry a lightweight, yet very strong metal substitute. It is an extremely durable and cost effective material which helps us keep your cost for an embossing seal at a reasonable price. In the past, embossing seals have been made exclusively with metal dies. We now find that the seals made with Delrin last longer, and they require less repair. In our own tests comparing black and white Delrin, we found that the black Delrin leaves a black powder on the paper documents after embossing so we are using white Delrin for all your embossing needs. We hope you will enjoy using your new embossing seal made with Delrin for many years to come.
What cannot be embossed with our Acorn embossers?
	Our embossers are not designed to emboss materials such as leather, tin or mylar. The embossers are designed for paper stocks only. Please contact us to talk about what you plan on embossing so we can recommend an embosser for you.
What is the difference between an embosser and a seal stamp?
	Embossers or seals raise the surface of the paper to make an impression. They crimp the paper but do not use ink. An embossed impression is not photographically reproducible. Seal stamps make a stamped ink impression on the paper.
What is the difference between Regular Rubber, Self-Inking & Pre-Inked Stamps?
	Regular Rubber Stamps (Traditional Wood) - They are our most economical choice and the best when using indexing or industrial ink. They do require the use of a separate ink pad. Self-Inking stamps flip up, hit an ink pad and flip back down. They are good for 7,000+ impressions and can be re-inked. Flash or Pre-Inked Stamps have the ink molded right into the wording. offer up to 50, 000 crisp, high-quality impressions before re-inking is needed. Available in a variety of sizes from small to extra large, they feature a premium, soft-touch handle and an advanced re-inking system that is simple to use and mess-free.
What is the warranty on the embossers ?
	Our heavy duty electric embossers carry a one year warranty. Our Acorn Embossers have a lifetime warranty, for full warranty details please click here.
What shapes or sizes can I make my impression?
	We can make any shape or size of die that will fit within a 2-1/4” or 2” diameter and/or 1” x 2” rectangular die.
What thickness of paper stock will my embosser be able to emboss ?
	The standard hand held and standard desk models are designed for 20 - 24 lb. papers. The extra heavy duty models are designed for standard papers and light card stock. We need to know the thickness of the stock you will be embossing so we can cut the dies for the specific application. If we cut a custom die for thick stock, it will tear lighter stock paper. If cut for lighter stocks, it will not be deep enough for heavier stock paper. Also, the type of image will be a big factor on how the embosser will work. We are happy to help you to make sure that your artwork will provide an image that will emboss nicely on the type of paper that you will be using.
What type of artwork do I need to make a quality embosser ?
	In order for us to make embosser that you will be happy with, we first must have black and white line art. The best file is a 300-600 dpi, black and white, .tif, .bmp, eps, .jpg, pdf or .eps file. If you do not have good black and white line art, please email us what you have.
What type of gold foil seals should I use?
	Our gold foil embossing labels are a great fit for your embosser. Just emboss and apply to your document. Please note that most office supply stores offer the peel and stick but it is our experience that this type of gold foil is too thick for most embossers.