Stamp care is very important in making sure that facility personnel can efficiently and legibly place an IPPC mark on conforming WPM. In order to keep your stamps in good shape, please remember the following:

• Only use stamp ink. Some facilities may mistakenly use stencil ink which contains solvents that can damage a stamp.
• Clean your stamp. Do not use solvents that can damage it, but instead use a soft nylon bristled brush and gently clean the stamp of debris, that can accumulate on it, using a mild detergent. Rinse with water and dry immediately. You should clean your stamp right after use and not later after the ink has dried.
• Properly store your stamp. Clean after use and do not leave the stamp sitting on the ink pad. When working with a stamp, it is a good idea to have your stamp sit on a damp rag between uses to keep the ink from drying out.
• Stamp on a clean surface. Brush off the wood before applying your mark to prevent the accumulation of sawdust in the stamp. 

Eventually a stamp will wear out. When this occurs please retain it for retrieval by your inspector. We will insure that it is properly disposed of and can put in an order for a replacement.