Soft Rubber Stamp Carving Block 5 x 5 cm
The soft rubber block, 5 x 5 cm, is a base for carving your own stamps and small graphics. Unlike traditional linoleum, it cuts exceptionally easily: the carving tool moves through the material with almost no pressure, in any direction, without crumbling the edges. The block has two layers: the top layer is a white carving surface, with a pink core underneath, so you can immediately see how deep you have carved.
Product details
- Product type: block for carving stamps and relief printing
- Dimensions: 5 x 5 cm, thickness 1 cm
- Material: soft PVC / synthetic rubber
- Appearance: white carving surface, pink core underneath
- Pack: 1 piece
- Weight: 0.02 kg
How does it differ from a linoleum block?
Both materials are used for relief printing, but they behave very differently:
- Hardness and cutting force: Linoleum is hard, has a jute backing, and is often heated before carving to soften it. The soft rubber block cuts at room temperature with a light stroke of the carving tool.
- Detail: Linoleum tends to crumble and chip around fine lines. Rubber holds sharp edges even for thin lines, small lettering, and small motifs.
- Depth control: The white layer over the pink core shows in color where you have already cut. Linoleum does not provide this kind of feedback.
- Format and use: The 5 x 5 cm format is stamp-sized, for repeating motifs, printing on paper, cards, and fabric, scrapbooking, and journaling. A5 to A3 linoleum blocks, on the other hand, are for large graphic prints and press printing.
- Handling: The block is flexible, washable, and reusable. It has no backing layer that could crack, and you can make an impression by hand without a press.
When to choose linoleum instead: for large formats, classic printmaking lines, and when you need the lowest price per area.
Uses and techniques
The block is ideal for beginners, kids, and experienced stamp makers. It works with water-based and oil-based block printing inks and standard stamp pads.
Frequently asked questions
Will the rubber crumble while I carve it? No. The material is soft and flexible, and the carving tool makes a smooth cut without chipping the edges, even across the motif.
Do I need a press for printing? No. For this format, simply roll on the ink with a roller and press the block by hand.
Can the block be reused? Yes. Wash it with water after use. The rubber stays flexible, and the stamp will last for hundreds of impressions.
