Stamp Poll

> When was the last time you cleaned out your stamp? (If applicable)

I've never owned a rubber stamp seal, only impression seals. I probably wore out three frames for the actual stamp over the years until I found a heavy-duty cast iron frame that looks like something out of the 19th century, is made in the US and works great.

An impression seal is an excellent security feature. Ideally, they are used with a foil applique seal that gets embossed. The result photocopies, but as obviously a copy of an original document, not the original.

I have 4 rubber stamps, and just ordered a 5th. One for each state I am licensed in (4), and one COA stamp. I also have 3 embossing stamps for three of the 4 states.

I have rarely used the embossing stamps. So much of my work is scanned or transmitted electronically, that the embossing stamps just don't work well for that.

I don't remember the last time, if ever, I have had to clean a stamp, but thanks to this post, I now know the best way to do it. Thanks!

For 30 or so years I have used one ink stamp. I clean it occasionally, maybe annually, with acetone and a Q-tip. Although very legible, it really needed replacing a number of years ago. The State Statutes changed us from "Registered" Land Surveyors to "Licensed", but allowed existing stamps and seals to remain. The rebel in me kicked in and I've decided to continue using it.

I'm like Kent though, I prefer my crimp. I also had an old cast-iron press that was my father's "three number" PE seal crimp. My plans to use it for my seal were sidetracked about fifteen years ago when my nephew earned his PE. He asked if he could have his grandfather's press and I just couldn't refuse.

I've had mine for a little over 20 years and have never cleaned it or replaced it. It still seems O.K. to me.

> I also had an old cast-iron press that was my father's "three number" PE seal crimp. My plans to use it for my seal were sidetracked about fifteen years ago when my nephew earned his PE. He asked if he could have his grandfather's press and I just couldn't refuse.

Here's a unit that would replace it, the Cast Iron Long Reach Desk Seal from Southern Stamp and Stencil Co.

I also have never owned a rubber stamp, only impression seals are legal in new York and New Jersey.

I do like the security in an impression seal and don't think I would use a rubber stamp even if it was legal.

Isopropyl alcohol works well as a solvent for ink.

I use to have a cleaner that looked like a wad of gum, it was for cleaning a typewriter. It worked really well on my stamp, just push it onto the surface and then pull it off, all clean, I haven't seen one in years though.

Last year I cleaned my stamp with an organic, earth friendly solvent and it destroyed it so I had to order a new one from Lo-Ink. A new CAD stamp works good too.

T.W.

> I do like the security in an impression seal and don't think I would use a rubber stamp even if it was legal.

In Texas, a surveyor can issue digital copies as long as an original is supplied. My own preference for a digital copy is to use an image of a photocopy of my impression seal on the digital copy so that the digital copy prints as what will look like a photocopy of an original.

All mine are the newer self-inking style. Sort of a soft rubbery foam that I've never had to mess with yet. The oldest one is only 5 years old but it doesn't show any wear and tear.

For the record, New York recognizes both, and in NYC, the Building Dept and the Highway Dept insist upon an inked seal.

In NY, still working with my first inked seal, on my second impression seal (since 1982).

In NJ and CT, still using the originals (since the early/mid 1990's.).

Florida seal has never come out of the box......:-/

> Isopropyl alcohol works well as a solvent for ink.

Yes. I carried alcohol pads and a variety of colored markers from 18 till 21 to beat the "Under 21" stamp at local bars. Never failed to work. The trick was having the right color for the stamp and smearing it when it was still wet to simulate the person putting their cash in their pocket while it was still wet.

I drank a lot of beer that way. Turning 21 was sort of a let down in a way as I always enjoyed beating them at their game. 🙂

> > I do like the security in an impression seal and don't think I would use a rubber stamp even if it was legal.
>
> In Texas, a surveyor can issue digital copies as long as an original is supplied. My own preference for a digital copy is to use an image of a photocopy of my impression seal on the digital copy so that the digital copy prints as what will look like a photocopy of an original.

Kent,

Do you have a good source for the applique?

When I got my NY license in 1990 the State sent the requirements for the impression seal and who to order from, there was no mention or place to order a stamp. The stamp my be legal but the State gave no mention of it.

We might be related...

Send a color scan of a signed and crimped document (where I have rubbed the crimped imprint with red pencil) and send out as a digital file in PDF

and

I keep that original in my files

and

will follow by sending at least one hard copy (usually a total of 5 to the title company or closing agent) of a signed and crimped document to the same person that received the digital copy.

A digital is all a bank or lending agency wants, they will scan and discard any hard copy you send them. A lawyer will keep all copies and use till h.... freezes over.

Usually the person the survey if for does not get a hard copy original unless thru title company around here or directly from me that I send out after closing at a lawyers office or bank directly to the buyer/payer of the survey

that is how I do it

> Do you have a good source for the applique?

Glenn, it should be a standard office supply store item. I buy mine at Office Depot. The item is a 2" Metallic Gold Notarial Seal, Avery Item 05868.

> > Do you have a good source for the applique?
>
> Glenn, it should be a standard office supply store item. I buy mine at Office Depot. The item is a 2" Metallic Gold Notarial Seal, Avery Item 05868.

Ah, I see. I was using the wrong search term. Thanks.

> We might be related...

Interestingly enough, it was surveying training that led me to this method of thinking helping my dad ink mylar and using alcohol to remove mistakes.

I never met another person who'd thought to use this concept before, other than you. My first date with my wife, when I was 19, she thought I was crazy running into a Kroger in Nacogdoches, Texas to get alcohol pads and markers (hey, I had run out). She didn't mind when I juiced us both up at the bar and we drank until the lights came on. 🙂