I find a brayer to be essential to inking extremely large stamps and photo stamps. The size of some of the larger stamps is intimidating, to say the least. By using a brayer, you can insure even and thorough inking. The same is true of photo stamps.
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Brayer Roller Types A brayer has so many more uses than just the application of ink to stamps. There are several different types of brayer rollers:
- Soft Rubber Brayer Roller
A soft rubber brayer is probably the most familiar and useful brayer roller. Use this roller to ink stamps or to brayer ink onto paper directly from your inkpad, especially rainbow pads. Try inking a stamp, rolling your brayer over it, then brayering onto paper. Or, ink a stamp and lay it face up. Place your paper on top. Then use your brayer to press the paper to the stamp.
Store this brayer roller in the handle with the roller up. This will prevent a flat spot from developing where the roller rests against a hard surface. - Foam Brayer Roller
This brayer roller is spongy and will soak up ink. Therefore, it is best used for a softer look. Your color will be less intense. This is also the roller to use to brayer over mesh or stencils, as the foam will allow the ink to reach the paper. - Acrylic Brayer Roller
The acrylic brayer can be used to smooth glued papers without fear of damage to the roller. It will wipe clean immediately after use. This roller is also great for wrapping in rubber bands or cling-wrap to create textured backgrounds. - Patterned Brayer Rollers
There are many patterned brayer rollers available through your local stamp or scrapbook store. From hearts and flowers, to polka dots and streamers, you’re sure to find what you are looking for.
Using a Brayer
When inking a brayer, roll the brayer in one direction only. Lift when you get to the other side of the pad and start over. If you roll the brayer back and forth on the pad, you will not ink the entire roller, or you will ink it unevenly. If you are using a rainbow pad, roll the brayer with the direction of the ink colors. Rolling it perpendicular will result in the contamination of colors.
When applying the color to paper, roll the brayer back and forth. As more color is transferred to the paper, it will smooth out and intensify. For the most intense color, use glossy or coated paper. When using a rainbow inkpad, brayer in one direction. Otherwise, your colors may become muddy. For complete coverage when using a solid color, roll the brayer in one direction, then change direction 90 degrees.
Cleaning a Brayer
I have found the best way to clean a brayer is first to remove all excess ink by rolling it over scrap paper. Then I use a baby-wipe to wipe away all the remaining ink. Brayer rollers can also be placed under running water; so don’t be afraid to wash it in the sink. For those really stubborn inks, spritz a little stamp cleaner onto the roller and wipe or roll away the excess. But always know that, just like stamps, the rollers are going to become stained. As long color doesn’t transfer during the next use, it doesn’t hurt the roller.
Don’t be afraid to use your brayer and experiment with different uses for texture and colored backgrounds!
