How to Make Rubber Stamps with xTool S1 Laser Cutter

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How to Make Rubber Stamps with xTool S1 Laser Cutter

Learn how to make your own custom rubber stamps with the xTool S1 Laser cutting and laser engraving machine!

I am absolutely addicted to making rubber stamps now and you will be too--they are super intricate and detailed, I'm in love!

These instructions are for the xTool S1 20W machine. If you have a different machine there may be some variations of settings and set up.

How to Make Rubber Stamps with xTool S1 Laser Cutter Learn how to make your own custom rubber stamps with the xTool S1 Laser cutting and laser engraving machine! I am absolutely addicted to making rubber stamps now and you will be too--they are super intricate and detailed, I'm in love! These instructions are for the xTool S1 20W machine. If you have a different machine there may be some variations of settings and set up.

Let's talk about xTool first:

I've got a lot of posts about xTool laser cutting machines:

Introducing the xTool S 1
and Which Laser Cutting Machine should I buy?
and Setting up the xTool S1 Laser Cutting Machine

xTool Machines:

xTool F1 Ultra (Fiber and Diode Laser--available for stock pre-order)
CO2 Laser xTool P2 Machine
xTool F1 Portable Laser Cutter
xTool S1 20W or 40W ( I have the 20W--see this post)
xTool M1 10W Deluxe RA2 Pro (this is the one I have--see this post)

I recommend getting bundles, some come with a materials package which helps you get started right away with different materials to test out.

My bundle included the honeycomb panel and the xTool RA (world's first 4-in-1 rotary engraving xTool s 1 rotary attachment for doing round things like tumblers or baseballs) as well as the nm IR laser module (infrared laser 2W) for engraving metal. (which I haven't used yet)

Some limited time deals are the best time to snag a laser cutter...so keep watch as they do go on sale pretty regularly.

Additional extras can be purchased to make the laser more usable in your home.

If you can't vent your machine through a window, I recommend the xTool desktop smoke purifier.
The fire safety set is helpful as well, but not necessary. The xTool S1 comes with built in fire detection.

There is also a riser base and automatic conveyor feeder for the xTool S1 that you can add to your machine at any time if you are ready to do larger than mat projects.

Check the xTool website as they are always getting new arrivals of materials, videos/tips and even a library of free projects.

Free Shipping is all part of the package when you buy a xTool Laser Engraving Machine (laser cutter).

Order today and buy with confidence, xTool has an amazing Help Center and service hotline, and make sure their customers are taken care of.

**NOTE: If you are hoping to cut clear acrylic with a laser cutter you HAVE to purchase a CO2 laser cutter, like the xTool P2. A blue diode laser will just NEVER be able to cut clear acrylic...but it does do a great job with a lot of other colors of acrylic.

I am use the xTool S1 for this rubber stamp project, but the xTool M 1, the xTool P 2, the xTool F 1 or Ultra are all perfect laser beams for making a custom stamp.

It's so fun to have a smart desktop laser cutter in my own home.

This is something I always dreamed of, making my own rubber stamps--rubber stamps and card making was my first love. I started a card making blog before this one, just showcasing finished cards. You can see it here.

Have you used rubber stamps before?

They smell like rubber.

It seems like a no-brainer, but many people are surprised that making their own rubber stamps smells like burning rubber.

So be prepared for the smell, it did NOT bother me, but I stamp a lot.

Get that xTool venting out a window and make sure the air assist is on.

You'll be good to go.

Have you used rubber stamps before? They smell like rubber. It seems like a no-brainer, but many people are surprised that making their own rubber stamps smells like burning rubber. So be prepared for the smell, it did NOT bother me, but I stamp a lot. Get that xTool venting out a window and make sure the air assist is on. You'll be good to go.

Supplies Needed for Making Rubber Stamps with xTool:

affiliate links

Laser Engraving Rubber Stamp or Laser Engraving Rubber Stamp Set
xTool Laser Engraver (cutting) Machine (any of them will work for this project)
Rubber Stamp Ink
Double Sided Adhesive Foam or Cling Foam (perfect for acrylic blocks)
Acrylic Stamping Block or Block of Wood to Mount it on
Paper, Embellishments, etc.
Image to Engrave

(if your name is Natalie, you are more than welcome to make a name stamp to match mine!)

Step 1: Image for Engraving

The image for a rubber stamp must be inverted, so the black parts of the image are what will be engraved away, with the white parts remaining.

Also, if the image is oriented a certain direction, like a name, then it needs to be reversed.

It's also very helpful to add 20 pixels (or so) of engraved outline to the image border, so it's easier to trim at the end.

I use photo shop as my design software of choice, and then save the file as a png, jpg or svg and import it right into xTool Creative Space (XCS).

This can also be made right in XCS but I'm not going through that in this tutorial.

Step 1: Image for Engraving The image for a rubber stamp must be inverted, so the black parts of the image are what will be engraved away, with the white parts remaining. Also, if the image is oriented a certain direction, like a name, then it needs to be reversed. It's also very helpful to add 20 pixels (or so) of engraved outline to the image border, so it's easier to trim at the end. I use photo shop as my design software of choice, and then save the file as a png, jpg or svg and import it right into xTool Creative Space (XCS). This can also be made right in XCS but I'm not going through that in this tutorial.

I started by making this rubber stamp that just said my name in a distressed "ransom note" kind of font.

I wanted it to be distressed in case the details didn't show up in the engraving.

Oh boy was I impressed!

Stamps can be created with intricate designs and have them show up immaculately with cleaner edges and fine details.

This name stamp took 32 minutes to laser engrave.

I cut it out by hand afterwards, mounted it on foam and stamped it with glee.

I started by making this rubber stamp that just said my name in a distressed "ransom note" kind of font. I wanted it to be distressed in case the details didn't show up in the engraving. Oh boy was I impressed! Stamps can be created with intricate designs and have them show up immaculately with cleaner edges and fine details. This name stamp took 32 minutes to laser engrave. I cut it out by hand afterwards, mounted it on foam and stamped it with glee.

The reason for the hand trimming at the end is to cut the edges precisely enough to not get any markings of the rubber edges around the stamped image.

You'll see in the image, there's a couple with the edges stamped on.

I then cut layers of the stamp around the top of the name and made sure it creates a clean stamp.

The reason for the hand trimming at the end is to cut the edges precisely enough to not get any markings of the rubber edges around the stamped image. You'll see in the image, there's a couple with the edges stamped on. I then cut layers of the stamp around the top of the name and made sure it creates a clean stamp.

Step 2: Engrave the Image

Here's the big, detailed rubber stamp I engraved!

I love rubber stamps and ornate frames.

I took a black and white image and inverted the colors.

Right click to save it off if you are interested in making one too!

Step 2: Engrave the Image Here's the big, detailed rubber stamp I engraved! I love rubber stamps and ornate frames. I took a black and white image and inverted the colors. Right click to save it off if you are interested in making one too!

Let's talk about settings:

This rubber stamp is sized at nearly 5 inches tall and 4 inches wide.

I used the following settings for my xTool S1 20W Laser Cutter: (72/50/2)

72 Power
50 Speed
2 Passes

This ornate frame rubber stamp took 1 hour and 40 minutes to finish engraving, yes, I believe that second pass is necessary for a fine detailed rubber stamp.

I cleaned my craft room and got everything organized while I kept an eye on it working.

Let's talk about settings: This rubber stamp is sized at nearly 5 inches tall and 4 inches wide. I used the following settings for my xTool S1 20W Laser Cutter: (72/50/2) 72 Power 50 Speed 2 Passes This ornate frame rubber stamp took 1 hour and 40 minutes to finish engraving, yes, I believe that second pass is necessary for a fine detailed rubber stamp. I cleaned my craft room and got everything organized while I kept an eye on it working.

Place the rubber on the honeycomb mat...I think the rubber is 2 layers thick and doesn't matter which side is facing up, but I looked close and tried to place the "thicker" looking side facing up.

Secure it in place with the magnetic clamps.

Trace the useable space on the material by clicking the button on the machine (s1).

Line up the image on the material in XCS.

Then send the image to the xTool for processing.

Click the button on the S1 and watch it work!

Place the rubber on the honeycomb mat...I think the rubber is 2 layers thick and doesn't matter which side is facing up, but I looked close and tried to place the "thicker" looking side facing up. Secure it in place with the magnetic clamps. Trace the useable space on the material by clicking the button on the machine (s1). Line up the image on the material in XCS. Then send the image to the xTool for processing. Click the button on the S1 and watch it work!

The laser system is amazing!

It can make the most detailed engravings--you could use a photograph or business logo and make the perfect custom stamps!

Step 3: Trim and Mount

Once the rubber stamp is fully engraved, remove the rubber from the honeycomb/magnetic clamps and admire.

Then cut around the engraved image, this is where an engraved border is super helpful.

Use small, sharp scissors and cut the rubber carefully--one miscut and the stamp is ruined.

Next, mount the rubber stamp on double sided adhesive foam (I've had a roll for decades) or mount it on cling back foam so you can use it with clear acrylic blocks for ease and easy storage.

Then trim around the foam being sure not to undercut the foam at all.

Step 3: Trim and Mount Once the rubber stamp is fully engraved, remove the rubber from the honeycomb/magnetic clamps and admire. Then cut around the engraved image, this is where an engraved border is super helpful. Use small, sharp scissors and cut the rubber carefully--one miscut and the stamp is ruined. Next, mount the rubber stamp on double sided adhesive foam (I've had a roll for decades) or mount it on cling back foam so you can use it with clear acrylic blocks for ease and easy storage. Then trim around the foam being sure not to undercut the foam at all.

Step 4: Stamp the Image

Now it's time to try out the custom stamp!

Place the rubber on an acrylic block or a wood block and ink it up.

If the stamp is large, place it on the table and hold the ink pad--pressing it up and down on the stamp, being sure to cover it all.

If the stamp is small, you can press it onto the ink pad.

Step 4: Stamp the Image Now it's time to try out the custom stamp! Place the rubber on an acrylic block or a wood block and ink it up. If the stamp is large, place it on the table and hold the ink pad--pressing it up and down on the stamp, being sure to cover it all. If the stamp is small, you can press it onto the ink pad.

Then press the stamp down on the paper.

DO NOT ROCK THE STAMP AROUND.

Just press firmly down, press around all the edges of the stamp in a straight up and down fashion without rocking or putting too much pressure, compressing the fine lines.

It may take some practice to stamp it perfectly, again, I've been card making and rubber stamping for decades...so it comes very naturally now.

Test the custom stamp on a piece of paper scrap first.

Trim up rubber edges if necessary and test again.

Then stamp on cardstock, in a book or on the important thing.

Then press the stamp down on the paper. DO NOT ROCK THE STAMP AROUND. Just press firmly down, press around all the edges of the stamp in a straight up and down fashion without rocking or putting too much pressure, compressing the fine lines. It may take some practice to stamp it perfectly, again, I've been card making and rubber stamping for decades...so it comes very naturally now. Test the custom stamp on a piece of paper scrap first. Trim up rubber edges if necessary and test again. Then stamp on cardstock, in a book or on the important thing.

Perfection--I'm so happy about how this custom engraved rubber stamp turned out!

All the parts of the image that were white in the inverted image are the parts that take the ink and reveal a gorgeous stamp!

I pressed a little too much in the center of the frame and made a mark, but I could go back in and cut the full center out to avoid that in the future.

Perfection--I'm so happy about how this custom engraved rubber stamp turned out! All the parts of the image that were white in the inverted image are the parts that take the ink and reveal a gorgeous stamp! I pressed a little too much in the center of the frame and made a mark, but I could go back in and cut the full center out to avoid that in the future.

Okay, Then it was just fun to create a handmade card using my own rubber stamped creations.
I'm super thrilled.

I have done some smaller stamps since these two and they only took about 15 minutes each to complete, so they are very economical.

I would probably not offer big rubber stamps as a boutique regular product to sell as a small business, but would offer them as a custom order since they take so long.

Okay, Then it was just fun to create a handmade card using my own rubber stamped creations. I'm super thrilled. I have done some smaller stamps since these two and they only took about 15 minutes each to complete, so they are very economical. I would probably not offer big rubber stamps as a boutique regular product to sell as a small business, but would offer them as a custom order since they take so long.

I used my own homemade texture modeling paste to make the stenciled background on the card.

Check out that full tutorial here.

I'm excited to digitize my own hand lettering and make some custom rubber stamps using my writing.

I have so many fun ideas to do with rubber stamp making.

**Note: As the laser engraving works, the rubber is "burned" away, therefore leaving a dust layer in the laser cutting machine.

Simply clean the machine as normal. I keep baby wipes near so I can wipe down the inside and honeycomb after every project.

After any projects lasting more than an hour of laser time, it's a good idea to unclip the laser head module and clean the laser.

Good maintenance will keep the machine working better and longer.

I'm excited to digitize my own hand lettering and make some custom rubber stamps using my writing. I have so many fun ideas to do with rubber stamp making. **Note: As the laser engraving works, the rubber is "burned" away, therefore leaving a dust layer in the laser cutting machine. Simply clean the machine as normal. I keep baby wipes near so I can wipe down the inside and honeycomb after every project. After any projects lasting more than an hour of laser time, it's a good idea to unclip the laser head module and clean the laser. Good maintenance will keep the machine working better and longer.

Hey guess what!?

I made this fun rainbow display board too!

Are you interested in this file?

Let me know in the comments or in an email and I'll work on a post for it.

I love making things with my laser cutter.

It's quickly becoming my favorite craft tool in my house!

I love how fast I can make things--the perfect handmade gifts, custom items and fun home decor.

My machine has definitely been worth the investment.

If you are planning on starting a Laser Cutting Business, check out my full post on that too!

Hey guess what!? I made this fun rainbow display board too! Are you interested in this file? Let me know in the comments or in an email and I'll work on a post for it. I love making things with my laser cutter. It's quickly becoming my favorite craft tool in my house! I love how fast I can make things--the perfect handmade gifts, custom items and fun home decor. My machine has definitely been worth the investment. If you are planning on starting a Laser Cutting Business, check out my full post on that too!

That's it!

Making your own custom rubber stamps is easy to do with the xTool S1 Laser Engraving Machine!

I am so impressed with the details and intricate designs and have so many more ideas for custom stamps.

Like, Pin and Save!

Making your own custom rubber stamps is easy to do with the xTool S1 Laser Engraving Machine! I am so impressed with the details and intricate designs and have so many more ideas for custom stamps.

Check out these other fun and unique xTool posts:

How to Make Leather Bracelet with xTool Laser Cutter

Learn how to make stunning leather bracelets with the xTool Laser Cutting machine.

It's easy to make laser cut leather bracelet and makes a meaningful gift for a special occasion!

These wrap-around wrist bracelets are easy to make and secure with a stud rivet...they are adjustable in size, can be customized and only take 3 supplies!