Purchase quality stamps. The Stampin' Place has been manufacturing rubber art-stamps since 1981. The design is indexed on top of the wood mount. You can count on carefully trimmed, deeply etched, red rubber dies and trimmed cushion for a crisp, clear stamped image. Large stamps can be inked easily on the raised pads by moving them around over the surface.
Some stampers prefer to lay the stamp face up on the table and apply the pad to the stamp.
Either way is effective. Make sure the stamp is well inked by looking at its surface. Apply firm, even pressure to the stamp. Stamp on a flat, smooth surface. Do not rock the stamp or slam it down.