A rubber stamp is a tool that transfers ink onto a surface - usually paper, packaging, or fabric - using a raised rubber design. It’s one of the simplest ways to imprint a message, logo, or design with just a press.
The idea might seem basic, but rubber stamps have a surprisingly rich history. The first patent was filed in 1866 by L.F. Witherell, and from there, rubber stamps became a staple in offices - streamlining paperwork, speeding up approvals, and bringing order to the chaos of daily admin.
In 1866, L.F. Witherell, a pump factory foreman in Galesburg, Illinois, crafted what he claimed to be the first rubber stamp by gluing rubber letters onto a piece of bedpost—an inventive solution born from frustration with messy stenciling methods.
Since then, they've evolved well beyond business use. Today, people use rubber stamps for everything from branding handmade products and decorating wedding invitations to marking library books and labeling kids’ clothes.
What is Rubber Stamp Made of?
Most rubber stamps are made of three main components:
- A rubber surface with a raised design or text
- A mount, typically made of wood, acrylic, or plastic
- A foam or adhesive layer that connects the two
Rubber stamps also come in several formats:
- Traditional stamps require a separate ink pad
- Self-inking stamps include an internal pad that re-inks automatically
- Pre-inked stamps have ink embedded in the stamp itself for ultra-clean impressions
And beyond the tool itself, the term “rubber stamping” has taken on new meaning - often used to describe giving automatic or uncritical approval.
Whether you're running a small business, crafting at home, or organizing a classroom, rubber stamps remain one of the fastest (and most satisfying) ways to leave your mark.
What Are Rubber Stamps Used For?
Rubber stamps are surprisingly versatile - used in offices, studios, classrooms, and even hospitals to speed up tasks, personalize materials, and leave a lasting impression.
Here’s how different groups use them every day:
For Businesses
- Streamlining Operations: Quickly approve paperwork, mark dates, or categorize documents without writing things by hand.
- Branding on Packaging and Mailers: Apply your logo or brand name directly onto boxes, bags, and mailers to create a polished, consistent look with custom logo rubber stamps.
- Return Address: Keep outbound mail looking professional and uniform with custom return addresses.
- Check Signatures: Stamp signatures on checks or forms to save time and maintain consistency.
For Creatives and Hobbyists
- Card Making and Crafts: Stamp custom designs for scrapbooking, journaling, or greeting cards.
- Weddings: Add a handmade touch to invites, thank-you notes, or wedding favors with personalized wedding stamps.
- Personal Stationery: Create monogrammed notes, gift tags, and return address labels.
- Kids Clothes: Use personalized name stamps with fabric-safe ink to keep clothes from getting lost at daycare or school.
For Institutions and Professionals
- Legal and Government Use: Notarize, validate, or mark documents to ensure legitimacy and tracking.
- Healthcare Applications: Stamp patient info, dates, or physician names onto forms for accuracy and speed.
- Educational Use for Teachers: Provide feedback, grade work, or motivate students with personalized teacher stamps.
- Book Identification for Libraries and Classrooms: Label and catalog books with book stamps so they don’t get misplaced.
Types of Rubber Stamps: An Overview of Your Options
There are several types of rubber stamps, each designed for different tasks — from everyday office use to detailed creative work.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
1. Traditional Rubber Stamps
The original and most flexible type. Traditional stamps feature a raised rubber design mounted to a wood or acrylic block and require a separate ink pad.
- Best for: Occasional use, multiple ink colors, creative flexibility
- Commonly used for: Crafting, branding, general office tasks
Create unique impressions with a personalized rubber stamp.
2. Self-Inking Stamps
These stamps contain a built-in ink pad that re-inks automatically after each press. Self-inking stamps are fast, consistent, and mess-free - ideal for repetitive tasks.
- Best for: Speed and efficiency
- Commonly used for: Business paperwork, return addresses, check stamping
Experience the convenience and precision of our self-inking stamp, perfect for high-volume use.
Buy Custom Self-Inking Stamps
3. Pre-Inked Stamps
These use ink embedded directly into the stamp material, allowing for clean, detailed impressions without a pad. They’re quieter, longer-lasting, and capable of ultra-fine designs.
- Best for: Professional use, fine detail, heavy use over time
- Commonly used for: Signatures, legal stamps, high-end branding
Common Specialty Uses for Rubber Stamps
When L.F. Witherell first glued rubber letters to a bedpost in 1866, he likely didn’t imagine his invention would still be in use over 150 years later - let alone showing up on wedding invites, Etsy packaging, teacher feedback forms, and legal documents.
But that’s the staying power of a good idea: simple, functional, endlessly adaptable.
Today’s rubber stamps are more customizable, efficient, and precise than ever - but they’re still doing what Witherell set out to do back then: make it easy to leave your mark.
From packaging to paperwork, we’ve got your stamp.
Explore our range of custom rubber stamps and create something with your own signature touch.
