Leather Stamping Guide
Use on vegetable-tanned leather only and never strike with a hammer or mallet.
Follow the steps below for a clean, consistent impression every time. Before stamping a finished project, practice on scrap leather and review our Tips & Tricks below for extra guidance.
Gather Your Supplies
Arbor Press
Use an arbor press for best results (0.5 ton press or more).
View our recommended press →
Water Spray
Use a fine mist sprayer or damp sponge to moisten the leather.
Press Plates
Use top and bottom plates to distribute pressure evenly.
Shop press plates →
Veg-Tan Leather
Use vegetable-tanned leather only (chrome-tanned leather will not hold an impression).
4 Steps to a Clean Impression
Wet the leather
Using a spray bottle or damp sponge, evenly moisten the leather. Allow the surface to begin drying and look slightly dry before moving to the next step.
Add stamp and top plate
Place the stamp centered on the leather, then position the top plate directly over the stamp. Make sure everything is aligned beneath the ram.
Press leather
If your press isn’t affixed to the table, hold it steady. Press the stamp into the leather firmly for a few seconds. Release and check your impression.
Tips + Tricks
Keep your leather flat
Keep your leather flat
Your leather must stay completely flat while pressing. Any lifting or bending can cause corners to appear in the impression.
Even pressure is important
Even pressure is important
You don’t need excessive force to create a strong impression. Apply steady, even pressure for a few seconds. If you’re using a heavy-duty press (5-ton or higher), avoid over-pressing.
Pressing larger stamps
Pressing larger stamps
If using an arbor press, stamps larger than the a few square inches work best being pressed in sections. Press the stamp in the middle to set it, then carefully move the stamp and leather to a different section and press again. Repeat until all areas have been pressed. This will ensure an even impression across the entire design.
A little practice makes perfect
A little practice makes perfect
Before using on a finished project, practice on scrap leather. Most makers say it takes about 5 impressions to feel comfortable. If you notice white Delrin residue on your first few impressions, don’t worry—it can be gently brushed away once the leather has completely dried.
No arbor press? Use a c-clamp
No arbor press? Use a c-clamp
A C-clamp works well for pressing the stamp into the leather. Sandwich the leather and stamp between press plates or wood blocks. If bracing against a counter edge, use a plate or block on top. Tighten evenly and keep it secured for a few seconds.