The black, plastic watermark detector trays (the ones where you add watermark fluid and immerse the stamp in it) come in two types: flat bottom and ridged bottom. I have never used a rigged bottom tray. Does anyone see any advantage to using a ridged bottom tray compared to a flat bottom one?
"easier to get tongs under the stamp to retrieve it?"
I suppose so, but without the stamp lying on top of the ridges instead of lying flat on the bottom of the tray, would that not keep the watermark from appearing well?
I use the ridged part to place stamps which have already been doused in fluid to 'dry' while the next stamp's watermark is being identified on the flat part of the tray.
On the other hand, (a) watermark fluid takes no time at all to dry, and (b) the ridged part actually slopes towards the flat part, which suggests a different purpose.
I like the set-up with the drying ridges, and will look for one to buy.
The ridged tray that I saw only has ridges, no flat area. That makes no sense to me unless you also have a separate tray with a smooth bottom to do as this dual tray does.
Mine is a black ceramic (I assume) tray from HE Harris many years ago. Are there any concerns about using any kind of watermark fluid in anything other than ceramic? I use Ronsonol.
Here is what I use, think it was a grocery package tray originally.
After determining watermarks I place the stamps on copy paper divided into columns headed by the possible watermarks. They appear to dry quickly with no adverse effects.
Yep, I know, cheapskate Englishman.
I have never heard of or seen any deleterious effect on the gum caused by watermark fluid. If one lets the stamp soak in the fluid for a long period of time, I'm sure that the gum condition would become an issue, but watermark fluid evaporates very quickly.
Folks, I’d be very careful about using anything but an official watermark tray. No doubt the manufacturer did testing and will guarantee no leaching of chemicals from the tray. With anything you just grab I wouldn’t be so confident. One never can be sure some invisible element isn’t reacting with the fluid and into your stamp.
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