Posted by Ever/CA on 3/17/07 11:33pm
Msg #180423

Seal Impression

My seal is inconsistent. Sometimes, some parts of the impression are lighter than the rest. Does it really have to be perfect? When, for example, some letters or some parts of the letters in the "My Comm. Expires" is a little lighter, is it still acceptable? I *think* I'm applying the same pressure (and same speed) but the results are not consistent. Is this a defect in the seal or am I just not cut out to be a notary public? I hope it's the former. I would hate to resign my commission just because my hand can't do a good job of stamping my seal.

I'm thinking whether to get the Stringray from NotRot just to see. But I'm also thinking whether I just got a "lemon" and it doesn't matter who the manufacturer would have been.

Thanks,
Ever

P.S. Thanks NotRot Support (not sure if the person who helped me wants their name to appear here so I'd rather not mention it) for changing my alias. I really, really appreciate it.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 3/17/07 11:45pm
Msg #180424

Not All Seals Are Alike

I have two seals. One I purchased here on NotRot. The other I purchased locally at a print shop. I have to use both hands to make a good impression with one of the seals and it's a bit of a pain. I will defer to your California colllegues (sp?) to answer your specific questions. My only suggestion is to shop around. Good luck!

Reply by Ever/CA on 3/17/07 11:52pm
Msg #180425

Re: Not All Seals Are Alike

Thanks, Michelle. What's your definition of "good impression"? I'm just wondering whether I'm just being too much of a perfectionist. Like in my example earlier, if the wording "My Comm. Expires" is not even and everything else (comm #, exp date, etc.) is good, is that good enough? Or does something like that warrant a reseal? While I would think that it should be good enough as it's just the generic wording that's bad, I'm not sure the document recorders think the same way.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 3/18/07 12:08am
Msg #180427

Ever, if your state allows multiple seals, I recommend NR's

Stingray for a sharp image. Assuming you are stamping on an even surface, the entire stamp should be easily readable and reproduce well. If one part of your stamp is somehow defective, or the ink is not properly distributed, then I would ask for a replacement stamp from that vendor, or try re-inking your current stamp, as some clients as well as county clerks are very picky about readability of the entire stamp.

Cheers!
Susie

Reply by Michelle/AL on 3/18/07 12:12am
Msg #180428

Re: Not All Seals Are Alike

I use the impression seal and all of the words show up equally. There are times when my seal even makes small holes in the paper so I have to be careful. I think since you are questioning the quality of your seal there is probably a problem with it. I think it's good that you noticed first yourself, instead of having to re-notarize some documents. I agree with Susan. Try returning the seal to the company that sold it to you. If they value your business they will try to help you. If they don't, take your business elsewhere.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 3/18/07 12:20am
Msg #180429

Exactamundo, Michelle; good money for a good product! Or

the competition will put you OOB. (Out of Business)

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 3/18/07 10:02am
Msg #180448

Re: Seal Impression-Ever/CA

I would suggest when you adhere the seal, be certain the surface you are using is perfectly even. What I do is place the document to be stamped on a good half inch thickness of papers, then I place the stamp in the perfect location, I don't press hard but firmly and I do an ever so gentle rocking in motion with my wrist not the stamp itself. Practice this first on scratch paper, I do the rocking motion front to back and then side to side, and only once and again do not rock the stamp, this is only wrist movement, this may help you notice a difference.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 3/18/07 10:19am
Msg #180453

Great trick! I had to 'finesse' an even image out of

my old clunker Ideal stamp - was so glad to be rid of it this year! I just wish the bottom part was transparent, to make it easier to get into that 'perfect' position - sometimes the spacing is soooo close...

Reply by ewing2surf on 3/18/07 11:48am
Msg #180465

>I would hate to resign my commission just because my hand can't do a good job of stamping my seal. <

I almost spit my morning coffee on my monitor from laughter. Thanks.

No it's not your hand LOL it's that XYZ seal budget seal you got when you bought the whole package.

Request another Certificate of Authorization from the Secretary of State and "hook up" with a Stingray.

Reply by Ever/CA on 3/18/07 12:02pm
Msg #180467

Glad to have started your day w/ laughter :). THX ALL! n/m