People get personalized rubber stamps from online shops like Etsy, Temu, or Amazon. But for makers who own a desktop laser engraver, even a 10W diode laser, you can absolutely make your own rubber stamp at home.

Believe it or not, this guide will walk you through the crispy steps of how to make custom rubber stamps. And for those who don’t have a laser machine yet but are looking for inspiration, we also have something to share in Part Two.

Let’s get to the point.

Preparations for Rubber Stamp Making

Rubber for stamp making sheets, a diode or CO₂ laser engraver, wooden blocks, and adhesives or glue. That’s all you need to create your own rubber stamp. And before we laser engrave the rubber sheet, there are a few things worth paying attention to.

1. Rubber for laser engraving

Or we can ask: where do rubber stamp sheets come from?

The first choice is laser rubber. This type of rubber produces low odor and delivers crisp engraving results. Silicone rubber, known for its heat resistance, flexibility, and durability, is also commonly used for rubber craft stamps and clear rubber stamps for card making. While it may generate more residue and odor, some cleanup is usually required.

Additionally, natural rubber, nitrile rubber, and microporous foam are also suitable for laser engraving rubber, provided the material is confirmed to be laser-safe.

2. Laser for rubber stamp making

When it comes to non-metal laser engraving, diode lasers and CO₂ lasers are both suitable options. Considering the relatively large size of most CO₂ machines and the small size of rubber stamp sheets, diode laser engravers are often the more practical choice.

Another reason is accessibility. Diode lasers are already widely used among hobbyists and personalized rubber stamp maker owners, making rubber stamp making an easy project to get started with.

How to Make My Own Rubber Stamp

After material preparation, we move on to the real-world operation. If you are wondering how to make rubber stamp projects come to life, it starts with the design.

Make Up Your Mind: What to Engrave

But what should you engrave? You aren’t limited to boring office supplies.

You can engrave a crisp business logo rubber stamp to level up your small business packaging and save a fortune on custom boxes. A company logo rubber stamp makes your brand look established. Alternatively, create elegant “Save the Date” stamps to make your wedding look premium on a budget.

Want to charm the BookTok crowd? A vintage “From the Library of…” stamp always works. Feeling the coquette aesthetic? Cute bows are everywhere. Whether it’s personalized custom rubber stamps or personalized name rubber stamps, a 20W diode laser is ready for whatever your brain cooks up.

Steps to Make a Rubber Stamp

For laser engraving rubber stamp projects, let’s take LightBurn as an example. Import your design into the interface and resize it to your desired stamp dimensions.

If your target size is 4 × 4 cm, make sure the design matches that size and preview its placement on the rubber sheet before engraving.

3D Embossing or Deep Engraving

If you want a seal-style stamp or custom rubber stamps logo, there are two common approaches: 3D laser embossing and deep laser engraving. Here, we’ll focus on deep laser engraving.

Step One: Parameter Settings

Parameter settings are always the first and most critical step when you make a rubber stamp. Here we take a 20W diode laser as an example. 

After importing the file and resizing it, select “Fill” in the parameter settings panel. Rubber does not require extreme power. In most cases, lower power combined with slower speed or multiple passes produces cleaner edges than a single aggressive pass with a 20W or 10W setting. Remember to select "Use Laser 2" in LightBurn, which I forgot to include in the above picture. 

Before engraving the final piece, running a small test is strongly recommended.

Step Two: Engraving and Cleaning

Start the engraving process and monitor the first few layers. Some smoke or residue is normal. Once finished, you will likely ask how to clean rubber stamps effectively.

After engraving, allow the rubber to cool. Many beginners wonder how to clean rubber ink stamps or fresh engraving debris—simply rinse them with water or use mild soap, and gently brush recessed areas to remove debris. A clean surface directly affects stamping quality.

Step Three: Mounting the Stamp

Cut the engraved rubber to size and attach it to a wooden or acrylic block. Double-sided tape works for light use, while liquid adhesive provides better durability if you plan to make rubber stamps for frequent use.

Once mounted, test the stamp with light inking. Too much ink often hides fine details.

Going Beyond the Basics: Quality and Efficiency Tips

Most guides on rubber stamp how to make stop once the stamp works. But if you plan to make custom rubber stamp batches regularly, a few extra considerations can significantly improve both results and efficiency.

Instead of engraving one stamp at a time, arrange multiple designs on a single rubber sheet to reduce material waste. With careful layout planning, you can make rubber stamps in one run and cut them apart afterward.

Airflow also plays a bigger role than many beginners expect. Consistent extraction helps pull smoke away before residue settles back into engraved areas. Better airflow usually means less cleanup and sharper impressions.

For designs with small text or thin lines, focus accuracy matters. A tighter laser focus and light air assist can help reduce edge softness and surface charring during engraving.

Is It Safe to Laser Engrave Rubber?

Yes—as long as the rubber is laser-safe.

Laser rubber and silicone rubber are widely used and generally safe with proper ventilation. What should be avoided is rubber with an unknown composition or strong chemical smells. Some industrial rubbers may release harmful gases when engraved.

If the odor feels unusually harsh, stop immediately and reassess the material.

EM-Smart Dual SE for Rubber Stamp Making

For rubber stamp engraving, the EM-Smart Dual SE offers a clear advantage in control and consistency.

Its diode laser handles rubber materials smoothly, allowing precise depth control for text, logos, and fine lines—which is especially important when stamps need clean edges and repeatable results. The compact desktop design also fits well in small studios or home workshops, making it practical for both one-off custom stamps and small batch production.

Beyond rubber stamps, the Dual SE’s dual-laser setup expands what a single machine can do. In addition to rubber, it can engrave wood, leather, acrylic, and mark various metals, making it suitable for signage, personalized gifts, branding tags, and other small business or maker projects. This flexibility enables users to seamlessly transition between different materials without needing to switch machines, thereby maintaining simple and efficient workflows.

Conclusion

Rubber stamps may look simple, but good ones depend on thoughtful design, material choice, and laser control. With a dual desktop laser engraver — making your own rubber stamps is completely achievable.