Items made of fabric in WWII were often stamped with various markings including maker marks, dates, depot and unit stamps. There was also a wide range of printed items manufactured. Millions of items made by thousands of factories and workshops used a wide range of methods to get ink on fabric.
To create reproduction items or to add realistic stamps to reproductions I use also use a variety of methods to get the look I am going for.
A simple and easy method is to use permanent ink stamp pads. A new and “juicy” pad will usually yield a darker result than one that has had some time to dry out. Don’t press down too hard on the pad- you don’t want ink in the recesses because the texture of cloth is more likely to pick up excess ink, than a smooth flat sheet of paper. Press down harder on the fabric being printed. Using permanent ink is important for a lasting result. Using a hot iron to heat set the ink helps it last longer.
Spray paint can also make a dark and very permanent mark. I spray it on a piece of cardboard and use it like a stamp pad. The amount of paint on the stamp is critical. This method takes a bit of practice and skill. It is wise to test on scrap material first, to get the hang of it. Look at the stamp after inking to see how much paint is on it and to ensure that all parts that you want to print have paint. Paint can be removed from the rubber with odorless mineral spirits.
It is possible to recreate the look of printing using rubber stamps and textile ink used for screen printing. I use a piece of glass and a roller tool called a brayer. I put a small amount of ink on the glass and spread it flat and smooth with the brayer. Then I use the brayer to transfer the ink to the stamp, ensuring complete and totally even coverage of the graphic to be printed, with no ink in the recesses. Then I will put the stamp, rubber side up, on a flat surface, put the fabric to be printed on top of the stamp and then run a clean brayer over the fabric with even pressure.
The fabric itself will also affect the result. It may take some trial and error to get the exact look desired on any specific fabric type.
