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Silhouette Mint Review: What's Got Me Giddy...and Griping

My Silhouette Mint stamp maker has finally arrived and I'm happy to report back to all of you with this Silhouette Mint Review.  I'll share a 101 tutorial on setting up the Mint soon and printing your first stamp, but I did want to start off with my first impressions so you can decide if you want to add the Mint to your tool belt.

Silhouette Mint, review, Silhouette, stamp maker

I knew my Mint was coming and I knew generally when it would be arriving...so when I saw the UPS truck pull up a few days ago I was all excited....until the UPS man walked up to my door with this box that was so small it couldn't be my Mint.  Imagine my surprise when I realized it actually was! That tells you how small thing little machine. It can basically fit in the palm of your hand and takes up almost no desk space.

Silhouette Mint, review, Silhouette, stamp maker

Like the CAMEO or Portrait the Silhouette Mint is pretty much a plug and play machine.  Plug the power and USB cords in, fire up Mint Studio, and you're ready to go.  When I first connected my machine with Mint Studio open, I was notified that my free designs were ready to be installed into my library.

Silhouette Mint, review, Silhouette, stamp maker

So for my first stamp print I used one of them.  I picked a round 'Best Day Ever' design. Then it's just a matter of picking the same size stamp sheet and virtual work areas and you're ready to print your stamp.

As far as Mint Studio, the software is different than Silhouette Studio.  Many of editing functions overlap - although there are fewer in Mint Studio.  There are also a lot of different icons than in Studio so they'll take some getting used to. Overall, Mint Studio is relatively easy to navigate.

Silhouette Mint, review, Silhouette, stamp maker

The stamp prints in a matter of seconds. Literally within ten minutes of opening the box I had printed my first stamp.  This is definitely a plus for people like me who like immediate gratification. 

Silhouette Mint, review, Silhouette, stamp maker

After mounting and inking the stamp you have to wait 10 minutes or so for the ink to absorb...not good for people who like immediate gratification.

Silhouette Mint, review, Silhouette, stamp maker

When I felt I'd waited long enough (maybe like 7 minutes hah) I tested my first stamp. I knew I'd need to stamp off some of the excess ink.  You can clearly tell on this notebook page which were my first stamps.   I was very impressed with how well the black areas stamped. Those little dots are no more than pinhead size and they stamped very sharp.

Silhouette Mint, review, Silhouette, stamp maker

I was not so impressed, however, with the yellow area. I think a combination of the yellow ink and the small font size (the stamp is only 1.5" square so the font size is tiny) made the 'Best Day Ever' hard to read.   The good news is when this ink runs out I can add new ink to that area and I bet I'll get a better stamp.

Silhouette Mint, review, Silhouette, stamp maker

For my second stamp I decided to use my own design - the Silhouette School logo - rather than one from the library.  If you use your own design you need to make sure that it's made into a compound path in Mint Studio before you print (again I'll get more into this when I share the Silhouette Mint for Beginners tutorial).

Silhouette Mint, review, Silhouette, stamp maker

Again this stamp printed very quickly and the detail inside the S that was captured in the actual stamp blew me away - considering just how small this stamp is. It's actually the xx small size.

Since my logo is pink I thought I'd give it a try and mix blue and red inks in hopes of getting close to a purple..well that failed miserably.  The inks didn't mix at all so I ended up with a red and blue blotchy - yet crisp - logo.

Silhouette Mint, review, Silhouette, stamp maker

Now Silhouette America touts the self inking stamps as being able to stamp 50 times before needing to be re-ink. I can tell you with certainty that is not the case....believe me I tried stamping this thing at least 100 times to get rid of the ink so I could re-stamp and it was like the never ending stamp.  So I can confidently say the inks will last you awhile because you don't need much for each stamp and the stamps just keep on stampin'.

Once I finally inked it out (I apologize if I am using all the wrong stamp terminology, I am so not a stamper) I re-inked with black.  Again, you can see just how crisp and sharp the stamps are!

Silhouette Mint, review, Silhouette, stamp maker

Overall I'm really impressed with the stamp quality, the inks and the ease of use.

Silhouette Mint, review, Silhouette, stamp maker

Now for my gripes...because you know I like to shoot it straight and there are always going to be things that I think can be improved upon.  Fortunately, overall, my first impressions of the Mint were much better than my Curio first impressions.

The Mint, which retails for between $110-$120 comes with enough supplies to make two stamps. Two.  Umm...so you're telling me after 10 minutes the fun is over?! Unlike the other Silhouette machines I can keep on cutting and the supplies are pretty much endless and available from a wide range of retailers and suppliers. If all else fails I can cut printer paper.  For the Mint you're pretty much out of luck unless you reach for your wallet and dig deep because the stamp kits are not cheap and you're limited to Silhouette brand due to the specialty supplies needed.

Fortunately for me, when Swing Design so kindly sent me a complimentary Mint, they included three extra stamp kits.

Silhouette Mint, review, Silhouette, stamp maker

If you are going to buy a Mint I would suggest you buy a Mint bundle deal that includes extra stamping sheets (not necessarily extra blocks because you can swap out the same size stamps on the the same block) because two isn't going to get you very far.  You can buy some re-fill sets that do not include the blocks since once you own the blocks you can swap out the stamps on them by changing the mounts.   Still it can get pricey - prices range from $5.50 per refill for a single xsmall stamp sheet (set is $11) to over $10 for a single xx large sheet (again sold in sets of 2 for $20.50 total)

Also, I think one of the things that may attract people to the Mint is that you can rather easily make custom stamps - perhaps to sell. The only issue I foresee here is after the buyer uses up their 50 or so stamps how are they going to re-ink their stamp since these stamps require special ink....just something to think about.

So while I am impressed with this cool little stamp maker I'm somewhat disheartened by the high cost of the Silhouette Mint supplies that are necessary to keep it printing new stamps!

Silhouette Mint, review, Silhouette, stamp maker

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!

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30 comments

  1. Thanks for a great first impression post! I have to admit, I was super excited about the idea of making my own stamps but I am really put off on the final product. I'd rather make a "real" stamp and use my own ink pads. (I know there are machines available that can do that, but I just haven't looked into them.)

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    1. There are other machines...it's called flash stamp machine. the stamp impression is the same...but the foam is thicker..so you can store more ink which will give you 10000 impressions or more. Not sure if that is a plus or minus as if you want to change color...you will have to wait ages. You can use other inks in the siluhouette stamps. I did a google and there are loads of videos demonstrating it.

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  2. After watching a video I was very concerned about the proprietary ink. I have done considerable stamping and think the proprietary ink will take away any artistic expression that ink pads allow. The overall cost was also a factor in bursting my bubble. I did see a blog where they had stamped the name of their company on ribbon. The quality of the stamping was outstanding, but I wonder how often the stamp had to be re-inked to get a consistently good stamp several times on the ribbon. So far, except for the ribbon, all of the stamps I have seen have been faded out and not very good.

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  3. I LOVE my Mint, and, like you mentioned, within 10 minutes of receiving it, I had made my two stamps and was itching to make more. I went to the SA store, but when I clicked on the stamp kits, it said that they were not available for purchase. I contacted the company inquiring on when they WOULD be available, but was told that they did not have a date yet. Major sad face!! So, my poor little Mint just sits on my desk gathering dust (and God knows what else).

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    Replies
    1. I have sad face for the exact same reason. I brought it up on FB to Silhouette and they seemed surprised that I could not order. I don't think their right hand knows what their left hand is doing.

      I love my Cameo and now my mint, but I think their production practices need some help.

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    2. I get mine from Crafts U Love (UK) - they have stock!
      01293 863576

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    3. I get mine from Crafts U Love (UK) - they have stock!
      01293 863576

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  4. Thanks for a great review. I'm thinking of buying a Mint, but I've had trouble to find information about the ink. Is it washable? Would it be possible to stamp clothing with my own brand, in the neck for example, and still wash the shirt?

    That's a deal breaker for me.

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  5. I really appreciate this review. I have been on the fence, simply because the cost factors of the supplies. I think I will wait to purchase and hopefully Silhouette will work out the bugs from honest reviewers like you...

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  6. I was really excited at the prospect of the Mint. I researched it and decided that it was too expensive for refills and the stamps weren't that big. Finally, my biggest disappointment was being unable to use the different inks that I own, that was the clincher for me! Thank you for your review, it makes me feel that I came to the right decision!

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  7. I was so excited to learn about the Mint and couldn't wait to get my hands on one. After learning that the stamps were limited in size, the expense, and the special inks needed, I've changed my mind. The cost of each personalized stamp would be about the same as a store purchased stamp, paying full price. The only benefit of the Mint would be personalization of your stamp.

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    1. so far not even that. I have been arguing with the company since x-mass. My self made designs wont print clear enough to tell what they are. I am not sure if there would be better luck with there stock stuff but what the fun of that? I raised some of these same points with them to. If I cant use my designs then the money is a waste. I can buy stamps with others designs for cheaper than there stamps blanks alone much less the machine.

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  8. Is the stamp raised at all? Is there anyway you can show a photo from the side?

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  9. I'm really interested in purchasing the Mint but I was wondering if you have tried making a full text stamp using small font. I have some sayings I can't purchase so I'd like to make them with the Mint. I'm not too sure how they would stamp.

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    Replies
    1. Have you tried working with a company like Rubber Stamp Champ to make traditional custom stamps? I've had great service from them.

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  10. I have a couple questions that maybe you could address in a follow-up post. How deep is the stamp? Could you stamp fabric? Is it washable? What happens if you use your own ink? Thanks.

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    1. so far you have to use there ink. Or ink from a similar product like the caseo pomeri. its a flat stamp. some parts just become absorbent. I would imagine you could do fabric. But no idea if it will wash out. First you have to get it to work though.

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  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  12. I was wondering if you've tested it on different mediums? Will the ink work on vinyl, glass, plastic, metal, etc? Thanks for any info you might have.:-)

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  13. Where can I get the user's guide in .pdf format? I searched the web, but found nothing. It also not in the HELP menu in the software.

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  14. Hi! Merry Christmas! I just received my Mint machine and it will not work :( Also, my 50 free designs are not in my library either. I don't know what to do. Please help!!!

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    1. Mine dosent work as advertised either. My images when you go to send to machine practically disappear. There is a tone of degrade and you cant read the text. I contacted silhouette about it before I tried to print. I was afraid this would be my final image. they said it would be. I contacted them back and asked what to do. They told me thats how it works. Didn't even try to help me get a better image. As for your 50 images I got mine when I registered the mint.

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  15. ok so im confused about swapping the blocks over :( if you od that do you loose the current stamp? or can you keep swapping as you need? id love to see a post that explains how this is done. i just thought you needed a block and stampy bit for everyone?

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  16. i may be wrong but I'm pretty sure it's the same concept as rubber cling stamps, where you stick the stamp (image to the block) when your not using it you can stick it off and on as you need it. So no you do not loose the stamp you just store it until u need that one again

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  17. do you have to flip an image with words before making the stamp?

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  18. The Mint will automatically flip the image and words before printing.

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  19. Oh my goodness. Miss Thing Melissa! I came across your blog accidentally. (Lucky me!) I was searching for info on how to transfer my Silhouette Library into my Mint Library. (Just got the Mint here in Austin, TX. I'm digesting info as we speak and am about to just go for making that first stamp willy-nilly.) SO IMAGINE MY SURPRISE when I not only found the info I needed on your blog, but also found YOUR BLOG! What a gold mine of info, well-thought-out tutorials, etc.... and a natural wit that makes my toes tap. The only problem with your blog is that I may spend five years learning so much here that I actually never get around to doing what I do...which is make really cute stuff (if I do say so myself) with my Silhouette (and now Mint). I'm going to go for that first stamp. (Saw the note about making it a compound file first. Got it! Thank you.) I will most certainly get back to your blog this afternoon while I am sitting and half-watching my kiddo at VBall practice. So much to see. Thank you, Melissa. You are my new best friend without even having to invite me over for dinner. Nancy jean, Paper Heirlooms

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  20. I really like my Mint but I'd like to know if the inks are removable from fabric. My first attempt at stamping a piece of fabric was marred by a misalignment issue. Fortunately, not a lot of ink was deposited, but enough that I'd like to try and remove my mistake before trying again. Anyone with any tips on what cleaner or detergent might remove the Mint ink?

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  21. What type of permanent ink/fabric ink can you use on the Silhouette Mint? I want to stamp fabrics. Thank you

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