I have been going back and forth about these black background sentiments...but now that I have them ... I love them! The sentiment encased in black just makes them pop! Since these are what I called solid style stamps, I just condition them by using conditioning eraser, or just rub my finger over it. After conditioning them they work wonderfully. I have been adding these sentiments to my duoprinting w/chlorophyll cards lately, and everyone that I have sent or gifted these cards loves them.