Embossing

What is Embossing?

There are two types of embossing:

Dry Embossing
Using an embossing tool to rub the paper, which stretches and results in leaving a raised image. This looks effective when using a stencil.

Wet Embossing
This is using a wet base on which to apply an embossing powder. Using a heat source to melt the embossing powder, when then leaves a raised image.

Tips for Wet Embossing

The Pads
You can use Emboss Pads, which have been designed specifically for embossing. They are available in clear and tinted. The tinted pad allows you to see where you have stamped and will not show under coloured embossing powders. You can use the Versamark pad, this is similar to the emboss pd in that it is a sticky, clear inkpad, but you also create a "watermark" effect using this pad. Most pigment pads can also be used to emboss. If you use a coloured pad and a clear powder you will still be able to see the colour of the pad.

The Powders
There are so many powders now on the market it can be quite confusing knowing what to pick. Most powders are similar in the finished result. The main differences are the Detail Powders, which are very fine powders, which do not rise quite as much as the regular powders. This has advantages when using fine detail stamps and stamps with text. The Ultra Thick powders are much larger granules of powder. They are mainly used for enamelling to vie a smooth, glossy tile effect. You can use them for normal stamping but the effect may be to "clumpy" and thick.

The best tip is to experiment. Start with the more regularly used colours, such as gold, silver, black, white and clear - then go from there!

Heat Source
The best way to melt your embossing powder is by using a heat tool. There are two main heat tools available. The first is the long heat tool (generally in black). This is the quicker heat tool to use and great for all embossing. It has a finer nozzle to allow for directional embossing and control. The second heat tool available is the white heat gun, which looks like a small hair dryer. This is a gentler heat tool and a little slower. This tool is perfect for all your embossing needs but is the better tool when enamelling as the larger nozzle allows you to heat a larger surface area. As it is gentler it will not make your embossing layers wave - which can sometimes happen with the first heat tool.

If you do not have a heat gun you can hold your work over the toaster or a light bulb, which will melt the powder from underneath. Hairdryers are generally not suitable as they tens to blow away the embossing powder and do not get enough to melt the powder.

Embossing - What to do

1. Place your stamp down flat and tap the stamp with your inkpad. Do not press the ink pad into the stamp as you will over ink the stamp.
2. Stamp on to your card stock. Press the stamp down firmly and evenly to produce a clear image. Do not rock the stamp as it may move and give a blurred finish.
3. Cover the stamped image completely with embossing powder. Tip the excess powder off onto a scrap piece of paper, tap the paper to ensure all excess falls away. Return the excess powder to the bottle. If there are still particles of excess powder around your stamped image remove with a fine paint brush.
4. Heat. When embossing do not waft your heat gun over the image. Keep the heat source in one spot until the powder melts, then move slowly onto the next area. This allows you to keep control and gives an even finish. Avoid over heating as this melts the powder too much and the image will flatten. Embossing can be tricky, but keep trying - practice is the key!