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I couldn't find a thread for this specific topic, if there is one maybe someone will direct me to it.
I'm new to all this and have been playing with all my new toys. While practicing heat embossing today, I can't seem to remove all the residual embossing power left behind. Maybe I'm not wiping my paper enough with the embossing buddy? Are there embossing powders that give you better results? I know it's going to take time to get the hang of things, just thought I would ask.
I have the Embossing Buddy and EK Sucess Powder Tool and use both, but find the EK a little more effective. Once in a while I even use both. Regardless, sometimes a little powder is left, and I keep a tiny paint brush handy to remove occasional stubborn powder. It happens. You can try to cover the entire area, IOW, don't do what I do, look away while using it.
I use a variety of powders, a lot of Ranger, some Hero Arts, Wow, others, and have tossed a couple that seemed lower quality, but don't remember what they were now.
Ahhh, I've seen Jennifer McGuire use the EK Success Powder Tool and wondered what it was, thanks! I think I watch all these videos and expect to sit down and do a great job like the experts do.
Today I've been using SU, WOW and some embossing powder from Hobby Lobby. The WOW is Candy Cane and it did o.k., as well as the ones from HL. The SU powder gave the best coverage so far, or I just got lucky, lol.
I think Jennifer occasionally uses the Embossing Buddy. And a soft paint brush. I use two, one with a fine tip, one wider. They're occasionally needed if I'm heat embossing a background stamp that covers an entire card.
I use a paintbrush to brush off the excess (after a good all over with the embossing buddy) and then I turn the paper over and flick the back of the image with my finger a couple of times. This seems to get most of the excess. I do believe a generous dusting of the buddy before inking really helps, and I use SU or MS powders.
You will get different results with different embossing powders, different cardstock, different weather!
Definitely dust your cardstock before stamping with Versamark or other ink.
I have found the 'ultra-fine' EP clings where you don't want it more than other types. With any embossing project I hold the stamped & embossing powdered card at an angle under a strong light to see all the errant EP and brush it off, sometimes even using a pin point.
It drives me crazy to have permanent errors on my embossed cards.
First things first. Be sure any and all background inking is dry. Also, be aware of fingerprints...powder will stick to them. I usually zap the card with a heat tool before I stamp the image to be embossed. I like the embossing buddy. I really powder up the card, being sure it is covered completely. Flick the back of the card stock to get any excess powder off, then I keep a tiny paintbrush handy to brush off any stray flecks of powder before heating my embossing.
You have been given all the tips I use to remove stray embossing powder before heating.I just want to say you can take your time. There is no hurry to heat it after you have got the powder on your cardstock. The timing factor could come in to play between stamping and pouring on the powder depending on what ink you stamp with; but generally any ink you can emboss over WILL stay wet longer which is the whole point.
Once the powder is on your stamped image, take all the time you need, blowing off excess, flicking the back of the card, use a tiny dry paintbrush...you don’t have to heat it until you are satisfied you have removed the strays.
I mainly have trouble with EP when I am using black. So I use black ink, them clear embossing powder. That way, if a tiny area doesn't emboss well, it will look OK - as the outline will still be black - and if tiny specks of EP get on the project, they are hardly visible since they are clear. Works for me
Lots of good advice already. I would add that I tend to tap two ways! I flick the back of the cardstock and also hold it upright and tap it edge on to the table top.
Thanks to all of you for replying and giving me such useful information! I have this coming weekend all to myself, so I am going to play, play, play! It's supposed to be chilly and somewhat rainy here, what a perfect time to be inside and see what I can create.
This might be a stupid question, but I haven't used inks and the clear EF over them much. I know you have to use Versamark too. What is the pr0per way to do this? I have inked my stamp and then used the Versamark on the same stamp and then after stamping have used the clear powder over it. It seems to work ok.
This might be a stupid question, but I haven't used inks and the clear EF over them much. I know you have to use Versamark too. What is the pr0per way to do this? I have inked my stamp and then used the Versamark on the same stamp and then after stamping have used the clear powder over it. It seems to work ok.
You only need to use Versamark as well if you're using dye based inks (that's Classic if you're using SU!). Pigment inks and even the original Distress inks are good to go with embossing powder.
To do the Versamark/dye ink combo, most people put the VM on first, then the coloured ink (so they're not tapping the VM pad on an inky stamp and transferring the colour to the pad). If you're using a tool like the MISTI, you can do it completely separately - stamp with the coloured ink, wipe the stamp, stamp again with VM and sprinkle on the EP.
All the core ideas are here. Best I can do is offer some tangent thoughts.
Some people run a dryer sheet over it first to help get rid of static cling. I havent tried this.
Do not build up static on yourself shuffling on a rug in socks, etc. You dont want it sticking to you either.
Dont be stingy with the dusting powder. I go far beyond where I plan to emboss bc EP gets everywhere. You can brush it off later. It's this side of that old joke "make up!" and someone comes in and goes "POOF!" with the big cloud.
Decide the exit route for the powder. I dont like to knock it off over places with glitter on it or flock for example. I am looking for a clean CS path off-easiest to tidy up.
Then I use a small spoon to control the EP instead of pouring right out of the jar if it is a small thing (vs a background).
You will notice the bloggers have plastics they use and they are constantly tapping the card through the whole application of the EP.
Yep, flick the card hard a couple times. You wont break it. I see people do this gentle little tippy tap. I am a brute. FLICK FLICK. Just dont knock it out of your hand-hold tight! (been there done that lol) I also tap the card on the table.
Then I use small makeup brushes to clear any stubborn/renegade bits and a small angled brush to get into the tight spaces. I can clean up a messy Versamark stamping that way too.
Black EP is infamous for being horrible. I like the black pigment, clear EP idea.
Even the best get errant flecks here and there at times years into it. Dont beat yourself up.
My other best tip...CLOSE the EP jar BEFORE you start the heat gun...for many reasons. People can think "on it's over there, it's safe". There is NO safe. You can move the gun around without thinking and tah dah! EP everywhere. That air reaches farther than people expect. So NOT a fun clean up. I have seen experienced people do this...they were distracted and not thinking. (raising hand)
Sounds like a lot but over time it becomes very automatic. (which is how you can have the EP jar disaster.)
PSIf you feel it is a train wreck and you just want to wipe it off before you heat emboss....this can be done.
BUT keep in mind, Stamping with Versamark is a technique in itself. It leaves a "watermark" look, esp on darker CS.
So brush the EP off-do not try to use it again. Use the heat gun on the card and see what the versamark does. If it is ok-you can always stamp over it again and apply the EP. If it isnt, you may have to start over on another card.
my only other thought is that glossy paper has more cling (in my experience) than any other type of paper. i would avoid glossy unless it is necessary. it CAN be done!
Heat Embossing
