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I tried the dryer sheet method and found I had residue on the back of my cut out and plates, would use this method in a pinch. But I like the plastic carry bag method from the supermarkets. Sandwich piece of carry bag plastic on top of die then cardstock then carry bag again sandwich between usual plates and slides out like a dream. Have been using all my dies that I had given up on. Not my idea some clever lady posted it on the web.
I just tried the thin plastic grocery bag and it worked much better on the cuttlebug than the dryer sheet. No messy residue, no more guesswork about thickness, and just as easy to do when sandwiched as per Kerry.o's post. Thanks so much everyone for your imput
I use the dryer sheets and they certainly solved the problem of getting the die cuts out of the die, as well as the little bits that would normally stay in the die. However, I do notice that the resulting die cut does not accept ink, as there is a residue left on the cardstock. If someone could solve this problem for me, I would be forever grateful.
I use the dryer sheets and they certainly solved the problem of getting the die cuts out of the die, as well as the little bits that would normally stay in the die. However, I do notice that the resulting die cut does not accept ink, as there is a residue left on the cardstock. If someone could solve this problem for me, I would be forever grateful.
The owner of Cheery Lynn Dies used to recommend using a few layers of regular plastic bag folded instead of dryer sheets (using the same die cutting method). He claimed that the residue left on the die from the dryer sheet was not good for them long term and very difficult to remove. The plastic bag resolved the residue issue.
However, the easiest way for me to get intricate dies to cut well is to replace one acrylic cutting pad with a self healing cutting mat--die and paper facing the self healing cutting mat, die facing up. I have almost no issues with intricate dies or paper pieces not falling out. I've cut down a clear self healing mat (need 3mm thickness) and been used the same one for years with plenty of life left (a game changer for me).
The one or two super fiddly dies I have I cut that require a few passes with the self healing mat, i cut instead with a Sizzix precision base plate (die and paper facing metal of plate, plate facing down, acrylic plate on top of sandwich).
Another option: there is a lady on YouTube who found a plastic sheet material to help with die cutting and sells it. If you search die cutting tips and plastic, it'll probably come up. I haven't tried it as the two methods above work for me.
I personally vouch for the self healing mat. I got one from Blick on sale, but you can also find them on Amazon and Etsy (you'll want 6" x 9" x 3mm). I prefer clear, but solid mats work too. Also, they won't hurt your machines (We R Memory Keepers Evolution Advanced used self healing mats exclusively).
I have no trouble with the dies cutting well using the regular sandwich I use for all other dies of the same kind. What I have is trouble with is getting the die cuts out of the die. Don't think the self healing mat would change that. I tried wax paper and it does work OK for getting the die cut out of the die, but then I have twice as many little bits to poke out and clean up after. Do you have a source where the harm to the dies when using the dryer sheets is discussed? If so, will you share it? I can't find anything about it.
I tried the Dryer sheets a long time ago and had nothing but trouble. I had sticky dies and residue on the paper. yuck.
Wax paper worked a little better but I could still see a waxy sheen on my paper.
Now I use some kind of self-healing mat I got at Scrapbook.com and run the die sandwich back and forth a couple times. Works ok but I still end up poking out some tiny pieces. Oh well. Those dies end up over a bowl in my lap when I watch tv. It's a good time to do mindless work.
Again, it's not the tiny pieces, it's the whole die cut I can't get out when it's a particularly detailed one. I end up tearing it and destroying the whole thing. It has been cut perfectly. It is just stuck inside the die. The dryer sheets eliminate that, but if that harms the die...
If you run it with back side of the paper facing the dryer sheet, would that leave the "good side" clear of the junk? Unless that reverses the image. But patterns, snowflakers. etc might work.
Of course this does not address build up on the die itself.
What weight paper are you using that is tearing to get it out? I use 110 to do fine cuts.
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The back side of a die does not have the nice finished edge and picks up all the cuts and scratches on the cutting plate. I use my regular SU cardstock that I use for everything.
I have seen somewhere - sorry, no idea where - the suggestion to use adhesive sheets on the card stock when cutting detailed dies. The sheets are thin enough that the dies cuts thru and makes the card stock thick enough not to rip.
There is a product called release paper that can be used with intricate dies. I have used some by Couture Creations and I don't believe it leaves any residue. It looks like Sizzix also makes a similar product.
I used the plastic bag method. What a mess. I don't recommend that. I even watched all the tutorials. It was still a mess. My creation had WalMart on them, ROFL. That is one example.
Unscented dryer sheets don't have a coating. Would that work for everyone?
I tried unscented dryer sheets and I didn't see a difference. I tried the used scented dryer sheets and didn't see a difference.
I use self healing cutting mats and I have no issues. If I have a grumpy die I use parchment paper to run it through instead of wax. Parchment paper works great for me. You can get a roll at Dollar Tree, Grocery Store or mass market store- Target, WalMart, etc...
I found used worked best for me, but now I use parchment paper or even wax paper with the same results. (That was a tip from my late friend Theresa Tauscher from California. )
alternative to dryer sheet
