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I've been heat embossing since I started stamping a long time ago. You would think I would have it mastered by now, but I feel like a complete novice in this area. I am interested to know what are your favorite combinations of inks and embossing powders? What stamp pads and powders do you use when you want a great looking black embossed image? Do you use clear embossing powders? Do you use detail embossing powders? Are there powders that work better than others? Do you find some brands of inks work better than others?
What other tips can you share? I have the embossing buddy and a multitude of embossing powders and stamp pads, but I must admit I still need some help to become better at this most basic of techniques. Thanks in advance for your tips.
I get my best results using a versamark ink pad - with any embossing powder. If i want a colour, I either choose that embossing powder, or I ink up using the versamark and then add my coloured ink. I also use my embossing buddy, and heat from underneath when possible.
I usually use detail powder - it just seems to melt to a smoother finish with none of that "orange peel" pitting you sometimes get and of course it's better for images or sentiments where you have very skinny lines. Stampendous or Ranger brands are what I seem to have most of.
I usually use Versamark and an opaque powder when I want a colour and clear when I want to do a resist technique. I do occasionally use clear over a coloured pgiment ink though - I've had good results with Brilliance, Versafine and Versacraft.
If you use detail powder and work quickly, you can emboss over Adirondack dye ink. Distress ink stays wetter for longer so you can use any powders with that, too.
I think my main tip for anybody with heat embossing would be to move the tool along as soon as you see the powder change. Overheating can make it go flat and dull. That and making sure you remove any stray flecks before you start to heat will give you the best results!
I have found detail or fine powder is the best. I use my versamark pad and colored powder the most. I also have some embossing markers- If I miss a spot or something, I can touch it up.
I love the embossing buddy type thing too. And use a paint brush to brush off any powder stuck where you don't want it.
I think watching the color change is magic.
Oh, one last tip. My heat gun does NOT heat right where you think it is. It actually melts a bit down from where I think it will start. Keep an eye out and see where yours is actually hottest.
Anne
I actually love the Versafine Inks with Clear Detail Power. You get awesome coverage/intense colour with the inks that you may already own and then the detail powder is lovely because it keeps your lines crisp Quite often I emboss anything that I water colour so most of my images are embossed and you can see some in my gallery if you like ;)
I recently learned to heat up my heat gun for 10 - 15 seconds before I put it on the paper. That way it is at full heat, embosses faster, and you have less risk of overheating the EP or scorching the paper. It also seems to help with the pitting.
I recently learned to heat up my heat gun for 10 - 15 seconds before I put it on the paper. That way it is at full heat, embosses faster, and you have less risk of overheating the EP or scorching the paper. It also seems to help with the pitting.
I do this too. Also, instead of using my black embossing powder, I use black ink and clear embossing powder. Then I don't see to get those little pieces of black embossed where I don't want them! I don't seem to have a problem with the other colors, just the black.
I do this too. Also, instead of using my black embossing powder, I use black ink and clear embossing powder. Then I don't see to get those little pieces of black embossed where I don't want them! I don't seem to have a problem with the other colors, just the black.
Bingo! This is exactly what I do, too. Pretty much always use a craft ink, generally black, and emboss with clear.
I also found turning on my heat gun a bit before embossing was so much better.
Also, using detail embossing powder is good. I use SU embossing powder. If I am using a color or metallic powder, I always use the embossing buddy to keep the stray dots away.
Heat embossing suggestions
