Paper punch question

[redrose21]

My punch is having a hard time cutting the paper. Does anyone know any tricks to sharpening punches? I tried foil but it does not seem to be working. Any tips?

Jamie

[TexasGrammy]

I do use aluminum foil, and it has always worked for me.
I pull off a nice length of foil, fan-fold to about the width needed for the punch, and punch through 3 or 4 layers of foil at a time, MANY times over. Bascially, I punch foil until I'm happy with the punch on cardstock, and often have quite a little messy of foil 'droppings' when I'm done. ;)

[buggainok]

I've found that some paper is just harder to punch than others, too. Sometimes I stand up and push down to give some "muscle" to it.

[tracyandgirls]

have you tried diy sandpaper, believe thats supposed to be good , as is greaseproof paper for punches that are sticking

[contrapat]

I've used foil and then the waxed paper, and it did just fine.

[beaddict]

I have used a soda can for sharpening some of my punches. You need to use tin snips or very sharp scissors to cut the top and bottom off of the can so the aluminum can be flattened. EDGES WILL BE SHARP! Hold carefully and punch as many times as you can. It worked great for me!

Also depending on the shape of the punch you might be able to use the punches pieces as a decorative element..

[redrose21]

Thanks everyone for the ideas. I will try them and see if it helps. I also agree different papers work differently. I think the paper I was using was a little too thin with the combination it needs sharpened.

[mopzsix]

just a note on thin paper you can not get too close to the edge ... for some reason they do better with lots of space around them so give at least an inch on each side of the punch and see how that works... hth

[contrapat]

also on thin paper, I have had success backing the paper with copier paper. This works when I'm punching gold gift wrap, which otherwise wrinkles and tears.

[imsteelefullofscrap]

I also use fine sandpaper and then wax paper to lube them...
Other then that banging them on the table does a swell job especially when they fly apart and I have to ask him to put it together for me!!! LOL Relieves stress also!!!