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Heat embossing is a method of treating a rubber-stamped image to create a raised impression. It involves sprinkling a special powder onto the still-wet ink and then heating it until it glazes over. This gives it a shiny or metallic sheen that is very stunning and professional looking.
Embossing can be done on many types of surfaces, including paper, plastic, glass, fabric, metal, and wood. Embossed images are permanent and do not fade with heat, light, or time.
To stamp an image that is to be embossed, it is best to use pigment inks, such as the ColorBox line because they are slow to dry, giving you more time to apply the embossing powder. There are also special embossing inks available that are clear.
Many
types of embossing
powder are available for different effects. Clear
embossing powder enhances the color of the ink that is
used, making it raised and shiny. Transparent
powders may be tinted, but their color will be effected
by the ink underneath.
Metallic
and opaque
colored embossing powders will cover up the ink completely.
Tinsel
powders are opaque with a glittery sparkle. Pearl,
irridescent,
and psychedelic powders will modify the color of ink with
special effects. Texture
powders provide the look and feel of such materials
as sand, stucco or cement. A special line of embossing
powders called PearLustre
produces an effect reminiscent of shimmering gemstones.
There
are also especially fine
powders available for highly detailed designs, and
coarse powders for making extra deep impressions.
Stamp N' Bond
is a special embossing powder that stays tacky after heating,
so you can use it as a glue to attach glitter, flocking,
gold leaf, or other embellishments.
Another
specialized embossing powder is called Distress
powder, which is formulated to produce an aged, weathered
and worn look. It contains special "release crystals"
that can be rubbed off with your finger after the heat
treatment, creating a unique distressed antique texture.
You
need a heat source of at least 300 degrees Fahrenheit
to melt embossing powder. The best heat source to use
is a craft heat
tool (sometimes called a "heat gun"), although you
can also get by using a toaster, an electric stove top,
a light bulb, a clothes iron set on "cotton" or an oven
set to 300 degrees. Heat guns work best, though, because they
provide a steady even flow of heat. They look a lot
like hair dryers, except they get much hotter. Most
hair dryers do not get hot enough to do the job.
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To emboss
an image, simply stamp it with pigment ink using
a rubber
stamp. |
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| Then generously sprinkle embossing powder directly from the jar onto the image. |
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Tilt the surface and tap off the excess powder into a fold in a piece of scrap paper so you can return it to the jar. |
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Now hold your heat gun about 4 to 6 inches away from the stamped image to melt the embossing powder. You will see the powder melt and become shiny. |
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Keep moving the gun around until the entire image is embossed. It's a very magical sort of reaction the first few times you see it happen!
If you're using an alternate source of heat, such as a toaster, just move the paper around in a slow circular motion over the heat source. Heat just long enough to melt the embossing powder. |
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