Embossing

[suenan]

I've been stamping about a year now, and still learning new techniques. I love heat embossing, but I do have a question - what's the difference between using clear EP on colored ink, or colored EP on versamark? Which do you use?

Thanks for your input!

[raquelita_uno]

In my experience, embossing with clear powder on colored ink is a more translucent look. The color is under the raised embossing powder. When you emboss with colored embossing powder the melted powder is much more opaque (depending the color of the powder I guess). When you enboss on dark paper, colored powder works better. I really love printing text with my inkjet printer on vellum. As it comes out if the printer, I put superfine clear embossing powder, knock it off and heat it quickly. Awesome raised printing on vellum!

[suenan]

Thank you Rachel. I haven't try the colored EP, so I'll add that to my list. Also love the idea of the embossing the vellum. Can't wait to try that!

[gr8cards]

I can't tell you how much clear I go through....it's just my preference. I do use colored ep occasionally, especially the metallic colors, but I love the clear on colored ink. In my opinion, it's less likely to fail.

[cat_woman]

I really like the look of coloured embossing on dark cardstock, but it can get pricey to have all those colours. For the most part I use coloured ink and clear embossing powder - that way I don't have to worry about not having the right colour embossing powder. The coloured embossing powders give you a more intense/dense colour if that makes sense. The only colours I absolutely have to have are metallics, white, and black. I do have some sparkley ones but I found I don't really use them unless I'm making Christmas cards.

[lylacfey]

I use clear EP/color ink the most. I do have color embossing powders for other techniques and different looks. I know that a lot of stampers use clear EP, White, Gold, Silver & Black the most.

A lot of times if I need a specific color instead of buying another color powder. I will mix mica and clear embossing powder for my own custom color palette.

[lutheran]

On white cardstock, you will end up with very similar looks with either method. On darker or black cardstock, you need the opaque look of colored powder. When you shop for colored powders, be sure to get a metallic or two -- lots of bang for your buck and they look great on any color of paper.
Mary Beth

[QueenOfInkland]

I use colored embossing powders because I prefer the result that I get (more opaque) over the result that I get using clear embossing powder over colored ink (more translucent). Like so many other things, they're both nice - it's just a matter of personal preference/taste.

[Tizzy]

i use coloured ink and clear EP the most although i have the metallics, black (which i struggle with??) and iridescent ones too just to give a different shimmer depending on what look i'm trying to achieve xx

[Kathlyn47]

Just recently I started using copper EP for the sentiments on all my masculine cards and I can't tell you the great compliments I've received from the men in the family. Yes, they really noticed! It just seems to add that extra pop.

[winnieu]

Just a matter of preference. Maybe pick one colored powder and compare to see how you like it? I use a lot of clear, white, and metalics. I do have a collection of bright powders that I use on dark cardstock. I try to not use black when I don't have to. I use Versfine black ink with clear powder. I find it easier and cleaner for me. Have fun!

[suenan]

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions. I'll be getting a couple colors just to try, but metalics for sure. The copper for masculine cards sounds really nice too. Can't wait to play with this more - and I just ordered a BigShot from Joanne's with 40% off and no shipping - how could I pass that up?!

[mother's daughter]

Another good reason for using the clear ep, when using dark or colored c/s, unlike white, black or colored ep's, the speckles (residue) don't (doesn't) show up. No matter how hard we try, using white ep on black or black ep on white, you most always get little speckles (residue) from the ep that didn't come off the c/s. Even with using the powder pack or dryer sheets. The speckles (residue) may still be there, but you can't see it. I always try to use a soft brush to remove the residue ep (before heating), but getting it all when near your stamped area is difficult.

[StampingArtStudio]

I love clear EP - then I can use any color ink - gives me more choices than the limited selection of colored powders. I especially like the ease of cleanup - since my tools are primarily using clear powder - so brush and powder pal don't inadvertantly introduce a new color to my project. lol. But, I am a sucker for pool party - got it from the Stampin' Up spring catty and I'm in heaven Heat embossing is just so fun!

[Oddesigns]

I didn't even own clear ep until recently, and still reach for my colored powders most often. I have a selection of opaque and fine detail powders from sparkle n sprinkle that didn't cost a lot to acquire but cover my needs.