Cracking Paper Folds Help

[Bahb]

I finally found a black cardstock with enough saturated color but it is 110 lb. and the fold of the card is sometimes messy because the paper cracks.

I heard Cluadine Helmut's Multi-medium rubbed on the fold would help, but even the matte version is obvious and looks messy.

My scoring tool is Score-It, but I've also used Scorepal and Martha Stewarts. Same results.

I either need a solution or maybe you know of a cardstock that is really, really saturated matte black but not extra-heavy?

Thanks,
Bahb

[Angelnorth]

Have you tried finding the "grain" of the cardstock and scoring with it rather than across it? That usually fixes cracking issues. To find the grain, hold a piece of card by the edge and let it flop. Now turn it 90 degrees and do the same. Whichever way it has the most pronounced flop is the way the grain runs.

HTH!

[lylacfey]

Scor-it advertises it can score a perfect fold on any grain. I bought the board for that reason and heavier materials. Hmmm, this one has me perplexed. Do you know what brand your cardstock is? I wonder if the humidity or weather conditions are effecting the fibers in the cardstock.

I have a 110lb black cardstock. It does score wonky with MS Scoreboard. I can get a good fold on the Scor-it. I wonder if it's a manufacturing mistake?

Did you try folding the cardstock in opposite direction than you usually fold? I know I have to do this with my 110lb CS.

I don't think I was much of a help. I would be so frustrated right now if I was going through this, especially if I was using the Scor-it.

[Bahb]

The Score-It is about my favorite tool of ALL tools, because the "valleys and mountains" are very pronounced, which is especially important on 110 lb. cardstock. I use Gina K. mostly.

As for finding the grain and cutting WITH it, that really limits the size card to A2, if the grain runs the "wrong way", and that's a size I almost never make.

HOWEVER, using the exact same cardstock today as I did the day I posted, the fold is smooth as silk and I'm having NO problem. Since the wet weather has dried dramatically, I have to assume humidity is what caused the cracking of the fold.

Humidity also negatively affects the ATG tape I use on every card, so on humid days I'll have to do my hated projects, like laundry and cooking and cleaning, I guess, and stay away from my craft room. AAAARRRRGGGGGHHHH!

Many thanks for your suggestions!

Bahb

[lylacfey]

I am so glad it worked better today for you. I adore my Scor-it. One of my favorite tools. Worth every penny. Humidity kills my ATG gun too.

[Angelnorth]

It's so nice to find some more Scor-It fans! I love mine (although I have to say I prefer the original wooden scoring tool to the "upgrade" stainless steel one).

Glad your cracking issue seems to be sorted Bahb. I wonder whether it's worth storing your heavier cardstock with something that absorbs water (like those silica gel sachets you get in packaging sometimes) - would that help to keep you in the craft room even on humid days, I wonder?!

[Bahb]

Dessicant a great idea. I keep that in my closets. this is supposed to be a dry area, but the past year has been so humid.

If you send me your address pm, I'll send you one of the original wood scoring tools for Score-It. I "lost" mine, when I first got it, ordered another, then found my original before the second one even arrived. I have no need for two, since I got organized and never lose anything but time in my craft room.

I can't think of anyone I'd rather send my extra wood tool to! Also some extra stamp sets.

Bahb

[Angelnorth]

That's very sweet of you! I do have a wooden one though so no need at all, thanks for the thought

[debzi333]

subbing so I can find the grain later. I like using a stylus with my scor- it.

[javagirl984]

When the folds on my cards crack I usually wet my finger and run it along the cracked area to meld the fibers back into the card stock. It works for me and I don't have to worry about the grain since I don't make the typical size card from a half sheet either. I learned this trick many years ago from a Stampin' Up Demo.

[Kathleen Mc]

i have found the best way to avoid cracking of cardstock is to score on the inside of the card then flip it over and score on the outside of the cardstock. this seems to stretch the fibres of the cardstock more and allows for a better fold.
hth

[lylacfey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by javagirl984

When the folds on my cards crack I usually wet my finger and run it along the cracked area to meld the fibers back into the card stock. It works for me and I don't have to worry about the grain since I don't make the typical size card from a half sheet either. I learned this trick many years ago from a Stampin' Up Demo.

That is a brilliant tip. Thank you for sharing.

[jeanne3579]

I live in the high desert, so have had no problems with my score buddy. I would have never guessed that humidity would cause things to crack rather than it being caused by dryness---how interesting...

[Phillis]

Since I purchased the Scor-It I have not had that problem. I had to make sure the "W" appeared which meant I folded it correctly. Score your card stock then while still laying flat fold card up at both ends. As you peer down the length of the card you'll see the "W" at each end.

[Bahb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by javagirl984

When the folds on my cards crack I usually wet my finger and run it along the cracked area to meld the fibers back into the card stock. It works for me and I don't have to worry about the grain since I don't make the typical size card from a half sheet either. I learned this trick many years ago from a Stampin' Up Demo.

I did this today, to my white Gina K 120 lb. cardstock. It doesn't usually crack, and the weather wasn't humid, but whatever....it cracked, so I followed Java Girl's advice and it worked like a charm. Was I EVER relieved, because it was a card I'd been working on all day. My first step of every card is to score it, but I find it easier to work on if I don't fold it until everything else is done.

The simple answer would be to never use the heavy cardstock, but the look is classed up by about 100% when the cardstock is wonderful.

NOW I can stop worrying that it will crack. Thanks for all the help, you All,
Bahb

[StampingArtStudio]

Thats a great tip! I can't wait to try it..thanks!