Rub Ons- How to make them work

[stampdujour]

I started a thread many years ago about Rub Ons but I cant find it, so Ill start it again.
I have many Rub Ons that I've purchased over the years but they no longer work. I've tried ironing them to make them stick. I've tried adding more adhesive but that was a disaster. WELL today for some crazy reason I decided to fool with them again. Here is what DID work. I heated the side that belongs on the paper with my Ranger Heat It craft tool. I quickly placed it on the card-stock rubbed it with my finger to make it stay in place. I heated it slightly one more time then I covered it with the backing paper that comes with the rub on and rubbed and rubbed with my bone folder. Before I tried to lift it for the reveal I heated it again and rubbed with my fingernail- PERFECTION! What an awesome discovery, I'm so glad I didn't throw those blasted things away. I have hundreds of them. Now finally I get to use some of them!

[lutheran]

Years ago I loaded up on rub-ons (didn't we all?) and I was very surprised at the short shelf life. They just quit working and out they went. Never thought to use a heat gun, your method is very creative and I'm glad you were able to use yours. TFS
Mary Beth

[sewflake]

I will have to give it a go with the remaining rub ons I have. I still love the look but so disappointed in the "self life" of the packages.

One of those supplies that I will not revisit!!

[Kendel]

A great reminder to use them up, since that's what I bought them for! Thanks for the "recovery" tip, though. It sounds very workable, in case mine are already losing their stick.

[ButterbeanA]

Thanks for the tip. I have quite a few I will try that way if they don't work normally.

[stamphappy1650]

Thanks for the tip. I haven't bought any for years because of the short shelf life. I've using them in mixed media projects where they don't have to be perfect.