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I am new to using the forum, but am having a problem that I would like some help with.
I am trying to emboss Stampin Up's large Swallowtail butterfly stamp with black embossing powder and I cannot get it to be shiny or raised. I keep getting a dull black. The surface seems to change like it does with any other embossing I have done (looks like it is getting darker, wet looking) but then with this project it seems to dry to a dull black.
I have used Ranger's super fine black EP, Sprinkle and Sparkle's fine EP, and even a 3rd one that a gal pal brought over. I am using Versa Mark ink, I even tried using Stampin Up's white craft ink (pigment). I have experimented with Neenah Solar white CS, Stampin Up's Whisper White CS, and even both sides of photo paper. The slick side of the photo paper wouldn't let the powder stick. The back side gave the best results, but still not shiny all over.
I have a Ranger heating tool, which I have used for other projects. Do I need a more powerful heating tool?
I have watched lots of heat embossing videos, none seem to use black. Is there a special technique to use with black EP? Is there something I should do differently when using a large, detailed stamp like this Swallowtail one?
I suspect that's exactly what you don't need! What you're describing sounds very much like what happens when embossing powder is overheated - it goes dull and flat. I haven't used this stamp but I know it's a big one and I'm wondering whether that makes it more likely that you end up overdoing it.
Try running the tool first to make sure it's up to full operating temperature before you start so that you're not aiming at one spot too long as you wait for things to get going. You could try heating the paper from the back rather than aiming at the front, too. The very moment you see the powder start to change, move the tool along, don't be tempted to linger to "make sure".
You could also try stamping with black ink and embossing with clear powder to see if you get better results that way (although clear powder will also overheat and go flat/dull so if that's the problem you'll need to take steps to avoid it).
For years I have only used the Heat It tool. But a few months back I saw videos from both t!m holtz and Jennifer McGuire that suggest hotter heat guns for embossing and the Heat It tool for drying ink and media on paper and I have to agree.
I do fine with embossing, but I am less likely to overheat my EP (ask me how I know LOL) if I use my milwaukee (preheated just for a few seconds) that Jennifer recommended than having to hold the Heat It tool there for a significantly longer period of time even if I preheat the Heat It.
This has made me a happy crafter because I get better results this way plus, man, that milwaukee melts that EP in a heartbeat. And if you use the 'stick stuff' or equivalent 'glue' powder, you really don't want to overheat that or it's not sticky.
__________________ "May your mind whirl joyful cartwheels of creativity." - Jonathan Lockwood Huie.
Last edited by QueenOfInkland; 06-14-2014 at 10:01 AM..
I am new to using the forum, but am having a problem that I would like some help with.
I am trying to emboss Stampin Up's large Swallowtail butterfly stamp with black embossing powder and I cannot get it to be shiny or raised. I keep getting a dull black. The surface seems to change like it does with any other embossing I have done (looks like it is getting darker, wet looking) but then with this project it seems to dry to a dull black.
I have used Ranger's super fine black EP, Sprinkle and Sparkle's fine EP, and even a 3rd one that a gal pal brought over. I am using Versa Mark ink, I even tried using Stampin Up's white craft ink (pigment). I have experimented with Neenah Solar white CS, Stampin Up's Whisper White CS, and even both sides of photo paper. The slick side of the photo paper wouldn't let the powder stick. The back side gave the best results, but still not shiny all over.
I have a Ranger heating tool, which I have used for other projects. Do I need a more powerful heating tool?
I have watched lots of heat embossing videos, none seem to use black. Is there a special technique to use with black EP? Is there something I should do differently when using a large, detailed stamp like this Swallowtail one?
Any help you could provide would be appreciated.
Thanks
I agree with one of the other replies that you may be overheating the EP. I've done that on occasion and the EP goes from shiny and raised to flat and black. Since you've used different EP manufacturers I doubt that it's the EP but I've had EP go "bad" after a time and not raise up anymore.
I usually heat up my heat gun first before I even use it on the image and I also wrapped foil around an old wooden clipboard which I use under the project to be embossed. A plus to the clipboard is that the clip hold my project so I don't have to hold it with my hands and avoid burning my fingers! And the foil makes it heat more evenly and quickly. Good luck and let us know if anything helps!
Thank you. I was beginning to think I would never master this. A fellow crafter has loaned me her gun and I have found that if I hold it further away I am getting a better look.
Thank you. The Ranger EP was just purchased. The friend who loaned me the gun also loaned me the tray she uses which is wrapped in foil. I like your clipboard idea as the image would stay in place too. I am getting better at this. I appreciate your taking the time to respond to my plea for help.
Thank you. The Ranger EP was just purchased. The friend who loaned me the gun also loaned me the tray she uses which is wrapped in foil. I like your clipboard idea as the image would stay in place too. I am getting better at this. I appreciate your taking the time to respond to my plea for help.
Best wishes,
Glad to be of help! I have learned almost all that I know from other crafters who have experimented and passed on their tips. I love that we all have our little tricks and techniques that we've picked up over the years. Glad to hear that you are getting the hang of it!
The Ranger heat gun was changed in the last few months, as were heat guns of other manufacturers, to a lower wattage. That has affected the way embossing powder melts.
For black, I've been getting the best results using VersaFine Onyx ink and CLEAR fine embossing powder. If I use black ink and black embossing powder, the image is not as crisp.
Also I've found that if my ink pad is not recently reinked, I'm likely to get less shine when the embossing powder melts and a quicker change from shiny to matte if I leave the heat on the image the slightest bit too long.
And, some cardstocks are a game-changer no matter what ink or embossing powder you use.
Don't you wonder why we all stay addicted to stamping? :-)
I usually heat up my heat gun first before I even use it on the image and I also wrapped foil around an old wooden clipboard which I use under the project to be embossed.
I too pre-heat my tool,before useing and I use a cloths pin attached to a paint stirer to hold my project away from my fingers. Clip board idea is pretty cool too!:p
I find that if I heat the project for a few seconds on the back side before I hit the front with heat makes a better image for me. Also if your project starts to curl just heat it on the back side and it will straighten out a bit. Like the others advise..don't get too close..even if it takes a bit longer to melt the powder. Better to be safe than sorry!!
My first thought was "Is is a matte black EP?" b/c some people dont realize there is matte and glossy but decided that was too obvious but as a newbie myself, I generally deal in the obvious. lol
Glad to hear you found a way by changing how you are heating.
I have a question: What about using black pigment ink to hold the clear EP? Then you dont have to restamp it right?
Black powder in particular has always been a problem color for me because no matter how much I poof the paper, I get random flecks that wont brush off and sometimes unclear borders. I have tried extra fine. Didnt help. I dont have this problem with any other color. MY LSS says yes, black is a problem color/difficult. Does anyone have a brand of black EP they really like? Seems crazy since it might be the most used color!
For years I have only used the Heat It tool. But a few months back I saw videos from both t!m holtz and Jennifer McGuire that suggest hotter heat guns for embossing and the Heat It tool for drying ink and media on paper and I have to agree.
I do fine with embossing, but I am less likely to overheat my EP (ask me how I know LOL) if I use my milwaukee (preheated just for a few seconds) that Jennifer recommended than having to hold the Heat It tool there for a significantly longer period of time even if I preheat the Heat It.
This has made me a happy crafter because I get better results this way plus, man, that milwaukee melts that EP in a heartbeat. And if you use the 'stick stuff' or equivalent 'glue' powder, you really don't want to overheat that or it's not sticky.
So glad I decided to look at this thread! I have a Milwaukee Heat Gun and I love it. But have been looking at lots of TH videos lately and was thinking about getting their new heat tool. I did not think about the fact that it would take longer to emboss because of the lower heat of his tool. Thanks for putting my mind at ease!
__________________ ShariW
Trust in the Lord with all thine Heart-Prov.3:5a
I actually find that if I preheat my heat gun I'm more apt to overheat the powder because it's hotter than I'm used to. I guess if I kept doing it, I might get used to it. Just another tip for not overheating.
__________________ RebeccaEdnie Mixed Media Artist, Paper Crafter, Jewelry Designer SCSDirtyDozenAlumni Www.Boxofchocolatescrafts.Com YouNeverKnowWhatI’mGoingtoMake
I actually find that if I preheat my heat gun I'm more apt to overheat the powder because it's hotter than I'm used to. I guess if I kept doing it, I might get used to it. Just another tip for not overheating.
When it's preheated you do have to watch it more carefully, and not put the heat gun as close to your project. I find that it embosses very quickly once it starts so I have to pay attention! The only time I've overheated a project was when I was working in dim light and couldn't see the "transformation", or if the EP was old and didn't work anymore.
Wavejumper- I like the Stampendous detail black ep, but I rarely use it. I find that a Versafine Onyx black inkpad and clear ep gives me the best look. As you said, no matter how careful you are, there always seems to be at least one speck of black ep that gets missed- until its heated, then it's glaringly obvious!
Thanks Shazsilverwolf! I am writing that down...Stampendous detail.
I dont what it is...the other colors dont do it....just black. I am sick of having a "speckled" look suddenly. Like I said the people at my LSS said I am not crazy-black is the worst color.
Maybe it has to do with the formula needed for black.
So how long does EP last before it goes bad? Is there a way of telling for sure? I have one that might be questionable, but I still keep using it, and more or less have lowered my expectations.
Also, my understanding of the super fine detail EP, is that it designed to not rise, that it is supposed to lie flat, and that's part of the property of it so that it can give greater detail without filling in unintended space. Because there is less surface area, it will not appear as glossy.
Thanks Shazsilverwolf! I am writing that down...Stampendous detail.
I dont what it is...the other colors dont do it....just black. I am sick of having a "speckled" look suddenly. Like I said the people at my LSS said I am not crazy-black is the worst color.
Maybe it has to do with the formula needed for black.
I have the same problem with white on a dark card stock, but I live in a really dry place causing lots of static, so I tend to have trouble with them all. That's why I always use my "embossing buddy" as, unless I'm doing snow, I'd rather not have the little stray specks.
Jeanne...
I poof my card so much I worry sometimes the ink/glue wont stick to it to hold the EP! It's funny..like the old stereotype: "MAKEUP!" poof poof poof with the buddy! lol
Gee I have not tried white EP on darks yet...ut oh. Thanks for the heads up!
Heat Embossing with Black EP
Embossing with Black EP
