Technique Troubles ):
 

Hello,
I am trying to create the polished stone technique, that I saw demonstrated on You tube, and I am not coming up with the same results. Instead of the colors blending together to give that mottled effect, my colors are pulling away. I have come to the conclusion that it has to do with the static electricity in the air.(No I am not crazy!). Soooo, I tried using a dryer sheet on my glossy paper before I added any ink. There was no difference.

I have an embossing buddy(somewhere) but wondered if the powder left behind from it would create a mess once the alcohol plus ink were applied.

Talking about static... Can you spray that 'static cling' product for clothing on the paper to eliminate the static?

I am really getting discouraged because I find any technique that requires me to use glossy paper and inks does not work. I am always excited to try new techniques and I feel like I am missing out on an opportunity to make some nice backgrounds.
If anyone has any suggestions, I would really appreciate it!
Thanks in advance!

Can you attach a photo of what it looks like?

What type of ink are you using and what kind of glossy paper? Alcohol inks are what is traditionally used along with things like Krylon pens. Also the type of glossy paper can alter the look.

There are different types of glossy paper. Some are more "glossy" than others. You might have paper that doesn't take the inks as well. Also, make sure that you aren't using photo paper. That won't work.

i agree it really matters what type of inks and paper you are using. also how much blending solution you are using. really all of your tools matter - static cling will not play a part in this technique so that idea is out. if you could list the materials you are using that would help determine what to suggest. here is a quick list of what you must use:
ranger glossy paper
alcohol inks (not reinkers)
blending solution
felt applicator
metallic mixative (optional)

the whole process only takes a few minutes....

I've used re-inkers...the tutorial posted on SCS calls for them as well:

Polished Stone

oh how cool! i just checked the tutorial and i never knew you could do it this way! i may have to try this as i have tons of metallic reinkers i need to put to good use LOL! TFS!

Reinkers are fine to use. I used them in my video on StampTV. By mixing reinkers with alcohol, you create an alcohol type ink like I did with this card.

http://api.ning.com/files/FT-8P4n31A...451&height=483

Here is the link to the video for anyone interested in seeing this technique:
http://stamptv.ning.com/video/polished-stone

Gina K--you are the best!

The only tip I can add is if you are using re-inkers with rubbing alcohol is to use the highest strength alcohol you can find (CVS usually has 91% and 70%; The Dollar Tree and most grocery stores usually have 50%).

I get mottled results with 50% alcohol, less mottled with 70% and great results with 91% (even when using the same paper, reinkers, etc.)

Also, wear rubber gloves unless you like different colored fingertips!

I'm sooo glad I came across this today...I wanted a color of alcohol ink that I just didn't have and didn't want to go shopping...now I know I have this color in a re-inker...so...I'll give this a try. You learn something new everyday!:-:mrgreen:

Lisa

Funny...I never even noticed the water to alcohol ratio's on the bottles. I thought they were all the same. It's good to know for other reasons besides stamping. Like, I wouldn't use the high content alcohol to clean your prescription glasses. Thanks for that, since I just got two new pairs.