Question for beginner stampers/embossers?

Question

I want to start embossing greeting cards. I have a couple of stamps but have pigment inks and dye inks which I use both to stamp. Which one is better for embossing? What about the powder? What's the best one to use, clear or colored powders? Help!!!!

Answer 1

The best ink to use for heat embossing is clear embossing ink. Dye based ink will not hold the powder in place so if you choose not to use embossing ink, use pigment ink which is "stickier". The color embossing powder you use depends on which color you like.....I use gold or silver powder a lot because it looks very professional and elegant when finished but for outlining and text lettering, black is good. Clear powder is best for when you want to create a "resist"....that is using a clear embossing ink with clear powder to create a nearly invisible raised image which you can highlight by chalking, painting or inking over the whole project....the embossing will resist the color, but the background will pick it up and create an interesting effect.

Answer 2

I've seen the dry colored powders using in embossing. I'm not sure how inks come into play, but I would think dye inks are better for embossing, since I've found the pigment inks smudge more readily. Once embossed, I think a nice effect is to use the powders by applying with a brush or lightly rubbing with a cloth to highlight the raised or indented areas of the embossing. Good luck!!

Answer 3

You definately need to use the pigment inks to emboss.

If you use clear powder then your image will be whatever color pigment ink you used to stamp your image.

If you use colored powder, the the image will be the color of the powder.

Either way is fine and will turn out beautiful.

Answer 4

You are beautiful.