Help!!! I bought an embossing stamp & pad and gold tinsel powder. But the powder will not stick to the paper?

Question

I tried different paper, and I followed the instructions exactly but it wont stick. If I tap the excess tinsel powder off, all the powder comes off the design :(

It is an embossing ink pad... It is wet and slightly oily when I touch it. Should it be sticky?

Answer 1

"Embossing ink" is basically just glycerine whether it comes on a pad, or as a "pen" or as a "re-inker." It's slightly sticky so it holds onto the embossing powder till you heat and melt it.

Other things will work too, like pigment ink pads, ball point pen ink, and special markers with ink that doesn't dry quickly ...as well as plain glycerin.
You might try using one of those to see if it works.

I'm also wondering about what you're calling "tinsel" powder. I've never heard anyone refer to "embossing powder" as tinsel powder so just wanted to make sure you have the right stuff. Some very fine glitter can look just like embossing powder but won't melt when heated and may not even stick as well as the embossing powder. You can check to see if what you have is actually embossing powder by putting a little on a sheet of paper, then holding it over a lit light bulb, etc., to see if it melts within 10-30 seconds or so.

HTH,

Diane B.

Answer 2

Something is wrong with your stamp pad. Is it actually leaving moisture behind for the powder to stick to? Also, are they the same brand? I found out from a friend that certain crafting companies make their embossing powders so they will only stick to their own inks--it's a way to keep people from buying the stuff that's well priced. By making you buy all their brand, they can jack the prices up and you're just stuck.

If the pad is dry, try taking it back. I know I have bought regular ink pads before that were supposed to be fine, but when I got them home, they were dry as a bone. Everything will dry out eventually if it's left on the shelves too long.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Are you sure that it is an embossing pad? A regular stamp pad won't work because it dries to quickly. An embossing pad's "ink" is thick, like a glue, almost, and doesn't dry fast at all.

If it is an embossing pad, I'd check to make sure it is wet when you touch it with your finger. It may have been a really old one that did dry out. If it is dry, try spraying the surface with water and letting it soak in.

Answer 4

yes it should be slightly sticky. If it isnt take it back.