Embossing adds a sophisticated, three-dimensional accent to any stamped design. Although it appears challenging, it is one of the most popular and successful rubber-stamping techniques available.
The key is to utilise a heat gun, a quality pigment inkpad, deeply engraved rubber stamps, and good cardboard — and to apply the inkpad directly to the stamp. The majority of embossing faults are caused by unevenly inked pictures.
Applying ink
The best technique to apply ink to a stamp is to lay it on its back, rubber side up, then dab or pat it with an ink pad. It is much easier to apply a thin, uniform coat of ink this way.
Apply the inked stamp on the cardstock and firmly push down. Try not to overdo it with the stamp (which will result in a blurred image). Some individuals like to stand when stomping because it provides more pressure. Remove the stamp and immediately add embossing powder. Distribute a liberal amount of embossing powder over the picture. (The key is to apply the powder on the stamped image before it dries.) Pigment ink is a slow-drying ink, so you have plenty of time to accomplish this.)
Tip
Adding more embossing powder will not make the image shine any brighter. Powder will only attach to wet ink, so carefully tip away any extra powder to avoid a hazy, blotchy impression.
Excess powder will splatter all over the card, and your breath will wet it. There’s also the risk of blowing powder off the inked picture.
Embossing
Use a heat tool/embossing gun to apply heat. There are plenty on the market. If you don’t have a heat gun, a paint-stripping gun will suffice (but be careful not to set the cardstock alight). Alternatively, heat from below by waving the cardstock over an electric hotplate or turning on an electric toaster and waving the card over the aperture. Take care of your fingers (and, if you’re using a toaster, don’t put the card inside!) Allow the card to cool before weighing it beneath some heavy books if it becomes wavy or warped after heating.
Aim a heat tool at one region of the powdered picture (if at all feasible — it really does make a difference in the outcome). The heat will modify the colour of the powder, making it glossy or dazzling (depending on what powder you have used). When one region has changed colour, transfer your heat gun to the next, and so on. This is referred to as “chasing” the picture. Don’t swat the card with the heat gun; all you’re doing is heating the entire card, and the image will take forever to emboss properly.
Cleanup
Never put a rubber stamp in the dishwasher. Use a stamp cleanser, a stamp scrubbing pad (simply run the filthy stamp under the tap and jiggle it over the fibres to clean — then dry with kitchen roll), or dampen a pad of kitchen roll and wipe over the stamp. Stamps that are filthy or clogged can be cleaned using an old toothbrush wet with water or stamp cleaning. Rinse with damp kitchen roll, an old flannel, or a towel, and then dry with kitchen roll.
Baby wipes with no alcohol are good for cleaning stamps, hands, and removing most inks off the top of the stamp (the wood block). Finally, blot with kitchen roll.
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