Stamping and inks

Heat embossing step by step

The raised, glossy finish: what you need, the right order, and how to avoid stray specks of powder around the image.

Heat embossing means melting powder over a freshly stamped image to create a hard, glossy raised finish. It is the technique with the best impact-to-difficulty ratio: four steps, and the result looks manufactured.

Supplies

Embossing ink (clear or pigment)
Embossing powder — Embossing
A heat gun
An anti-static bag or talcum powder
A tray or folded sheet to catch the excess

Step by step

Run an anti-static bag over the paper

Before stamping, lightly rub the cardstock with an anti-static bag. It removes the charge that attracts powder and prevents the stray specks around the image, which is the most common problem.
Stamp with embossing ink

Clear embossing ink is tacky and deliberately slow drying. Work quickly: wait too long and the powder will not stick properly.
Cover generously with powder

Pour powder over the whole image without being stingy, working over a sheet folded in half so you can tip the excess back into the pot.
Knock off the excess sharply

Tap the back of the paper so all the powder not sitting on ink falls away. If any stray grains remain, flick them off with a fine dry brush before heating.
Melt it with the heat gun

Hold the gun about ten centimetres away and move it in circles. You will see the powder turn from matte to glossy: that is the moment to stop and move to the next area.
Do not overheat

Carrying on after the powder has gone glossy flattens it, scorches it and can warp the paper. As soon as it shines, move on.
Let it cool before touching

The raised finish stays soft for a few seconds. Touch it hot and your fingerprint is there for good.

Practical tips

Hold the paper with tweezers or a ruler: heat guns burn fingers and the airflow lifts light sheets.
White powder on dark ink and black powder on light paper are the cleanest combinations to start with.
Embossing in black is the best barrier before colouring with alcohol markers: the line never bleeds.

FAQ

Can I use a hairdryer?

No. A hairdryer gives lots of airflow and little heat: it blows the powder away before melting it. A heat gun concentrates heat with almost no airflow.

Why do I get specks around the image?

Static in the paper. An anti-static bag before stamping fixes it nearly every time; a little talc applied with a soft brush also works.