What is heat embossing?
Heat embossing adds texture and dimension to stamps, hand lettering, and other items. To create the raised effect, stamp or write with special ink, then sprinkle embossing powder over the design and heat it. Embossing powders come in a variety of colours and can be used to achieve a variety of effects. You can purchase them in sets or individually. Embossing powders are available in two grades: super fine (for intricate designs) and regular.
Materials Needed to Emboss
- Ink for embossing (one of the options below)
- Stamp pad with embossing ink
- Embossing markers or embossing brush pens
- Ink for liquid embossing
- Embellishing powder
- Popular colours include: Gold, copper, silver, white, and clear are all available.
- Heat source
- anti-static pad or dryer sheet
- Paintbrush, small
- Paper (a thicker cardstock or coverstock will work the best) (a thicker cardstock or coverstock will work the best)
How to Heat Emboss
First, make sure the embossing powder only adheres to the areas you want it to. Did you know that static electricity can exist on paper? Because of the static, the powder adheres to non-inked areas, leaving little specks of embossing powder where you don't want them. There are a few tools you can use to remove static electricity.
- To reduce static electricity, run a used dryer sheet over your paper several times.
- Apply an anti-static pad to your paper.
- Follow this video tutorial to make your static-remover (I haven't tried this yet, but I've seen several other crafters recommend similar methods for DIY anti-static pouches).
You're ready to emboss once your paper is static-free. This step will differ depending on the type of ink you use.
If you decide to use a stamp pad and stamps, ink your stamp, as usual, making sure the ink covers the entire stamp. Firmly press the stamp onto the paper and carefully lift it to reveal the inked design.
If you choose to use embossing pens or brush markers, treat them as you would any other marker. The Versamark brush pen has a dual tip, one with a brush tip and the other with a bullet tip.
If you decide to use liquid ink, dip your brush into the ink and draw or write your desired pattern with it.
You're ready to emboss now that your pattern, design, or words have been inked. Apply the embossing powder to the ink, making sure to cover the entire design. If your pattern has small details, use super fine embossing powder. Pour the powder onto a plate, then back into the original container or a new one. To remove excess powder, tap the back of the paper. If there is any stray powder on your design that you do not want, remove it with a small paintbrush.
Plug in your heat tool and wait for it to heat up. Keep the heat tool about 6 inches away from the paper. (Depending on your heat tool, you may need to hold it closer to your body.) Begin further away and work your way closer if necessary.) When the embossing powder melts, it leaves a shiny raised version of your design. When one part of the design begins to melt, move your heat tool to the next part to ensure that the powder does not bubble or the paper discolours.
