Embossing Powders and Inks Explained......There are many different types of embossing powders and using the right powder for the right project will greatly increase your chances of success.
Regular embossing powder is okay to use for the vast majority of your embossing projects. Ultra-Fine or Super-fine embossing powder, as it is sometimes known, is ideal for detailed stamped images. It is also advisable to use this for your own freehand work or calligraphy. Ultra-Thick embossing powder creates a glaze over the stamped image, to give a tile like effect. It can also give a crackled glaze effect. You can embossing powders in different colours and with different finishes: Clear (or transparent): This will allow the original colour ink of the stamped image to show through. Metallic:This is an opaque powder. Most people new to embossing start with either gold or silver powder to create a metallic finish. There are numerous shades of both commercially available. Pearlescent (or opalescent): As its name suggests gives a pearl effect finish. Glitter (or sparkly): Gives a glitter finish but can come in opaque, semi-transparent or clear. Coloured: Gives an opaque finish in whatever colour you choose to use. Once you've decided which embossing powder you're going to use you then have to use the correct ink: There are a number of specialised embossing inks on the market.These are usually available in clear or pale colours.They are pigment inks which are slow drying.The length of time they take to dry will depend on the type and weight of card you are using. Before using a pigment ink always check the manufacturer's instructions as there are some special pigments which will dry too quickly and are therefore not suitable for embossing. Embossing Pens contain a slow drying ink. You can use these for fine outlining,calligraphy or for colouring in. Some brands of pens are dual ended, a fine tip for outlining and a broader one for colouring in larger areas. Any colour of embossing powder can be used with an embossing pen but obviously a clear powder will let any areas of solid colour show through. Tip: For ease of use,keep your embossing powders in shallow containers with a plastic spoon inside each one ready for use. Mark each lid with the colour and type of powder. You can either buy cheap plastic containers from the supermarket or use old takeaway containers. If you use a takeaway container make sure it is thoroughly cleaned and contains no remnants of the meal or grease.
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