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Post by MARIBETHR on Jul 24, 2021 15:56:16 GMT
I need to purchase some embossing powder. I have not had good results from most that I have. What is a good reliable embossing powder? Is there a difference? Or could my failures be for some other reason?
Thank you
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Post by joblackford on Jul 24, 2021 16:40:22 GMT
Tell us about what kind of "failures" you've had. Stray powder? warping? unclear stamping?
Preparing with an embossing powder tool/bag helps more than anything else I know. And everyone has different ideas about the best way to heat it. I'm currently using the foil lined box method - you don't have to hold onto the piece while you heat it and the foil may reflect a little heat to the back to help the powder melt quickly without warping.
I use very fine clear embossing powder the most, white on dark colors sometimes, and the gold powder I have is divine. I decant them all into snap/tupperware containers to make it easier to use (like Jennifer McGuire) so I can't think of the brand names off the top of my head, but I don't think they were particularly special embossing powders.
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Post by MARIBETHR on Jul 24, 2021 17:07:52 GMT
Tell us about what kind of "failures" you've had. Stray powder? warping? unclear stamping? Preparing with an embossing powder tool/bag helps more than anything else I know. And everyone has different ideas about the best way to heat it. I'm currently using the foil lined box method - you don't have to hold onto the piece while you heat it and the foil may reflect a little heat to the back to help the powder melt quickly without warping. I use very fine clear embossing powder the most, white on dark colors sometimes, and the gold powder I have is divine. I decant them all into snap/tupperware containers to make it easier to use (like Jennifer McGuire) so I can't think of the brand names off the top of my head, but I don't think they were particularly special embossing powders. Well my most recent failure is I was trying to emboss white powder on black paper and it just never embossed it just remained dry powder and I could just wipe it right off. I had just used some glitter embossing powder on the same image same paper and it worked perfectly, it was just not the look I wanted for the image. So my thought was it must be the powder. Prior failures are mostly uneven embossing and, not getting striking images like I see in card maker videos. I know I need fine detail powder, but just wanted some brand recommendations before I invest in various colors. Thank you. |
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Post by kmage on Jul 24, 2021 17:13:34 GMT
Tell us about what kind of "failures" you've had. Stray powder? warping? unclear stamping? Preparing with an embossing powder tool/bag helps more than anything else I know. And everyone has different ideas about the best way to heat it. I'm currently using the foil lined box method - you don't have to hold onto the piece while you heat it and the foil may reflect a little heat to the back to help the powder melt quickly without warping. I use very fine clear embossing powder the most, white on dark colors sometimes, and the gold powder I have is divine. I decant them all into snap/tupperware containers to make it easier to use (like Jennifer McGuire) so I can't think of the brand names off the top of my head, but I don't think they were particularly special embossing powders. Well my most recent failure is I was trying to emboss white powder on black paper and it just never embossed it just remained dry powder and I could just wipe it right off. I had just used some glitter embossing powder on the same image same paper and it worked perfectly, it was just not the look I wanted for the image. So my thought was it must be the powder. Prior failures are mostly uneven embossing and, not getting striking images like I see in card maker videos. I know I need fine detail powder, but just wanted some brand recommendations before I invest in various colors. Thank you. I did have an experience like you did where it just would not emboss. I am not sure if it was old, or if it was just defective, or what, but I tried it several times and then I just ended up throwing it out. I just went to JA and bought a 3 pack of embossing powder, it was white, black and gold and it works fine. I believe it is the American Crafts brand. I also have some Ranger glitter and that is nice too. I also invested in a new embossing ink pad and that helped a lot. |
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Post by wendifful on Jul 24, 2021 18:24:33 GMT
I think Ranger, Hero Arts and Wow are all good, solid brands that you can't go wrong with. I have some American Crafts Zing powder that is older and when I open it, the powder kind of has a smell to it. It still seems to work but it's just not as good as my other brands (doesn't have good coverage), so my lesson from that is to stick to embossing powder from established stamping brands. I also know that Brutus Monroe embossing powder gets rave reviews from cardmakers but I haven't tried any yet myself.
ETA: I'd also probably avoid store brands of embossing powder, like the Recollections/Michaels brand. For all I know, it could be good, but I think some things are worth spending a few more dollars on to make sure you get a quality product, and this is one of them.
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Post by MARIBETHR on Jul 24, 2021 19:20:51 GMT
I think Ranger, Hero Arts and Wow are all good, solid brands that you can't go wrong with. I have some American Crafts Zing powder that is older and when I open it, the powder kind of has a smell to it. It still seems to work but it's just not as good as my other brands (doesn't have good coverage), so my lesson from that is to stick to embossing powder from established stamping brands. I also know that Brutus Monroe embossing powder gets rave reviews from cardmakers but I haven't tried any yet myself. ETA: I'd also probably avoid store brands of embossing powder, like the Recollections/Michaels brand. For all I know, it could be good, but I think some things are worth spending a few more dollars on to make sure you get a quality product, and this is one of them. I was leaning toward WOW as I see many YouTubers are using that, but just wanted to hear what the Peas had to say before I invested. Thank you. |
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Post by wendifful on Jul 24, 2021 23:08:59 GMT
I think Ranger, Hero Arts and Wow are all good, solid brands that you can't go wrong with. I have some American Crafts Zing powder that is older and when I open it, the powder kind of has a smell to it. It still seems to work but it's just not as good as my other brands (doesn't have good coverage), so my lesson from that is to stick to embossing powder from established stamping brands. I also know that Brutus Monroe embossing powder gets rave reviews from cardmakers but I haven't tried any yet myself. ETA: I'd also probably avoid store brands of embossing powder, like the Recollections/Michaels brand. For all I know, it could be good, but I think some things are worth spending a few more dollars on to make sure you get a quality product, and this is one of them. I was leaning toward WOW as I see many YouTubers are using that, but just wanted to hear what the Peas had to say before I invested. Thank you. One other thing I really like about Wow is that their containers are smaller, so they're less expensive. This is great for non-staple colors as it allows you get a wider range of options without breaking the bank. My only gripe with Wow is that sometimes it's hard to tell what the embossing powder really looks like online from their images, but I think that's partly because they have such a wide range of colors/finishes that it's hard to find examples of them being used. |
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PaperAngel
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,292
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Jul 24, 2021 23:11:11 GMT
I exclusively incorporate stamping into scrapping. While I only emboss on occasion, I use (& highly recommend) Ranger Super Fine EP in black, white, & clear. I also have a handful of Zing EPs in non-neutral colors bought on deep clearance at a big box store years ago that I rarely use (because I gravitate toward neutrals).
ETA: Rather than applying heat to the EP directly, have you tried heating it from behind the paper?
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Post by CardBoxer on Jul 24, 2021 23:33:07 GMT
I think Ranger, Hero Arts and Wow are all good, solid brands that you can't go wrong with. I have some American Crafts Zing powder that is older and when I open it, the powder kind of has a smell to it. It still seems to work but it's just not as good as my other brands (doesn't have good coverage), so my lesson from that is to stick to embossing powder from established stamping brands. I also know that Brutus Monroe embossing powder gets rave reviews from cardmakers but I haven't tried any yet myself. ETA: I'd also probably avoid store brands of embossing powder, like the Recollections/Michaels brand. For all I know, it could be good, but I think some things are worth spending a few more dollars on to make sure you get a quality product, and this is one of them. Those were the three I was going to mention. 😊 I’ve heard the same about Brutus Monroe - the alabaster white mainly. And MARIBETHR do you pre-heat your heat tool for 15-20 seconds before holding it to the powder? Also, some heat tools are lower power so take a while to melt the powder. I use a Wagner for heat embossing, and only occasionally use a lower power one - Ranger’s HeatIt - to dry or partially dry watercolor or other liquid mediums when I don’t want them to move. I’m too impatient to use it for embossing powder. |
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,376 
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Post by kitbop on Jul 24, 2021 23:55:02 GMT
I SWEAR BY Brutus Monroe ultra fine! It's so much better than the Hero Arts or Ranger or Wow that I duplicated a couple of colours (white) just to buy the Brutus Monroe after I found the silver was so amazing.
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Post by MARIBETHR on Jul 24, 2021 23:57:23 GMT
And MARIBETHR do you pre-heat your heat tool for 15-20 seconds before holding it to the powder? Also, some heat tools are lower power so take a while to melt the powder. I use a Wagner for heat embossing, and only occasionally use a lower power one - Ranger’s HeatIt - to dry or partially dry watercolor or other liquid mediums when I don’t want them to move. I’m too impatient to use it for embossing powder. I do preheat my heat tool, but to be honest I have always wondered if it is working properly. It's a Marvy Uchida and although it is old I have not used it that much, basically because I don't seem to be very successful at this technique. It feels pretty darn hot to me though. |
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Post by tealpaperowl on Jul 26, 2021 18:08:02 GMT
I love Ranger and own most colors. I use the powder tool on the paper first, then versamark ink and then embossing ink. I did buy a new gun recently as I didn't know they came in power/strengths. Now I have no issues  |
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Post by CardBoxer on Jul 26, 2021 18:32:20 GMT
And MARIBETHR do you pre-heat your heat tool for 15-20 seconds before holding it to the powder? Also, some heat tools are lower power so take a while to melt the powder. I use a Wagner for heat embossing, and only occasionally use a lower power one - Ranger’s HeatIt - to dry or partially dry watercolor or other liquid mediums when I don’t want them to move. I’m too impatient to use it for embossing powder. I do preheat my heat tool, but to be honest I have always wondered if it is working properly. It's a Marvy Uchida and although it is old I have not used it that much, basically because I don't seem to be very successful at this technique. It feels pretty darn hot to me though. Some people have sworn by their old Marvys. Maybe see how it goes with new powder before deciding to get a new heat tool - unless any excuse is a good excuse to buy a new tool. 😉 And I assume you’re using enough Versamark so we can rule that out. |
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,376
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Post by kitbop on Jul 26, 2021 20:30:10 GMT
I use an old Marvy - purpley colour right? It has always worked very well for me! It's about 18 years old I think.
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Post by MARIBETHR on Jul 26, 2021 20:34:23 GMT
I use an old Marvy - purpley colour right? It has always worked very well for me! It's about 18 years old I think. Yes, that sounds like the one. I did emboss with it again using a different powder and it seemed to work fine with that one. I just want to find a good quality brand so that I will get more reliable results. I think I might try the WOW brand. |
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Post by MARIBETHR on Jul 26, 2021 20:36:37 GMT
I do preheat my heat tool, but to be honest I have always wondered if it is working properly. It's a Marvy Uchida and although it is old I have not used it that much, basically because I don't seem to be very successful at this technique. It feels pretty darn hot to me though. Some people have sworn by their old Marvys. Maybe see how it goes with new powder before deciding to get a new heat tool - unless any excuse is a good excuse to buy a new tool. 😉 And I assume you’re using enough Versamark so we can rule that out. I did use another brand of powder that I had and it worked just fine so I am ruling out the tool and think it is the powder. And I think I am using enough Versamark, the powder sticks really well when I pour it on. I think I am going to try a few colors of WOW and test those out. |
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kate
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,509
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Jul 26, 2021 20:58:09 GMT
I had some very old CTMH powder that didn't melt smoothly - left chunks and holes. I bought a replacement, also CTMH, and it worked fine. I have other powders just as old and of the same brand that still work great.
I've had good luck with Recollections powders, believe it or not, and the Brutus Monroe is indeed wonderful.
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Post by steakgoddess on Jul 27, 2021 3:06:54 GMT
I’m another fan of Brutus Monroe. (Just as a disclaimer, I am on the design team)
I like using an anti-static powder too and heating up my tool before I apply the embossing powder. That being said, I’ve had all success with Brutus Monroe embossing powders. They are just a great, fine powder that allows you to emboss with detail. They melt smoothly. I have removed all other powders from my stash and only use Brutus Monroe now.
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,766
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Jul 27, 2021 13:27:15 GMT
Embossing powders do get old.
Not sure how many years they are good for, but my friend just went thru her collection and pretty much threw away half of them.
I have some very old colored ones I need to check.
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kiavonne
Full Member
Posts: 112
Mar 10, 2021 3:23:12 GMT
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Post by kiavonne on Jul 28, 2021 5:12:12 GMT
Some people have sworn by their old Marvys. Maybe see how it goes with new powder before deciding to get a new heat tool - unless any excuse is a good excuse to buy a new tool. 😉 And I assume you’re using enough Versamark so we can rule that out. I did use another brand of powder that I had and it worked just fine so I am ruling out the tool and think it is the powder. And I think I am using enough Versamark, the powder sticks really well when I pour it on. I think I am going to try a few colors of WOW and test those out. I just stocked up on a *lot* of Ranger embossing powders, but I've thought about trying WOW's powders. Let us know what you think of them! |
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Post by MARIBETHR on Jul 28, 2021 14:30:47 GMT
I did use another brand of powder that I had and it worked just fine so I am ruling out the tool and think it is the powder. And I think I am using enough Versamark, the powder sticks really well when I pour it on. I think I am going to try a few colors of WOW and test those out. I just stocked up on a *lot* of Ranger embossing powders, but I've thought about trying WOW's powders. Let us know what you think of them! I surely will. How are the Ranger powders working for you? |
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Post by infochick on Jul 28, 2021 15:24:39 GMT
This is so interesting to me. I never knew embossing powder could go bad. I thought it was just ground up plastic, and would pretty much outlast me. I will definitely have to check mine/use some of it up to make sure it is still good.
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Post by joblackford on Jul 29, 2021 19:46:02 GMT
I SWEAR BY Brutus Monroe ultra fine! It's so much better than the Hero Arts or Ranger or Wow that I duplicated a couple of colours (white) just to buy the Brutus Monroe after I found the silver was so amazing. curious if their white is a cooler white or a warmer shade? I just asked about it on the random cardmaking thread, trying to find a less yellow toned white than what I have (but can't tell you what brand I have, doh!). I use Neenah solar white so I'm looking for something that bright/cool or even more so. |
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Post by frenchie on Jul 30, 2021 1:04:03 GMT
I SWEAR BY Brutus Monroe ultra fine! It's so much better than the Hero Arts or Ranger or Wow that I duplicated a couple of colours (white) just to buy the Brutus Monroe after I found the silver was so amazing. curious if their white is a cooler white or a warmer shade? I just asked about it on the random cardmaking thread, trying to find a less yellow toned white than what I have (but can't tell you what brand I have, doh!). I use Neenah solar white so I'm looking for something that bright/cool or even more so. I just got an order of Brutus Monroe powders today. One of them was Marshmallow Puff. In the container (sorry, haven’t used it yet) it is a cool white. Looks really nice. FYI, I ordered from Butterfly Reflections, Ink. They are in NH. I got my order 4 days from the day I ordered it and also a credit because I overpaid for shipping. They were excellent to deal with! |
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Post by sleepingbooty on Jul 30, 2021 14:15:03 GMT
My personal favourites are the Crisp Embossing Powders by Altenew. Definitely lovely, fine lines and all.
Particularly a fan of their Rose Gold and Golden Peach.
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