breetheflea
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Post by breetheflea on Dec 20, 2022 16:13:22 GMT
I've always stamped and embossed using my stove burner, but now that we have a glass top, and not a coil, it doesn't work as well. So, I bought a heat gun, and was trying to emboss with it...
First, it has a blower on it, so while I'm trying to get the heat gun under the card, it's blowing the embossing powder off. Second, if I hold it under the card, my fingers are getting too hot, and I have to keep rotating the card which is awkward while holding the heat gun...
Any tips and tricks or is there a different type of heat gun I should get?
Also, there is now embossing powder everywhere... including all over me. This card making thing is messy!
ETA: the heat tool I have has two settings on and off if that helps.
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Post by grammadee on Dec 20, 2022 16:46:14 GMT
Wow. I would never have been able to emboss with a stove burner!
I tend to start heating from the far edge of the card and work in, warming the cs rather than focusing on the powder. As the cs warms, the powder starts to melt and I move with it. When I get close to my hand, I stop and switch holds so I am holding the end already embossed.
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Dec 20, 2022 16:51:24 GMT
I have the Marvy heat tool with just on/off, too.
If the powder is blowing off two things...1) make sure you are using a pigment ink or an embossing ink, and 2) maybe you're holding the tip too close to the cardstock. I let the tool heat up for 10-15 seconds before bringing it to the cardstock so it's nice and hot. Then I keep it a few inches away until the powder starts to melt, then bring it a bit closer but not close enough to burn the cardstock and embossing powder.
I also use Ardyth's method of embossing in a box. I have a 6"x9" box that I've lined with aluminum foil that I put my cardstock in to emboss. This also heats up the back a bit and keeps my cardstock from warping and my fingers from getting burned. Alternatively, some people hold the cardstock with a clothes pin, or tweezers.
I also have the Ranger Heat Tool. It has a lower output that I use only for drying and other techniques with water or sprays. I don't like embossing with it.
Hope this helps.
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Post by teacherlisa on Dec 20, 2022 18:08:09 GMT
Enabler alert: Friends friends friends lol no more burnt fingers with this tool: www.amazon.com/RANGER-INDUSTRIES-Handle-Tool-White/dp/B0B25QNT9MI let my heat gun “warm up” for a bit, maybe 30-60 seconds before I start with my embossing. I start in a corner, on the top. I only have an on/off switch too, so maybe mine is not as powerful as yours. Definitely try the tool and starting from the bottom also. |
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Post by melanieg on Dec 20, 2022 19:39:08 GMT
I use a clothes pin to hold the cardstock I am embossing. I head the tool up before putting it to paper off to the side. I turn if off and then place it under the paper or over the powder, then turn back on. Starting from the side always works great.
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pinklady
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Post by pinklady on Dec 20, 2022 19:43:26 GMT
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Dec 20, 2022 21:59:16 GMT
Enabler alert: Friends friends friends lol no more burnt fingers with this tool: www.amazon.com/RANGER-INDUSTRIES-Handle-Tool-White/dp/B0B25QNT9MI let my heat gun “warm up” for a bit, maybe 30-60 seconds before I start with my embossing. I start in a corner, on the top. I only have an on/off switch too, so maybe mine is not as powerful as yours. Definitely try the tool and starting from the bottom also. OMGosh! How did I miss those Ranger handles!? |
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Dec 20, 2022 22:01:22 GMT
Interesting, I've never had the powder blow off. I second GiantsFan point #1, definitely make sure you are using a pigment ink or an embossing ink.
I was just thinking about this and a Distress Oxide will work too. Really any ink that stays wet for a bit. |
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PaperAngel
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Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Dec 20, 2022 23:49:08 GMT
I'm not a cardmaker, but occasionally heat emboss stamped images on layouts. Heat tools are hot air blowers. The issue with embossing powder (EP) blowing off the card is likely due to incorrect ink &/or excessive EP. Be certain to use embossing/pigment/hybrid inks that are embossable. Tap the project to remove excess inks before embossing. Note EPs that discolor, excessively clump both in the jar & on paper, &/or do not melt properly should be replaced.
I use & highly recommend a Wagner heat tool. Note I plug it in before stamping & embossing (often just a single image). I hold the tool a couple inches away from the paper, slowly & methodically apply the heat to the back & front of the paper until all the powder is melted, then reassess whether I need to emboss again. Consider using the Ranger Handle It tool, tweezers, wooden chopsticks, or other household items to secure the paper or purchase a heat tool with the hands-free/build-in retractable stand to protect your fingers from the heat. A simple Swiffer Hand Duster works well for removing stray EP from work surfaces. I've also seen the WRMK Glitter Mini-Vac mentioned for this purpose. HTH.
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Post by don on Dec 21, 2022 0:06:48 GMT
All above are good information. Like many other areas of papercraft there is a learning curve. Just use scraps and figure it out as you go. Remember, it's a Hobby have fun.
Also, you can emboss on a lot of stuff; metal, wood, dominoes, glass, plastic, just go and create something and show us the pictures.
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Post by cmpeter on Dec 21, 2022 1:30:16 GMT
What heat gun do you and and what ink are you using? I've never had mine blow the embossing powder off the image. I do use a wooden clothes pin to hold my item if it's small, but generally can just hold one corner with my fingers and emboss without issue. I saw Simon Says Stamp came out with a tool for helping hold your items while embossing. Hot Hands - SSS |
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Post by mrsshampoo on Dec 21, 2022 2:34:45 GMT
Enabler alert: Friends friends friends lol no more burnt fingers with this tool: www.amazon.com/RANGER-INDUSTRIES-Handle-Tool-White/dp/B0B25QNT9MI let my heat gun “warm up” for a bit, maybe 30-60 seconds before I start with my embossing. I start in a corner, on the top. I only have an on/off switch too, so maybe mine is not as powerful as yours. Definitely try the tool and starting from the bottom also. I just got this and used it for the 1st time today. Game changer!! |
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Post by riversong1963 on Dec 21, 2022 14:51:26 GMT
I've never had the experience of my heat gun blowing lots of powder off my cardstock. Make sure that you're using good quality products that aren't very old. Tap off the excess well. As others have said, you do need to practice and get a "feel" for it.
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Post by babylou on Dec 21, 2022 15:41:02 GMT
Also, I would recommend that when you take the heat gun to the paper, you are holding it straight up and down over (or under) your image/powder. If you come in at an angle, that may cause it to blow the powder off. Just a thought.
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breetheflea
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Post by breetheflea on Dec 21, 2022 16:28:03 GMT
Thanks for the tips. All my inks are dye inks (except the few Distress Oxides I own) so maybe that's part of the problem. It would be easier to set the card on the table and heat it from the top, if the ink not being sticky enough is the problem.
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Dec 21, 2022 17:33:47 GMT
@breetheflea - Dye inks won't work, even flat on the table because the ink dries instantly. The EP needs something to stick to until it gets heated. Practice with your Oxides using clear EP.
Or you can even use glue or scor-tape to stick the EP to before heating. Google Embossing with out ink.
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Post by BSnyder on Dec 22, 2022 1:28:01 GMT
I've always stamped and embossed using my stove burner, but now that we have a glass top, and not a coil, it doesn't work as well. So, I bought a heat gun, and was trying to emboss with it... First, it has a blower on it, so while I'm trying to get the heat gun under the card, it's blowing the embossing powder off. Second, if I hold it under the card, my fingers are getting too hot, and I have to keep rotating the card which is awkward while holding the heat gun... Any tips and tricks or is there a different type of heat gun I should get? Also, there is now embossing powder everywhere... including all over me. This card making thing is messy! ETA: the heat tool I have has two settings on and off if that helps. Lots of good info here. Pigment inks are the key, but a good clear embossing ink works great too. Stamp in a dye ink using a stamp positioner, stamp over top in an embossing ink, and then use clear embossing powder. Works great! Back in the day, I was taught embossing by holding the backside of the paper over a hot incandescent bulb. I did that for a few years until I learned about heat guns. This was in the early 90s. |
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PaperAngel
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Post by PaperAngel on Dec 22, 2022 5:31:11 GMT
Thanks for the tips. All my inks are dye inks (except the few Distress Oxides I own) so maybe that's part of the problem. It would be easier to set the card on the table and heat it from the top, if the ink not being sticky enough is the problem. The problem is that dye inks are not embossable. Consider clear VersaMark ink (available in a full sized pad, 1.25" cube, & marker), if you use colored embossing powders or with dye ink/clear powder as BSnyder described above. If you prefer colored pigment inks, options include VersaFine Clair (available only in a full sized pad) that dries fast but is still embossable minutes later, VersaColor (available in a full sized pad & 1.25" cube) offered in 65 colors, etc. If you chose not to hold the paper after stamping with embossing/pigment/hybrid inks that are embossable, be certain to use a heat resistant mat on your work surface to protect it from heat damage. Heat tools get hot (e.g. Wagner HT400: 450-680°F / 230-360°C)! HTH. |
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Post by Skellinton on Dec 22, 2022 18:10:00 GMT
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Post by Skellinton on Dec 22, 2022 18:12:55 GMT
I realize that you have found a solution, but I often emboss from the underside first and that does help the powder from flying off too.
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Post by mikklynn on Dec 23, 2022 17:16:52 GMT
If I am embossing something small, I use a little adhesive to fix it to a piece of cardboard. Then I can hold the cardboard and keep my fingers far from the heat.
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