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General Information
Give stamped images depth, texture and shine with this thermographic method of embossing. Gold and silver are just the beginning!
What Is
Thermographic, or Rubber Stamp Embossing?
Embossing is a simple process that changes a flat stamped image into one that is three dimensional,
also adding sheen, glitter, or iridescence to the image.
What is Needed To Emboss An Image?
You will need a stamp, embossing, or "pigment" ink, embossing powder, a heat source and, of course, something
to stamp on.
The Best Stamps To Use
The
size of your stamp is immaterial, and it doesn't matter if the stamp is
made out of hard rubber, soft rubber or a potato. The most important
consideration is the complexity of the image. Stamps used for embossing
should be fairly simple. Ones containing a large amount of detail (such
as shadows or crosshatching) will not render effectively because the
embossing powder expands when heated and close-set lines can melt into
each other.
Embossing / Pigment Ink
Embossing
ink can be clear or a variety of colors. It can be purchased in a stamp
pad, marking pen or in a sponge applicator bottle. Best results are
achieved by using this pigment ink as it stays wetter longer than
water-based inks. Clear embossing pads are best for opaque or metallic
powders, but colored ink is required when using clear or translucent
powders. Embossing ink markers are used for drawing lines, calligraphy,
or for writing messages. Applicator bottles are best used to re-ink a
stamp or used with brushes for interesting effects.
Embossing Powder
Embossing
powder also comes in clear and a variety of colors as well as glitter,
satin, iridescent and variable (which changes color when applied over
different colored inks). It is purchased in small jars.
Heat Sources
The
best heat source for embossing is a craft-type heat gun. They are
inexpensive and can be purchased in craft and rubber stamp stores. They
regulate the heat perfectly for embossing as they emit low air flow,
but an intense, narrow stream of heat so they are less likely to scorch
paper. If you do not want to purchase a heat gun, you can use any hot
flat surface like the top of a toaster oven, a hot plate or an iron but
be careful as these can burn paper if not watched carefully. You cannot
use a hair dryer - it's not hot enough and your powder would be blown
all over the place!
Something To Stamp On
Paper
is, obviously, the most popular surface for embossing. A medium to
heavy weight card stock is best. Lightweight paper (such as xerox
paper) can tend to warp, but depending on how you handle the heat
source, most papers work well. The paper can be glossy, plain or vellum
(heavy tracing paper).
How To Emboss
Embossing
is amazingly easy to do. Ink your stamp using the embossing ink or
pigment ink of your choice. Stamp your impression and then immediately
sprinkle the entire image with embossing powder. Using ink and powder
in the same color tends to intensify the color. When you use a colored
powder over clear ink, the color of the final image is the color of the
powder. If you emboss one color ink with a different color powder your
final image color will be a combination of both (the results are subtle
so don't be afraid that you will get muddy colors). Tap off the excess
powder (it can be reused, so just put it back into the bottle) and
remove any stray powder with a small, soft paint brush. Then apply the
heat source. A heating gun should moved slowly over the top of the
paper. Watch the image, as soon as the powder puffs up, it's done. Be
careful not to over-emboss or the image will flatten out and blur
around the edges. If you are using an alternative heat source, you will
have to place it under the paper. If you are feeling really
adventurous, you can emboss in two colors. To do this, apply the first
powder color to a selected area and emboss it. Then apply the second
color and emboss it. This can be tricky because the first color tends
to over emboss but if you're careful and move quickly, you'll be
impressed with the results.