Embossing Foil Instructions

(Step-By-Step)

1.      Generously ink your stamp with a high quality pigment ink pad, and stamp image on your paper.  Note:  start out with black or a dark color for best “beginner” results.

2.      Before the ink dries, generously apply Foil & Flocking Powder to the stamped image, then tap the excess powder gently back into the bottle.

3.      Heat your powdered image from the bottom side of the paper (being careful not to heat it too long), until just “before” the raised area cures, turning clear, wet looking, and sticky. It actually continues to heat as you are turning off the heat gun.  Also, since the Marvy heat gun does not get as hot, it  tends to do a better job than the Milwaukee on this powder.

4.      Cut enough of our special embossing foil to entirely cover the stamped, sticky image, and lay the foil color side up over the image.  You must place the foil on the image within 20-90 seconds of step #3.  You might want to cut your piece ahead of time so that it can be placed quickly on the still warm sticky image.

5.     After the foil is placed on the sticky image, rub your finger firmly over the foiled image.  Don’t use too much pressure, as it squashes the image, while too little pressure leaves only scattered highlights.  You will see a shadowed relief through the foil that shows where the foil is sticking to the image.  Peel off the foil slowly when the relief looks smooth and uniform.

6.      Your newly foiled image is still soft after peeling.  It will harden enough for most decorative uses on its own after about 2 hours, but a 2nd application of heat from the bottom side will cure immediately.  Heat it delicately and with enough attention so that the colored foil doesn’t blanch.  Only use heat this second time if you are in a hurry.  Sometimes better results are achieved if you let it cure on it’s own.

7.        Let your finished work cool down to room temperature before testing it with your finger.  It will be far harder and scuff resistant when finished in this fashion.  Many people have confused this new technique and foil with Hot Stamp Foil Embossing.  IT IS NOT THE SAME!  This new skill is easy, looks great, and is a fun way to fool your fellow stampers.

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