The Perfect Embossing Inks & Ink Pads that You Need

The Perfect Embossing Inks & Ink Pads that You Need

There are two different types of embossing -- dry and wet embossing. The wet embossing includes the use of (wet & juicy) embossing ink, embossing powder to be finished with a heat source. There are different types of embossing inks and if you truly understand the difference in their properties you can best select which ink to use according to the design or effect that you want.

Types of Embossing Inks

Clear Embossing Inks (also known as Watermark Ink, Resist Ink)
 

These are specially formulated ink that has a sticky property that allows the embossing powder to adhere to the stamped image. They are clear in colour and have a very slow-drying time. A heat source such as a heat gun is required to aid the drying process. It’s recommended not to overheat as well as not to underheat to make sure the embossing powders are stuck to the stamped image properly. The popular clear embossing inks in the market include VersaMark Watermark Ink, Gina K Embossing & Watermark Ink, Wow Ultra Slow Drying Embossing Ink Pad.

 

Pigment Inks 
 

The ink does not get absorbed by paper but sits on top of it so when they are applied they are more opaque compared to dye inks.  They give out a more vivid image right away.  But since they do not get absorbed by paper it also means they do not dry easily and will be perfect for heat embossing with embossing powders. Pigment inks are great to use with clear embossing powders to achieve a coloured embossed texture of the stamped image.

 

Dye Inks

Dye Inks are a transparent type of ink that can be absorbed by the paper. So the colour of the paper you are using will still register even after the application of the ink.  It easily dries and smoothes out. The ink pads of dye inks are usually very firm. You will also find that the ink pad is darker than the actual output so you will not be able to tell the exact colour by just looking at the ink pad. Dye inks tend to dry fast making it hard for embossing powders to stay put on the stamped image. You will need another layer of special formulated clear embossing ink to go on top of the stamped image before applying the embossing powder.

Distress & Distress Oxide Inks

Distress and Distress Oxide Inks, just like pigment ink, have a sticky property and stay wet longer than regular dye ink so they can be used for heat embossing. You can sprinkle clear embossing powder over the distress inks, tapped off the excess, and heat-embossed it. If you would like the distress colour to come through the embossing powder, Tim Holtz recommends using a clear embossing powder with his range of Distress & Distress Oxide Ink when heat-embossing.

How to Heat Emboss

1. Apply ink to your stamp of choice and firmly press it down on paper. Write or sketch your impression if you're using an embossing pen.
    
2. Apply embossing powder over the impression.
    
3. Wipe away any extra powder with a paintbrush or a flick of the back of the paper. Return the excess powder to the container.
    
4. Turn on the heating tool and warm it up for a few seconds. Hold the paper with tweezers if needed. Aim the heat towards the impression, keep it constantly moving in small circles to avoid burning. Watch as the powder melts down and becomes shiny and then turn the heating tool off.  Allow it to cool.