Embossing Powder
Written for newer rubber stampers who want to learn about different types of rubber stamping ink. This primer is not designed to cover all brands and kinds of embossing powder, just the basics.

Embossing Powder Coarseness
Embossing Powders come in three general sizes. Fine or Detail embossing powders are the most fine. They are best for embossing fine lined images in detail. Standard embossing powder will work fairly well but the lines may become blurry. Thick and Ultra Thick Embossing Powders are not good for embossing images. They are designed to cover larger areas and may be stamped into.

Applying Embossing Powder
Embossing powders can be adhered to artwork using embossing ink and a rubber stamp. Embossing ink is a slow drying, tacky, ink. It is also available in pens for writing. Stamp an image with embossing ink, sprinkle embossing powder over the image and shake the extra onto a blank piece of paper or into a Tidy Tray so you can pour it back into the jar. If you don't recycle the extra, you'll go through embossing powder at an alarming rate.

Double sided tapes are also good for embossing powders. Red Liner Bead Tape comes in a punchable sheet so you can emboss shapes.

Heating Embossing Powder
Heating Embossing Powder can be done in the toaster oven if a heat gun is not available. It is best to get the oven warm first and place your artwork on a metal tray. Be careful not to burn the paper. This process is relatively quick and should not be left unattended for any reason.

The quickest and easiest method for melting embossing powder is with a crafter's heat gun. These are designed not to force air hard enough to blow the embossing powder free from embossing ink. These items should always be unplugged when unattended. I hear stories regularly of people's cats knocking them off the table or something hits the power button. These can start fires easily.