Why use Detail Embossing Powder?

Like everyone else I  have loads of different colours of embossing powders so why do I need Detail Embossing Powder as well?   Is it really necessary?

Standard grade embossing powder is great for most embossing and it never ceases to amaze me that you can heat some powder and you get a beautifully glossy image.   If you are new to embossing then click on the How To's button above for an explanation on How to Heat Emboss.

But for intricate stamps you need a finer grade powder - the particles are smaller and the end result is a much cleaner and more even image.  Why spend money on a stamp and obliterate the design with standard embossing powder.  Oak House Studio sells Detail Embossing Powder in small jars but also in economical big jars -  100g for £10 in either gold, silver or copper.

Using the macro setting on my camera you can clearly see the difference in these two images - I've used the Christmas Corner Stamp and exactly the same embossing ink.                      

The  top image is using standard gold embossing powder whereas the bottom one is done with Detail powder.  You can see the blobs of powder on the top one and some areas are filled in.  
Whereas the bottom photo shows all the detail of the stamp, all of the stamen in the hellebore flower centre and all the veins on the leaves.

Again with these two images of the outline Dragon from the Double Dragon set - with Detail powder you can see all the detail whereas with standard powder some areas become filled in.

You do really need to use Detail powder for fine lettering or sentiments.  I've used the English Garden Words background stamp on the card below - it is a small font but you can still clearly read it embossed with Detail powder.

Again a close-up photo of the Dog Rose stamp which is a fine lined design - all the veins and shading on the flowers is still there









 The card below shows a combination of both grades of powders - Detail for the wording and Dog Rose and then standard powder for the faux soldering frame around the edges.  I've used Peacock Green and Paris Pink Ink in a Bottle for the watercolouring - to prevent any spills I used a pipette to get a little ink out of the bottles, then used a waterbrush to paint with.   I mixed a little French Wine Ink in a Bottle with the remains of the Paris Pink to die the seam binding and the bottom section is stamped with Sea Blue Pigment Ink.

Detailed Embossing powder from Oak House Studio

Don't get me wrong standard powder has it's place and is the major workhorse as far as embossing is concerned - if you are doing grungy backgrounds or using bold stamps then it's perfectly acceptable.  But sometimes a little finesse is required and this is where Detail powder comes in. 

All Embossing Powders, Stamps, Pigment Ink Pads,  Ink in a Bottle Sprays,  Pipettes and Water Brushes can be found in the Oak House Studio Shop.   Why don't you go take a look and try some embossing!

Elaine x