Acetate

[Pat]

Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong. Everytime I stamp on acetate with a staz on inkpad it smudges like mad.:( Suggestions welcome:)

[Eileen C]

I've not had too much luck when I've tried this, but I hear you can dry the ink by using a heat gun - assuming you've not smudged it as you take the stamp off.

Eileen

[Ching]

yes, I have had to use a heat gun to dry it, even with staz on. OR leave it out a few minutes and it should dry on its own.

[NikiB]

it could be the type if acetate you are using, the ones that are designed to usually go through ink jet printers are usually the best as they have a slightly rough side which holds the ink better.

[scoobiesue]

There is a lady called Jayne Nesterenko (sp?) who sometimes demonstrates on C&C and she does a good demo of stamping on acetate.
I did a workshop with her and she suggested taping the acetate down with masking tape before you stamp, the image can smudge when you lift the stamp off because you are creating a vacuum between the stamp and the acetate and when you lift the stamp away you are working against the vacuum. You need to stamp and press in one motion, the stamp needs to go down in a direct movement from above and lifted off in the same way so try to press down hard as you apply the stamp - easier if it's not a very large image.
HTH.

[CraftyPrincess]

I agree with Susan it's the pressure that creates the smudging. I'd also suggest using less ink than you normally would so it doesn't slip as much when you're applying it to the acetate and you don't get the 'ripple' effect in your ink. You can also use something like a sheet of funky foam or a special stamping pad underneath the acetate which will help make the impression without you having to apply as much pressure so it's again less likely to slip. Using a heatgun on acetate can warp it if it gets hot so it's best to leave it to air dry.

[sam c]

OR

How about inking the stamp - put it face up and put the acetate on top?? So kind of doing it the reverse way?

[Mole]

OR

How about inking the stamp - put it face up and put the acetate on top?? So kind of doing it the reverse way?

Fraid that's a no no in my book - would make things even worse for me!
I think I'd say:

a) you can use special acetate which has a rougher side which provides a 'key' for the ink to stick to

b) Do be sparing with the amount of ink you use on the stamp.

c) Leave to aid drier for longer than you think you'll need

4) You CAN, if you're careful, use a heat gun and embossing powder on acetate. That's what I did here:

http://www.ukscrappers.co.uk/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=63659&cat=500&ppuser=11959

This is more likely to work on the heavier duty acetates which are able to withstand the heat a little better than some of the thinner makes.

[nannyjuna]

hi a little tip if you make a mess on your acetate and you want to use it again, use stazon cleaner on kitchen roll and wipe it off, you can use it again and again till you get it right. hope this helps.

[shonam]

hi a little tip if you make a mess on your acetate and you want to use it again, use stazon cleaner on kitchen roll and wipe it off, you can use it again and again till you get it right. hope this helps.

What a great idea! I never even thought of that. I've just binned it. :rolleyes:

Thanks
Shona:)

[Pat]

Thanks everyone for advice on acetate. I did use a heat gun but the blooming thing melted.:huh: Maybe I have got the wrong acetate.

[Flo]

the main trick is to use very little ink - my half dried out black stazon pad is currently working a treat on acetate - I'm reluctant to re-ink it!

[JemCraft]

You could also try wiping the acetate surface with an anti-static bag, this reduces the static cling to the stamp as you lift it off.

[Inky Angel]

Hold the acetate down with your little fingers while you lift the stamp off :)

[_LynM]

Thanks everyone for advice on acetate. I did use a heat gun but the blooming thing melted.:huh: Maybe I have got the wrong acetate.

You need special acetate to heat emboss - we have it here if anyone is interested

http://www.craft-emporium.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=4015

it's the stuff they use with Medallion Stamping when they demo it on tv
hth

[Hebe]

I gently let the stamp rest on the acetate with almost a little drop down (the crucial bit) and then stand over it, leaning on the stamp firmly but straight down so it doesn't slide. Then I pull it off, holding onto the acetate as I do so. Practice makes perfect.

[craftycuthbert]

I always "weigh" down my acetate with a heavy book when stamping

[Rhi]

Ive had no luck at all with normal acetate but inkjet acetate has a rougher side thats the side to print on and thats just so much easier to stamp on:)

[krystal]

When you stamp on acetate, you need to put the stamp down gently but firmly, then lift it cleanly, straight up. It's a knack - and it comes with practice. Whatever you do, don't rock the stamp at all - it's a straight down and then up job :) Then be patient - leave it to dry. You don't need to heat set unless you NEED to use it immediately - if you do, then heat set with your heat tool - FROM A DISTANCE - , but ONLY if you're using thermal (photocopier or laser) acetate - anything else will melt - but even the thermal stuff will buckle if you hold the heat tool too close or heat for too long! It really is very easy once you get the hang of it.

Alternatively, you can stamp on the card/paper behind the acetate (colour the acetate with alcohol inks if you like) and place the acetate over the top - quick cheat :)