These are the products I use and recommend for heat embossing, foiling, etc.
Heat Embossing is a popular technique used to make stamped images stand out by adding a raised, shiny effect on your paper. You achieve this look by stamping with an embossing ink (clear, sticky ink) or pigment ink, sprinkling embossing powder and heating it up with a heat gun. So let’s get started and I will share my favorite heat embossing products with you.
If the product(s) are available online (usually where I purchased it), I will be list and link for you. I do link to products in my store and I use affiliate links when possible (at no cost to you), but none of the products I’m listed were provided or sponsored by anyone. (I stock my store with my favorite products!) These are simply my personal favorite products that I use when crafting. Full Disclosure Here.
Updated 12/18/-21
Wagner Heat Embossing Gun
(Link works even though it’s crossed out)
I use the Wagner Heat Embossing Gun (link works even though it’s crossed out) which has been redesigned. The one I have is an older version and is a straight design. The newly redesigned one has a handle which looks pretty handy. This heat gun has two heat settings, heats up quickly and has lasted for years and is still going strong. It sells for about $22 with free Prime shipping. I prefer this for heat embossing because it heats up so quickly.
Ranger Heat Gun
I use this when art journaling or drying paint, etc. It’s VERY quiet and and doesn’t get quite as hot or heat up as fast as the Wagner Heat Embossing Gun but it’s more of an all over dry in my opinion as opposed to a very spot heater if that makes sense. It has a larger area that heats up so it seems to dry faster than having to move the other one all the time. I hope I’m explaining this well!
Marvy Uchida Heat Tool
An Honorable Mention goes to the Marvy Uchida Heat Tool. I have used this before at my friend’s house and it works great as well and has a great price point. I would use this without hesitation if I didn’t have my other ones.
Embossing Ink Pads
I have two embossing ink pads and they work equally as well. It just depends on which is closest at hand when it comes to which one I use the most.
One is the well known Versamark Embossing Ink Pad. (You can also use these inks (clear) to make a tone on tone effect when stamping).
The second embossing ink pad I use is Nuvo’s Embossing Ink Pad. I actually prefer the case on this one a little more because of the design but the ink works the same as the Versamark. (and it’s a little less expensive). So I guess this would be my favorite if I were to have to choose between the two.
Embossing Pens
I have, use and recommend three embossing pens. Two are the same as past years, but one is new and came out this year 🙂
The Nuvo Embossing Pen has a fine tip which allows makes touching up stamped images easy but also allows you to add highlights to your stamped image/sentiment. It works the same as the embossing ink pads, but in pen form.
The Versamarker Embossing Pen works exactly the same as the Nuvo Embossing Pen, I just happen to have and like both equally so I’m including them both.
Embossing Powder Tool
Before you heat emboss you need to prepare your cardstock/paper by using an embossing powder tool. This keeps the embossing powder from sticking to the paper where you don’t want it to stick. Any static cling or oils from your hands or even the tiniest big of moisture can make the powder stick to stray areas and leave specks on your paper, and you only want it to stick to the embossing ink. I have used several different products but now use and recommend the Telescopic Embossing Powder Tool brush by Kat Scrappiness! It’s fabulous and no mess!
Embossing Powders
There are so many different kinds of embossing powders in as many colors. However, I have just a few favorite embossing powders and I’ll tell you why and what I like about my faves so you can decide if you want the same qualities for your own craft stash.
My personal favorite embossing powders are “ultra fine” or “super fine”. When these powders dry, they dry smooth and shiny. Embossing powders that are not “fine” dry with a texture that I don’t care for personally. There are several companies that make great embossing powders and I will list a few of my own here. First let me explain why I only have a few powders in my collection.
If you use clear embossing ink you can use any color embossing powder you’d like which to me, means investing in many colors of embossing powder. For me, I prefer to use different colors of pigment inks and clear embossing powder over the top which gives you the same look and effect for less money (for me) because I have a lot of pigment inks. (Take a look at my favorite ink pads post to see which pigment inks I recommend).
So here are my favorite embossing powders:
Super Fine Detail White Embossing Powder by RangerThis super fine detail white powder is my “go to” when white heat embossing. It melts smooth and cleanly, making for a beautiful heat embossed image. |
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Super Fine Detail Clear Embossing Powder by RangerThis is the same as the white mentioned above, only in clear. Perfect for heat embossing over colored pigment inks and a lot less messy than using colored embossing powders (in my opinion). |
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Ranger Super Fine Detail Gold Embossing PowderThis is the most beautiful, smooth, gold embossing powder I’ve ever used and I absolutely love it! |
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Ranger Super Fine Detail Silver Embossing PowderAgain a beautiful, smooth, silver finish! The super fine detail and the color is what makes these embossing powders so superior! |
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Judikins Iridescent SparkleThis photo doesn’t even BEGIN to do this powder justice! It has the most beautiful, stunning iridescent sparkle that turns any project into a sparkly wonderland! |
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Ranger Holographic Embossing PowderThis embossing powder adds dimension and shine to your stamped images. Just like holographic paper, it has that same finish when dried. |
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USE AND CLEAN UP
Many people use coffee filters to pour their embossing powder onto their project and then funnel it back into the container. Personally, I hate coffee filters because i find them flimsy and I always spill it because they are not sturdy enough and well, let’s face it, I’m a bit of a klutz! LOL So If it is a small area I am embossing, I use my funnel tray by Kat Scrappiness.
*TIP* Before using my funnel trays for embossing powder, I run my embossing powder tool around inside of it just so nothing sticks
If I am embossing a larger area like a background, etc. I use the new Embelli-tray Funnel by Crafter’s Solution sold at Kat Scrappiness in Dazzling Blue!
Spoon/Scooper
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I used to use mini plastic spoons but they were a pain so I switched to the Embellishment Spoon by Kat Scrappiness. It’s got a long handle, is made of metal and is the perfect size for embossing powders, along with other products as well. Take a look:
If there is any that spilled or strayed from my project, I use little pieces of cut up Swiffer Sweeper Dry Sweeping Pads. I already had these at home and because i cut them into little pieces, it lasts FOREVER! I did link to where you can buy them on Amazon, but you may already have these in your home! They are good for glitter clean up as well! I got this tip from Jennifer McGuire (Thanks Jennifer!).
I will share how I organize and store my heat embossing products in the Organization post in this series.
Foiling Products
I will add my favorite foiling and flocking products soon! So stay tuned!
If you have a question about a type of adhesive not listed here, or if there is a product you’d like to try, please contact me here.
Product List
Thank you Kat for the list of your favorite embossing and foiling. I use most of them and was glad you mentioned a few others and I was unsure of which one was the best before I ordered them. I like your favorites and shall order them.