What are Embossing Pens?:
Embossing pens are pens that contain clear embossing ink. Embossing ink is slower drying then normal inks, meaning that there is plenty of time to coat the image with embossing powders. Normal inks may dry too quickly meaning that the embossing powders will not adhere to the image and this means that standard marker pens are unsuitable for embossing.
Embossing pens are generally fiber tipped pens and some models are dual tipped, typically offering a fine tip at one end and a thicker tip at the other end.
How are Embossing Pens Used in Rubber Stamping Projects?:
Embossing pens are used to draw images or to write text for embossing with embossing powders. This is useful for adding freehand decoration to rubber stamping projects. Embossing pens are also ideal for filling in any gaps on an image that has been stamped in embossing inks. This can help rescue projects or neaten up any gaps in an image to be embossed.
Embossing pens can also be used with chalks to add subtle detail to designs. The chalks stick to the embossing ink when it is wet giving a darker image.
Types of Embossing Pens:
A number of manufacturers make embossing pens. These include:
- Ranger Inks - supply a pack of two bullet tipped pens, one in clear and one in black.
- Kuretake - the Zig Embossing Pen range offers pens with different tips, including fine/chisel and scroll/brush.
- - the Versamark pen is available in a range of sizes.
Tips for Using Embossing Pens:
Embossing pens are easy to use, however here are some useful tips to ensure perfect results every time.
- The embossing ink will be invisible when applied to paper, therefore holding the paper to a light will show where the ink has been applied.
- Colored embossing inks will give different end results to those achieved with clear inks.
- It is a good idea to start by using the fine nib to draw a thin line, this can be added to if necessary. With many techniques it is easier to add later rather than take something away.
- Normal marker pens are unlikely to work as embossing pens as they will dry too quickly.
