How To Make Embossing On Paper

Embossing can be done on paper or other non-metallic products with the help of tools that help achieve this lifting effect. Often, it can be seen on greeting cards, where flowers and other relief designs are made. There are two different ways to make designs with this technique: thermal embossing and dry embossing. Depending on the technique you choose to do it, you will have to use different tools. The thermal embossing adds a high layer of embossing or a design to a cardboard, while the dry embossing consists of creating elevations in the same paper. Dry embossing usually requires a embossing machine, but can also be done by hand using stencils.

Method 1

Perform embossing of paper using templates

1. Place your template on the light box. If you do not have a light box, you can use a transparent surface and put a light source behind it. You can try a window, a glass table or a transparent plate and place a flashlight or some other kind of bright light behind. The goal is to see the contour of the template through the paper.


2. Place the cardboard on top of the template. The light in the light box will shine through the template so you can trace the outline easily. To keep the cardboard in place while you work, stick the template with tape to the front of the card or light box.


3. Turn on the light box and start embossing the cardboard by hand. Use your stylus or embossing tool and apply pressure along the inside edges of the template. It is not necessary to press all the open area, since embossing consists of pressing only along the edges.

·         Use the embossing tool to trace the edges of the outline that are illuminated in the light box. The fine tip of the style is ideal for small areas, while the larger side will serve for larger places. 

·         Using the embossing tool to trace the edges of the template will make the paper stretch and, consequently, will serve to achieve the high effect of embossing.


Method 2 

Embossing companies UK also perform thermal embossing on paper

1. Prepare the cardboard to make the embossing. Place a sheet of paper that you no longer use in front of you, as an individual tablecloth, as a protection. Put the cardboard in the central part of the protective paper. Arrange the cardboard so that the surface you want to emboss is facing up.

2. Lightly press the rubber stamp you chose on the embossing pad. Look closely at the seal to make sure that the surface is completely covered with the embossing solution on the pad. Firmly press the stamp on the place you chose on the card. 

·         Try to find a middle ground regarding the amount of ink you will use to cover the surface of the seal. Excess ink may make the design look blurry once you print it on paper.  

·         To ensure an accurate image, lift the stamp very carefully and straight up. Clean the seal by removing any residue from the embossing solution with a damp cloth.

3. Press the stamp on the paper. When pressing the stamp against the paper, be sure to apply a uniform and firm pressure on the back of the stamp so that the result is even. After sealing, apply embossing powder. 

4. Sprinkle embossing powder over the area where you applied the seal. Make sure that the embossing solution is completely covered. Raise the cardboard so that all the embossing dust that did not stick to the area you marked falls on the paper below.

·         You may have to tap the cardboard a few times. Return the powder that you did not use to the container so you can use it later. Replace the cardboard on the protective paper.

·         Use a brush to remove all the embossing granules that have remained on the cardboard on the outside of the design.

5. Make the embossing of the design on the paper with your heat gun. Connect your heat gun and attach it about 5 cm (2 inches) from the cardboard. Move it over the area that you sprinkled. The heat will begin to transform the dust into a high and bright cover. 

·         Do not put the gun too close to the cardboard or hold it in one place for too long, as it could scorch the cardboard and ruin the embossing.

·         Be careful not to burn yourself with the heat gun or the final embossed design. Let the cardboard cool down for at least 30 seconds before touching it. 

Method 3 

Perform embossing of paper with an embossing machine

1. Organize your workplace. You will need an embossing machine, a embossing folder and a piece of cardboard or watercolor paper that measures 10 cm x 15 cm (4.25 x 5.5 inches), so that it fits in the embossing folder. 

2. Make the embossing of your card with the help of the embossing machine. Place the embossing folder in the embossing machine entrance or pass it along the machine. The roller applies pressure to the paper or the cardboard, which will create raised areas on the paper in the embossing folder.

·         Set the cardboard in place. Place the cardboard face down on the template. Check to make sure the template and card are aligned according to your preferences.

·         For the template to make a very deep impression on the paper, pass the embossing folder through the machine two or three times.

3. Take out the paper or the cardboard. Remove the embossing folder from the machine, lift it up and open it to appreciate the finished design on the paper. If you use cardboard, consider adding more character by sanding it with sandpaper to reveal the center of the paper, which has a lighter shade. This could add a new design element to the final look. Things you will need

Perform Thermal Embossing On Paper

·         Cardboard
·         Pad For Embossing Stamps
·         Rubber Stamp
·         Sheet Of Paper Larger Than Cardboard
·         Embossing Powder
·         Soft And Small Brush
·         Heat Gun
·         Wet Rag

Perform Embossing Of Paper With Machine

·         Paper
·         Cardboard
·         Embossing Machine
·         Sandpaper
·         Embossing Folder

Perform Embossing Of Paper With Templates

·         Paper
·         Cardboard
·         Template
·         Embossing Tool
·         Light Box