Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Powder

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Reported by Heather Strenzwilk

Tim Holtz Distress Embossing powders are part of the exclusive line by Ranger. Like the rest of the Distress line, these embossing powders are designed to provide a worn or weathered look. There are currently 24 colors of embossing powder available, which correspond to Distress Ink colors.

After reading and hearing lots of negative feedback about this product, I was a bit apprehensive about trying it. The two main complaints I heard about the product were:

• It is difficult to tell when the powder has been heated sufficiently because it doesn't melt like ordinary embossing powder.
  

• Too much of the powder (release crystals) rubs off the project. The Distress Embossing Powder has an the end result which is dull and pitted, unlike traditional embossing which is smooth and glossy.
  

But since it was on clearance for 97 cents a jar at a chain craft store, I decided to take a chance!

Rather than experiment immediately, I watched Tim Holtz himself demo the product on a You Tube video. The first thing I learned was that there is a Distress Clear Embossing Ink available and that you can use regular Distress Ink for embossing. According to the Ranger website Distress Ink is formulated for maximum release of the crystals in the Distress Embossing Powder. Since I already own several Distress Ink Pads, I used that ink for all of my samples except the flower where I used Colorbox Pigment Ink.

Tim suggests using a non-stick craft sheet for embossing to help prevent the melted embossing powder from sticking and to protect the work surface from the heat tool. You will also need embossing ink (or Distress Ink), stamps and a heat tool. I used a sheet of waxed paper under my tags when I poured the embossing powder, so I could pour the excess back into the bottle.

The embossing process is simple:

1. Shake the bottle of Distress Embossing Powder to evenly distribute the release crystals.
2. Stamp an image or apply embossing ink (or Distress Ink) to the project.
   
3. Sprinkle powder over inked area.
   
4. Tilt or move the project so that all of the ink is covered with powder.
   
5. Carefully tap the project to remove excess powder.
   
6. Pour the excess powder into the bottle or a container.
   

You don't want the powder "loose" when you turn on your heat tool or it will blow all over. Use a heat tool to carefully melt the powder. The color and texture change is very subtle- so watch carefully. Tim says on his video that you can't overheat the powder.

After melting allow the project to cool COMPLETELY. After it has cooled completely, lightly touch a small area to make sure the powder has adhered to the project. If the powder comes off, reheat and allow to cool again. Then rub your finger gently over the melted powder to remove the release crystals. The result will be a slightly-rough textured project, with a dull pitted surface. Note- do not try to save or reuse the release crystals you just rubbed off because it will alter the ratio of materials in the embossing powder (too much will rub off your project in the future.)

I didn't really have a learning curve on this, I watched very carefully as I heated the powder until I noticed very subtle changes in color and texture. The first time I tried to remove the release crystals nothing really happened because I had the tag in my hand. As soon as I put it on the table and rubbed with my finger, the crystals released. The embossing is rough, Tim compared it to the texture of sandpaper, and I have to agree with him. I found my tags (and table) to have a gritty residue everywhere I used the powder.

To complete my tags I applied ink or other mediums (watercolor crayon) to add additional color and depth to the piece. I applied Distress Ink to one of my tags with a Ranger Inkssentials Blending Tool and it did not disturb the embossed area, but a few residue crystals rubbed off into the foam on the tool. I rinsed out of the foam with water, and they were gone.

The hardest part for me of using the Distress Embossing Powders was remembering that you can't overcook it. In traditional embossing, you heat the powder just until it melts. With the Distress Embossing Powder, you need to heat the powder longer and you need to let it cool COMPLETELY before attempting to rub off the release crystals.

Pros:

• Colors coordinate to match Distress Inks
• Clear cap shows color of the powder, which makes storage easier
  

Cons:

• Hard to tell when the powder has been heated sufficiently
• Removing the release crystals after heating can be messy/ leave a gritty residue

I own many Ranger products, and I have always been pleased by their consistent quality. I love that the Distress Embossing Powder matches Distress Inks and can be used with them. Like most embossing powders, using the product can be messy and leave gritty residue behind. Because of the nature of the release crystals, that residue is much more likely to happen with the Distress Embossing Powder. Although I don't see myself using the product often, the product performed as promised, and I rate it a 9/10.

What are your thoughts on Ranger's Distress Embossing Powder? Leave us a comment and let us know!

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