I reported that at CHA 2015 foil accents one of the big trends– so the big question is, “how do I get foil on my projects?” Well, I’ve go a handy list of ways right here for you.
First, a word on foils!
We are specifically talking about mylar-backed foils or transfer foils for these techniques. We are not using metal leafing or flakes. If you need a refresher, take a look at my post about Metal Leafing, Foils, and Flakes.
I’m going to cover each area- but if you’d rather, just scroll down to the bottom to watch the video.
Links below are handy affiliate links for shopping, and buy purchasing through them you help keep the lights (and camera) on at CraftTestDummies. Thank you!
Rubber Cement
This technique is courtesy of Julie Fei-Fan Balzer… rubber cement! I had totally forgotten about the joys of rubber cement, but Julie’s brilliant video reminds us that it’s SO easy to use it with our favorite stencils.
Did you know that Elmer’s No-Wrinkle Rubber Cement is an acid-free/photo safe rubber cement? It’s come a long way since I was in yearbook!
Dry Adhesives
You probably already have some dry adhesives laying around- sticky dots, a tape runner, maybe even a Xyron machine? Well, those are all really great ways to add foil to your projects!
It’s easy – just apply the dry adhesive to your paper, then place the foil colored-side-up, and burnish with a bone folder.
In the sample above, I used the Xyron to foil the “love” and hexi. (Just make sure you run it through upside-down, so you apply the adhesive to the TOP- then foil away. Or you could apply the adhesive to an entire piece of paper and then die cut or punch it. For the bottom samples, I used a Dot Matrix Tape Runner by Xyron, Glue Dots (Zots) , Scor-Tape
and a Tape Runner.
There are also companies making shaped stickers that you apply almost like rub-ons- and they are specifically designed for foiling. Take a look at Clearsnap Design Adhesives for some ideas!
Heat And Stick Embossing Powder
For those of us who love to stamp, this is the best way to get foiled stamped images. First, you’ll need to stamp your image with a good embossing ink- Versamark is one of my favorites- and then sprinkle on the Heat And Stick Power on immediately. Heat it up with a gun until the glue melts, then pop on the foil while it’s still warm. Burnish with a bone folder and poof! Foiled cards!
I’m working on a comparison of Heat And Stick Powders, but you can easily find versions by Judikins (Sticky Stuff) , Ranger , and Stampin’ UP.
Foil (Sticky Drying) Adhesive
This seems like a no-brainer-it’s meant for foiling, right? Well, usually foil adhesive is for metal LEAFING. But that’s OK, we can use it too. It’s a thick adhesive that dries VERY sticky when it “dries”- so it will grab the foil.
You can stamp with them if you are careful, and you can also coat sheets of cardstock as well. (Don’t use then paper, it will curl.) The three brands I tried were DecoArts Renaissance Foil Adhesive, Scraperfect Best Glue Ever, and (my favorite) Coat N Create Surface Makeover Glue. It’s got the most aggressive adhesion by far. Make sure you read my review of that, as well.
Glue Pen
I’ve done a whole comparison of Glue Pens, and by far the best result of that round of testing is realizing that some pens dry sticky! Yes, the convenience of a sticky glue in a ball-point pen.
To apply, just write what you want (or outline a stamped image, maybe?) with the glue pen, then wait for it to dry clear. Rub on the foils and you are good to go! And I love this Zig Memory System 2-Way Squeeze and Roll Glue Pen so much, it’s one I recommend for…well… everything.
Foam Stickers
I’m not sure this even counts as a separate thing, but there are SO many foamie stickers and sheets right now…and all are great for foiling!
You can use the cheap-o foamies, your use double-sided foam shapes like these ones from Scrapbook Adhesives. There are so many fun shapes (like these hearts) and it will add some extra dimension to your papercrafts as well!
Here’s that video I promised….
I hope you’ve found this helpful- and we didn’t even discuss ways to add foil with heat or an iron! Maybe we’ll do that another day. I’d love any other product suggestions or comments/questions you might have.
NEED SUPPLIES? Shop here and support CTD with your purchase.
- Spooky Spider Halloween Bookmark Craft - October 24, 2018
- Review and Demo of LDRS Hybrid Ink Pads - October 15, 2018
- Review and Demo of Nuvo Hybrid Inks - October 1, 2018
- Craft Studio Tour and Organization Ideas - September 20, 2018
- Wax Paper Resist Background Technique - March 20, 2018
- Comparison of Liquid Watercolor Markers/Pens - March 16, 2018
- SAI Japanese Traditional Watercolor Brush Markers- Review & Demo - February 23, 2018
- Rinea Metallic Foil Paper & Ghost Ink Review - February 21, 2018
- Jane Davenport debuts at Creativation 2018 & Watercolor Card - February 13, 2018
- Creativation 2018: New Product Showcase - January 20, 2018
Gela says
Brilliant!! Who needs a $150 Mink?! Great ideas.
Debbie says
Love this! Thanks again for reminding me about foiling!
Judy says
Did you by chance also try that Glue Pad? That’s sort of like re-inking a color ink pad, but instead of ink, it’s glue. I haven’t tried it yet, but that seems promising as well.
Thanks for all you do on our behalf!
Fancylooks says
What an excellent lot of ideas, this is very interesting. I have played with foils but not used it recently, need to dig in my drawer to find those old foils and think of new ideas using your suggestions.
barb macaskill says
All awesome techniques! Thanks for refreshing my memory on them. I even remember that I have some of the Kool Tac foils when I saw the picture! LOL Thanks for helping me remember that I have it and where it is!! Getting it out to play with later!
I won the entire line of DecoFoils from ThermOWeb and their laminator from a CHA giveaway and am ANXIOUSLY awaiting it’s arrival! Till then I am going to play around with these ideas!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Have a great day!
Rebecca Bodine says
The one that WISH something, what kind of adhesive did you use? And for the flakes, what type of adhesive?
thank you
Becky
Jenny says
Becky- I’m guessing your are referring the the “Make A Wish” sentiment in the comparison of foils, leafing and flakes post, right? Those are metal leaf flakes. Not sure which I used, it was so long ago…either the sticky glue or more likely the heat and stick powder.
lynn says
Pretty sure this works on polymer clay, too. YaY!
Lynda says
Great video as always! When I had a graphic design biz in the 90s I would send thank you cards to my clients that were made using a little machine and foil. I know I still have that machine and foil. I just didn’t have the heart to get rid of it. Think I need to dig it outp and blog about it now that foil is so in. Thanks.
Patricia says
Hiya ive acheived some fab foiling results with pva, i think the principle is that it gets sticky as it heats so grabs the foil, anyway, ive stamped with it, decorated fabric, acetate……….and so on
Stamping jan says
Great article and videos. Plan to use for demo to my two craft clubs. I have machine but most do not.
Always fun to do new techniques…
Angela Boxwell says
Thank you, just got a small foiling pack and wanted to see the options on how to use it.