Spellbinders embossing problem

Aug '21 Tricia H.

So...I bought a Spellbinders Platinum, and I like the results! I see now why the Tool 'n One is necessary! I bought some Spelllbinders dies and some cheaper brand, Momenta embossing folders. My first try with the embossing folders there wasn't any pressure. I used the base platform, then the folder, then the cutting plate. Nothing. So I tried to use the base platform, folder, tan embossing mat, and cutting plate. Worked great! BUT...left this really sticky stuff all over my once nice shiny cutting plate and my folders! What on earth? Did I do something wrong and how do I remove the sticky stuff? Is this a normal thing?
Aug '21 Tricia H.

So ok. A little bit of goo gone real quick and then a wash in the sink w/Dawn. Problem solved. I guess I shouldn't have used the tan mat in that manner? I thought that's what they did on the Spellbinders video. The 2nd try, I just used a thick piece of cardstock and that did it. Trial and error, huh? BTW, I think it was Dawn who helped me on the "which should I buy thread". Thank you Dawn.
Aug '21 Tricia H.

Also, cheap embossing folders probably aren't the best. Here I thought I was saving money. I used goo gone on the embossing folder to get the sticky off and it removed the print. Oh well, they were cheap. I'm going to get some Spellbinders folders from now on.
Aug '21 Dawna.s Place

Morning Tricia, So glad to hear that your learning the ins and outs of your new Platinum. About your gooey film, I'd be be very surprised if it came from your tan embossing mat. If your Spellbinder's folders are working okay, no goo, then it's definitely not coming from your embossing mat. Rather I'd be suspicious of your cheaper embossing folder. Sometimes the manufacturing process leaves a residue on them, which is likely the case here.

Since your new to die cutting, I'd like to share two things as you are learning more about your machine. Your two cutting plates will become marred with the outline of your dies, this is normal. As you run your dies through the machine, the pressure pushes through the paper into your cutting plates, leaving an etched impression. Eventually these will get so marred up that they will become foggy and you may want to replace them. A special note about foiled cardstock. If you use this, sometimes marred up plates can transfer marks to your cardstock. You can usually mitigate this by choosing "matte finish" foil cardstock. Or, you can label your plates with "top" and "bottom" so the top plate doesn't get marred up with die etchings. And, only use your "top" plate for foils.

One of the other things you'll experience is cutting plate warpage. That's normal too. But, to reduce the effects of that, rotate and flip your plates during use. After a while they will heave and you will need to do some maintenance to get them flat again. To maintain them, use a cookie sheet in the sink/tub and pour hot "boiling" water over them, let stand until the water cools down and this will flatten them back out. Do not use hot sink water, you must put a kettle on. You may need to repeat this process a few times, depending on how warped they are, to get them nice and flat again. Please be aware that eventually they will not flatten back out. At this point, you will need to replace your cutting plates. Now, depending on how much you're using your machine, this could take a year or several years. Just want you to be aware of what is normal and how to maintain your plates.

We'd love to see your work, so please feel free to post pictures of your lovely creations! Wishing you well in your crafting journey.
Aug '21 Tricia H.

Hi Dawna, but the embossing folders were nice and clean! The goo was on them too after running it through. I don't have a Spellbinders folder but am planning on getting some cute autumn ones. So I'll try it and see.

Yep, I've seen a ton of videos that explain the cutting plates and normal wear and tear. One thing I can't figure out, it seems like there is no real agreement on die up vs. die down. What's your opinion? I'm going to play more with it today using foiled cardstock.

I started card making about a year ago, and boy have I expanded my skillset. I LOVE papercrafting. I wish I did take photos of my past work. I do think I will going forward.

One last question/comment: Why don't people ever take pics of the inside of the cards? That's sometimes the hardest part! I just feel like the insides get neglected. Have a great day Dawna!
Aug '21 Dawna.s Place

Hi Tricia, So to be clear both of your folders had goo on them? And, your embossing mat, does it have goo on it too? If so, I'd make a few more embossing test runs with scraps and check your rubber mat. If they seem to still be picking up some goo, it's definitely not normal. I'd contact Spellbinders, they could have gotten a bad batch of embossing mats in their assembly line.

Glad to hear your watching videos and learning. It's such a fun craft! Yes, I understand the dilemma. A few manufactures recommend die cut up, but I always run my die cut down so I can see my die and where its positioned over the paper. You will find running your dies face down is much easier and its not going to be a problem with your Platinum.

About pics of the inside of cards. I think the real answer has to do with weather you decorate the inside or not. A great deal of my regular cards just have sentiments stamped with maybe a boarder strip, just not too exciting, so I normally don't post the insides. However, if I make a specialty card, like the one I posted recently for my grandsons birthday, I will decorate the inside and share pics. So, I think it just depends on the person and what their preferences are. It's a mixed bag around here, so just do what your comfortable with.

I hope that helps, enjoy your weekend!
Aug '21 Tricia H.

Yep, both folders, the cutting plate. and the purple embossing plate. I tried a few scenarios and goo every time. It's this super sticky stuff, like when you peel off a label and it doesn't come off cleanly leaving residue is left behind. It's really hard to remove, and just overall annoying. I will write them.

All of the crafters I see on Youtube put dies face down - probably for the reason you mentioned - you can better see where it's going.

I usually put a sentiment or a tiny stamp similar to the front. My bee card I made yesterday will have a little bit of honeycomb in the corner and a sentiment.

Thanks for the advice on the embossing mat!!
Aug '21 Dawna.s Place

Hi Tricia, Yep, you've definitely got a faulty embossing mat. Please call Spelbinders customer service at 888-547-0400 or you can email them through their web site. . They will arrange a replacement for you.
Aug '21 Tricia H.

Hey Dawna, thanks for confirming. I wrote them but haven't heard back.
Feb '24 CarolHinze

I am using the mat to dry emboss with a stencil and am having the same problem. Sticky film left all over the stencil and the blue embossing plate. Very annoying!!
Feb '24 Dawna.s Place

RE: CarolHinze: I am using the mat to dry emboss with a stencil and am having the same problem. Sticky film left all over the stencil and the blue embossing plate. Very annoying!!

I'm sorry to hear that you are also having this problem. I recommend calling Spellbinders for a replacement. Your mat should not be transferring goo to your stencil. That's not normal. Wishing you the best in getting this resolved.
Sep '25 Bsamples

I have the same issue.

Barb
Sep '25 Dawna.s Place

RE: Bsamples: I have the same issue. Barb

Sorry to hear this bsample. Please call Spellbinders, they should replace a faulty mat for you. Customer Service can be reached at (909)544-2389 or you can email them at: spellbinderspaperarts.com. Or, if you are on FB, you can message them from here: https://www.facebook.com/Spellbinders Wishing you the best.

Spellbinders embossing problem - greasy mat?