Question on Working with ultra thick embossing enamel...

[pigtailpat]

This stuff is the bomb! I used it tonight for the first time on a tag (like a gift tag). Pretty simple, printed out the name for the tag, applied the cardstock cut in a rectangle (cut with my guillotine trimmer - no machine this time), cut my matboard in the same rectangle (and boy the mat board is very good at this - provides nice stability and thickness - and is a dynamite way to use scraps too small for the cutter), then applied a backing piece of cardstock for further stability, and applied the UTEE. The result is astounding! This stuff is going to be a favorite for me. As a finisher, another piece of cardstock was applied to cover the run off to the back, and was copic inked to match the front. I could have airbrushed the back, but gee just for a back of a tag I thought was overkill. So I didn't airbrush.

My question has to do with working area protection while working with this stuff. I was too afraid to work with it on my desk, so I leaned over and did it on the floor/carpet. I did not realize that as this stuff cooks from the heat, it can dribble, and some of the plastic hardening got on the carpet. I'm not concerned - it is right by my chair and no one will see it but me. Then I tried putting a protective cloth, and of course the heat from the gun can cook the cloth too (it was scrap).

So what is the best way to work with this stuff, provide protection for a work surface, but won't cook as well? The heat has to be applied pretty steady, and often I would work with small pieces that I just cannot hold in my hand.

Thanks.

Pat

[Angel135612]

Use a teflon craft sheet. It won't stick to that if it dribbles off. Also, while it is still warm, you can scrape off the part that over flows, and reheat it on your project so if you "dent" it by handling it, it will even itself out again. Also, if you put it on in layers, instead of one big layer, I don't think it will overflow as much. It won't hurt if you reheat the stuff with your embossing gun.

[Mary Kobe]

Pat, I picked up a mat that is sold by the UTEE, at Michaels for around 18.00...of course I used a coupon. Before I bought the mat, I used a very thin kitchen type cutting mat that I picked up at my local variety store for 2 for 1.00.

I love this stuff!

[pigtailpat]

OK the teflon craft sheet and/or the UTEE mat, where/what section of michael's is that in? Next time I am there with coupon, I am getting such a mat/sheet. This stuff is wonderful. I can't believe it took me this long to find it. The dollar store is closer to me than michael's though, and probably has something cheaper for now - what kind of kitchen mats and can they withstand heat? Silicone mats of some kind?

Pat

[Angel135612]

Pat, I would think any kind of mat that will withstand the heat would work. I have a silicone type mat that came with a hot glue gun, that is thicker, and I know something like that would work fine with the UTEE

[pigtailpat]

Oh I have one of those, OK so that mat will work? I could have saved a carpet mess. Oh well, live and learn.

And I love the fee - - zero......

Pat

[Gigi]

I knew you would love the UTEE. I just use it flat so have never had the drip problem, but always have a teflon sheet underneath (also have the glue silicone pad that is awesome). Sorry about the carpet - but don't you LOVE the glass like finish you get with that??? And it's hard as a rock too. You can also crackle it - and then ink it - it's the best if you want a thick glaze!!

[Sassycutter]

Pat, I just discovered this stuff at our LSS. They are offering a card class in couple of weeks and I can't wait to take it. I think we will be using UTEE and coloring nibs??? Anyway, it looks awesome!!!

[Mary Kobe]

Has anyone used the UTEE flex? I bought some off of Amazon and it did not come with a spoon. I guess that is why I got a "deal". I just want to know what size is the spoon? A teaspoon?

I mixed some with the regular UTEE and I don't think I got the proportions right.

And another question: I made some balloons that I wanted to look shiny, but when I put the UTEE on it, they curled up. Any tricks on keeping items flat?

[sherri]

Tyler sells these mats at allthatjazzsupplies.com! Check it out!

[Gigi]

Has anyone used the UTEE flex? I bought some off of Amazon and it did not come with a spoon. I guess that is why I got a "deal". I just want to know what size is the spoon? A teaspoon?

I mixed some with the regular UTEE and I don't think I got the proportions right.

And another question: I made some balloons that I wanted to look shiny, but when I put the UTEE on it, they curled up. Any tricks on keeping items flat?

Mary - you can place a book or something heavy (but not too heavy!) on the top and they will flatten out -but you have to do it relatively quickly or it will crack (ask me how I know!!) I usually save the UTEE for cardstock and use Glossy Accents or Crystal Lacquer for lighter text weight things....usually!! I also break my own rules all the time!!

I haven't used the Flex so cannot comment on that, but have always been curious about it!!

[pigtailpat]

sherri -

Thanks for the tip. I need a teflon sheet for pressing (for the quilting) and I was going to be ordering from tyler, and for some reason, the thought never occurred that it can be crossed over and used for crafting too (I'm not yet into the foils like Tyler has - but soon..)

For now, until I can order, I will be using the mat that came with my glue gun (like diane suggested) and when I can get tyler's mat, I will do that to get a bigger work surface.

Pat