Is embossing powder the same as glitter?
Embossing powder and glitter may look similar, but they are not the same. Glitter is used to add shine, texture, and vibrant color to your project. Embossing powder melts to form a raised, more professional look. Embossing powder and glitter are different in their material, color, size, melting point, and application process.
Depending on your project, you may need glitter or you may want embossing powder. The look and feel of your project will be significantly different depending on which you use.
Luckily for you, I’ll show you the differences between embossing powder and glitter. I’ll show you if you can use embossing powder as glitter and vice versa. You’ll know exactly which projects are best for your material.
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Is embossing powder the same as glitter?
Embossing powder and glitter are not the same. Glitter is tiny pieces of reflective material that add texture and color to your crafting project. Embossing powder is a meltable plastic material used to add a raised texture and third-dimensional effect to the surface of your design, usually papercrafts.
The differences between embossing powder and glitter include:
- Material
- Color
- Size
- Melting point
- Application process
Material differences between glitter and embossing powder
Embossing powder is made of a fine plastic powder that melts when you apply heat. Embossing powder offers multiple finishes, including matte, glossy, metallic, and transparent.
Glitter is one of those materials that people feel very strongly about – they either love it or hate it. It can be made from plastic, metal, or glass, and sometimes a mixture of multiple materials. It also comes in assorted sizes and thicknesses.
Color and size difference between glitter and embossing powder
Embossing powder comes in a wide array of colors and is also available in various sizes; extra-fine, regular, and ultra-thick. If you are looking for something extra-creative, there is glow-in-the-dark embossing powder available as well.
Glitter comes in a variety of colors, making it a popular crafting choice for many projects. Glitter may have an uneven texture and supply a glossy, reflective finish to your project, depending on the type you use. Typically, Glitter is seen as a fun material you can add to just about anything – it works on paper, wood, plastic, and glass.
Application difference between glitter and embossing powder
The embossing powder application uses an embossing ink to adhere the powder to your project. Embossing powder is then set by using a heat gun on the powder. Glitter uses an adhesive, such as glue, to adhere to your project.
How to apply embossing powder
Embossing powder can be applied either via an ink stamping method or by using embossing ink. Once the surface has been inked, pour embossing powder onto the ink so the ink and powder stick together. Collect excess powder and then apply heat to your embossing powder to set the powder.
Applying embossing powder via the stamp method includes:
- Ink your stamp
- Press your stamp onto your project
- Sprinkle on embossing powder
- Gently shake or tap your project to remove excess powder
- Apply heat to embossing powder with a heat gun
The stamp method is the easier choice, as it is essentially the same process used in regular ink stamping. The only difference is that you will be using embossing ink on the stamp.
If you do not have stamps or prefer another application method, you should apply embossing ink directly on your project surface.
- (Optional) Choose to use a stencil to ensure the ink and powder do not accidentally spill over to other areas of your project
- Apply embossing ink to your project, either by hand or over your stencil
- Next, sprinkle your embossing powder over your inked design.
- Shake off the excess powder
- Heat set your design with a heat gun.
How to apply glitter
Apply glitter by first applying an adhesive, such as wet glue, to the surface of your project. You can add glitter by shaking or pouring it over your project, using a glitter pen, or using a brush.
Please note that you will need a stronger adhesive for glitter than you need for embossing powder because glitter is typically heavier. This is why glue is recommended and not ink.
The process for applying glitter is quite similar to using embossing powder.
If you use powdered glitter, you will want to shake off any excess glitter and save it for later. As with embossing powder, you can use a stencil to ensure the glitter does not adhere to other areas of your project.
What are the best uses for embossing powder and glitter?
Even though they are similar materials, embossing powder and glitter produce strikingly different effects on your art. So, you will want to keep in mind your goal for your project and your desired finish.
Typically, embossing powder is used to add raised detail to papercrafts. It is commonly applied to wedding invitations, announcements, and other formal crafts to add an element of elegance.
You can use glitter to add a pop of color and texture to your art or craft project. Unlike embossing powder, glitter is seen as a fun, intense material. And since you can apply glitter to a wide variety of surfaces, the sky’s the limit when using glitter.
You can sprinkle glitter on paper projects such as cards and other artwork or use it to create uniquely decorated jars, glasses, ornaments, and many other items.
FAQ: Embossing powder vs glitter
Here are some of the commonly asked questions about the differences between glitter and embossing powder.
Can you use embossing powder as glitter?
Technically, you can use embossing powder as a glitter and some embossing powders are glittery. However, embossing powder melts easily and your project may get ruined if it gets heated.
For example, you created the most exquisite project and you’re excited to take it somewhere. You throw it in your car on a summer day and stop at the store. Unfortunately, you might return to see your nice project looking a little different as the embossing powder melted.
Can you use regular glitter to emboss?
You cannot use regular glitter to emboss. Regular glitter does not melt at a low enough temperature like embossing powder does. Glitter embossing powder does have glitter mixed in which will give your project the same shiny look.
Summary: Is embossing powder the same as glitter
As you can see, embossing powder is not the same as glitter. They both have different materials, size, color, melting points, and application process. Embossing powder melts to leave a raised edge that looks professional. Glitter sticks to your project for a pop in color and vibrant feel.
You can use embossing powder as glitter, but it’s not recommended. Embossing powder melts easily, which can ruin your project.
You can’t use glitter to emboss. Glitter doesn’t melt at the low temperatures like embossing powder. However, you can buy embossing powder that has glitter for the same effect.