[GBW] Black foil issues

["Aaron Salik" <aaron@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Julie,

This one can be a difficult one to diagnose, but I would try a few things. 

First try stamping onto a sheet of paper or other material to make sure the
adhesive on the foil is sound.  This will also help in tweaking the
temperature to find the right setting, and getting a better "feel" for the
foil.  I would also try stamping onto a different piece of leather to see
how that goes, as sometimes it is an issue of incompatibility of the
adhesive and the finish on the leather.  

I am not sure how I feel about using the glaire, but I would try a paste
wash on the leather.  If it is an issue with the adhesive not liking the
finish on the leather, this may help provide a better surface for it to go
down.

Colored foils can be finicky, and from what I hear white is normally one of
the worst.  I have also heard in desperate situations of people stamping one
color that they know works (in your case gold or silver) to create a
foundation, and then stamping the next color down on top of this.  In your
case I would be weary of such an obvious color not being completely masked
around the shoulders of the impression, and is more useful in times where a
similar of non-obtrusive color (such as clear) is found to be working.

I would also continue to play with the temperature, pressure, and dwell time
as it's really is the proper mixture of these three elements that will yield
the best results.

Of course there are people here with MUCH more experience than myself, and
would be interested to hear their suggestions as well.

Regards,
Aaron Salik
 
Talas
20 West 20th Street
New York, NY 10011
212-219-0770 Phone
212-219-0735 Fax
http://talasonline.com

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