Coloring Your Die Cuts

We all love our die cuts, that is a fact. But when we cut these shapes, they are pretty, but they are also flat, they have no dimension or depth.

So, adding color is the perfect way to get our die cuts to the next level! Using inks with daubers is one way to add color. But you could also use markers, watercolors and chalks too. Use your imagination and add color to your die cuts.

Sometimes a die comes with a stamp that matches the die. While this will add color options, you can still color a doe without the coordinating stamp.

This type of coloring will give a softer look to your designs

Basic Die Cutting Hacks

There are a few things to consider getting the best die cuts possible. Less frustration and more crafting time make for happier crafters.

• Make sure that your dies are clean. Make sure that all the bits of paper are no longer. Use a tool to remove any leftover bits of paper. Otherwise, you will not get all of the features your die cuts.
• Make sure that the die will not move when cut. Use painter's tape, washi tape, or post it notes so that the die does not shift on the plate. 
• A small piece of press and seal will hold your die in place while you cut it
• Use adhesive sheets to create stickers with detailed dies. Rather than trying to glue them on, use double sided adhesive sheets to create stickers. That makes it easier to apply them to your projects.
•  Use crisp cardstock or paper to prevent the fibers from stretching or breaking.
• Use a lint roller to remove any bits of paper off of your plates
• If you can see that the die still hasn’t cut all the way through, run it through your machine again. You may need to add a shim (a piece of cardstock) or two.
• Use a pokey tool to get the paper from the die
• Place your dies towards the edge of the cutting plates rather than the center as there is more pressure there.
•  To prevent cardstock from sticking to the die, dust your die with an anti-static bag or talcum powder.

The Right Die Cut Machine

It all starts with using the right die cut machine to get the best die cuts to color. There are two kinds of die cutting machines. Manual machines usually require hand crank to move the sandwich through the pressure of the machine to create the pressure that cuts and creates the die cut. Electronic machines, on the other hand use a feed system that moves he sandwich through the process.

Generally, electronic machines have more consistency, giving better cuts and work faster. However, they are of course somewhat more expensive. Having a quality machine means that you will have better die cuts to work with, especially when it comes to more delicate dies.

If you are considering a die cutting machine and are considering foiling in the future, make sure to consider which foiling machines will work with your die cutting machines.

The Die Cutting Sandwich

What is most important is following the manufacturer's directions when it comes to the layering of the plates to get the best results from both your die cuts and embossing functions, The layering of the plates, dies and papers is called a sandwich. 

Sandwich composition may vary from machine to machine.

The Quality Of Your Cutting Plates

The quality of your cutting plates makes all the difference in the world, especially with intricate dies.

As time passes, the plates can warp a bit. When the plates warp, it will affect the quality of the dies that you will color. One thing that you can do is to flip the plates every time that you use them.'

If your dies are not cutting through, try running the sandwich through the machine several times. If you do run them through, try altering the position of the die and paper to get better results.

Still not getting good die cuts? Try adding extra shims to your sandwich. Shims are just extra pieces of cardstock added to your sandwich, these extra shims increase the pressure which should give you better die cuts to color,

Paper Quality

You will want to use a good heavy paper on die cuts that you are planning to color. Of course, if you are planning to use watercolors, you will want to use a watercolor paper. Minimally you would want to use a 90 lb. paper. I tend to go to 110 lb. paper when using markers.

Remember that dies may cut differently on different kinds of paper. Thinlets for example will only cut cardstock and thin paper but would not cut heavier cardstock.

Assuming that you have good die cuts to work with, it is time to color.

Using The Right Medium To Color

Depending on the thickness and smoothness of your paper, you want to use the right medium to color your die cuts. The two most popular mediums would be ink pads and alcohol ink pens. They both work fine on most papers. You can use just about any medium you have in your stash.

Watercolors

You can also work with watercolors. Make sure that you use watercolor paper or a heavier cardstock. You want to use a detail brush. Make sure not to use a lot of paint. Oversaturation of watercolor paint will break down the fibers of the paper and the die cut will rip.

Alcohol Markers

These are one of my favorite markers to work with. I like to work with a small nib or the brush nib. You may get some bleeding through the paper so place something under the paper to protect your work surface. The smoother the paper that you use, th better your resuts.

Chalks

Die cuts are a great place to use your craft chalks. You get a soft smooth look on just about any paper that you use. Use the pompoms that come with your set. a q-tip will work well too.

Apply a generous amount of color as your vase color. Be sure to burnish(rub) the chalk into the paper. The chalk will stay on yur project as long as you burnish it well.

Blow away any excess chalk off of your project.

Use a blender pen to add shading to your project. Pick up the color off of your chalks with the blender pen then shade any area that you want to create a darker color. You do not need a different blender pen for each color. Simply use a piece of scratch paper to brush your pen onto until it "runs clear" again. While your nib will get "stained" it will run clear and then you can use a different color.

Coloring Delicate Die Cuts

The more delicate die cuts can be more challenging to cut. You will want to keep some white PVA glue nearby. That way if your die cut rips, you can glue it back together and then color over it. Using s stronger paper can make all the difference.

• You can use daubers and small soft brushes to do your coloring.
• Using white for highlights is a perfect way to create depth to your projects. I love adding the white ink.
• If you have a stamp set and the matching dies, you may want to stamp and color the image before you die cut it. That gives you more options to color ahead of time. You will be able to see the placement of the die on top of the colored image and get a perfect die-cut and colored image every time.
• Stay within the same color family. Use two colors in the same color family to add shadows and depth. Make sure to blend the colors to give more realistic look.
• Stay away from colored pencils. They are too harsh with the point to color dies.

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments and ideas. Please leave a comment below.

Till next time, Happy Crafting

Linda