Does Embossing Powder Get Old?

Embossing powder is just ground up thermoplastic (plastic which melts at a relatively low temperature) with pigments added. I don't think it goes "bad," exactly but I've found that opened jars can pick up some moisture over time with the result you note.

You know those little packets of silaca gel dessicant that come packaged with cameras and electronics and stuff? I save those and tuck them inside my large, rarely used jars of EP to dehumidify them, and it seems to work.

Yes, embossing powder can get old. Usually, it's due to humidity, etc. Sometimes, tho, it's not the embossing powder itself that's the problem -- it can be your embossing ink, stamp pad, etc., or even the items that you're trying to emboss. I've had problems with some of my older powders not sticking to cardstock, and about half the time it's because the cardstock was exposed to the wrong temperatures, etc.

Hope this helps. Karen

I'm not an expert, but I think that I'll reply anyway. :0 How many years have you had that embossing powder? Just last week I made several ATCs (artist trading cards) with some *15 year old* silver powder by Embossing Arts. I think that may be considered "old", but it worked beautifully with no problems.

Having said that, apparently some powders do go bad over time. I have heard more than a few people claim that this happened to them. I suspect that the powder had either been stored improperly (leaving the jars uncapped in humid surroundings), or used with the wrong materials to emboss with.

I'm wondering about two other possible reasons: a) the colorant used (I've heard complaints about black most often), and b) inclusions (things like glitter added to the powder - I've even heard of adding plain unsweetened Kool-Aid for "scratch & sniff" embossing powder).

Sincerely, Risible