Non-stick powder

Non-stick powder refers to any kind of fine powder, such as starch, flour, baby powder … These powders are sometimes referred to as anti-static powder, although they really make anything anti-static but do stick to static things.

Uses

This powder can be used to:

• prepare cardstock or another surface before heat embossing. By applying this powder before adding a sticky medium, the sticky medium (and consequentially the embossing powder) will only be applied where you want it. Fingerprints or other areas that happened to be slightly sticky will be covered by the powder resulting in a cleaner image.
• to remove stick. If you've used liquid glue that remains sticky, die cut paper with adhesive on the back, used gilding flakes … it's possible that a bit of stick might be left after you've finished your card. Applying a little bit of non-stick powder removes that tack and gives a clean result.
• prepare acetate/hard transparent plastic for shaker cards. Apply the powder sparingly to the plastic to prevent the contents of the shaker card to cling to it.

What powders can be used

Any kind of fine powder can be used for this purpose: starch (corn, potato …), kitchen flour, baby powder, talcum powder …

Ways of applying the powder

Cone-shaped bottle with bristles

We R Memory Keepers powder tool

This tool is sold by American Crafts (under the brands EK Success/EK tools and We R Memory Keepers) and can be refilled (by unscrewing the bottom) as long as the bristles on top are still usable. If you tap the bottle when it's upside down, more powder will drop from in between the bristles, which is useful if you need to apply the powder to a bigger surface. To remove the lid at the top, simply push it aside with your thumb and it will come off. Note that this powder has quite a strong perfume.

Bags

Inkadinkado embossing bag

You can find this type of powder in a small, sewn closed, fabric bag or pouch. Multiple brands sell this type of powder bag, such as Ranger, Inkadinkado … These bags are useful if you want to apply powder on a bigger surface. If you don't want any powder on your fingers, you can use a hair clip, clothespin, paper clamp … to hold on to the bag. It's advised to store the bag in a type of container, since a bit of powder will come out (all sides) every time you handle it. You can make this kind of bag yourself by using a fabric that has a loose thread/weave (such as an old pantyhose) and filling it with powder.

A small jar and a dry brush

You can simply use a small jar or container and a dry, fluffy paintbrush. Simply dip the brush in the jar (that you've filled with such a powder) and apply it to your project. You can then easily wipe away the access powder with the same brush.