Spellbinders BetterPress: Your FAQ Guide!
Hey there, crafty friends! Are you ready to take your paper crafting to a whole new level? We’re thrilled to introduce you to Spellbinders BetterPress, a fantastic tool that will revolutionize your crafting experience.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into some frequently asked questions about the BetterPress and give you all the scoop you need to unleash your creativity. Let’s get started!
Jump to section:
- What exactly is the Spellbinders BetterPress?
- What is included with the BetterPress system?
- Which die cutting machine does BetterPress work with?
- How is letterpress image different from stamp image?
- How are the press plates themselves different from Glimmer plates or etched dies?
- Can you use regular Glimmer plates in the BetterPress system?
- Can you use BetterPress plates in your regular die cutting machine?
- Can you use BetterPress plates in the Glimmer Hot Foil System?
- How does the ink differ from other inks on the market?
- Can you use regular dye or pigment inks with the system?
- How much ink does a betterpress transfer use?
- Can I use regular cardstock with the system?
- Can I color the images with watercolor, alcohol markers or other mediums?
Don’t see an answer to your question? Leave us a comment below and we’ll do our best to answer it!
Q: What exactly is the Spellbinders BetterPress?
A: BetterPress is an innovative and effortless system that allows you to create projects with the enduring elegance of letterpress design, without the complicated setup or mess. The starter system includes everything you need to begin creating when paired with your manual die cutting machine.
The combination of high-quality cotton card panels, specifically formulated ink and detailed imprinting of BetterPress plates ensures that your projects will be irresistibly touchable, with luxury you can both feel and see. Experience the refinement of letterpress in your home with Spellbinders BetterPress.
Learn more about Spellbinder BetterPress on our blog or website.
Q:What is included with the BetterPress system?
A: When you purchase BetterPress by Spellbinders, you’ll receive a thoughtfully curated package that includes everything you need to get started on your embossing and letterpressing journey.
The starter kit includes the tool itself, which is comprised of a chase with magnetic platform, platen, and shims. It also includes a set of press plates, a selection of cotton card panels, a BetterPress Black ink pad and a roll of Best Ever Craft tape.
Learn more about what’s included in the box.
Q: Which die cutting machine does BetterPress work with?
A: The BetterPress system works with Spellbinders Platinum and Platinum 6 die cutting machines, as well as the Sizzix Big Shot, Big Shot Plus, and Switch machines.
Q: How is letterpress image different from stamp image?
A: When paired with the BetterPress Ink and Cotton Card Panel, BetterPressed images provide two distinct differences over stamped images: a high level of detail, and an elegant impression in the cotton card panel that you can feel, much like you would expect from letterpress stationery from a gift or card shop.
Q: How are the press plates themselves different from Glimmer plates or etched dies?
A: Not only are press plates a different thickness than Glimmer hot foil plates or etched dies, they also feature a special coating. This coating allows the ink to evenly lay on to the plate for optimal transfer to the cardstock.
Q: Can you use regular Glimmer plates in the BetterPress system?
A: No. Glimmer plates are thicker than Press Plates; using them in the BetterPress system will cause damage to the magnetic platform and plate.
Q: Can you use BetterPress plates in your regular die cutting machine?
A: BetterPress Dies can be used in a regular die cutting machine; the press plates do not cut.
Q: Can you use BetterPress plates in the Glimmer Hot Foil System?
A: Early testing suggests that yes, the press plates work beautifully when used with the Glimmer system to add hot foil to cardstock. The team is in the midst of conducting longevity testing to ensure that long-term hot foil use does not degrade the coating on the press plates, but early results look promising.
Q: How does the ink differ from other inks on the market?
A: BetterPress Ink was specially formulated by Ranger to be used in the BetterPress system. The ink is based on Ranger’s Archival Ink formula but has two additional features: a higher viscosity, allowing optimal transfer from the press plates to the cotton card panels, and more dye for intense color saturation.
Q: Can you use regular dye or pigment inks with the system?
A: For the optimal impressions, we recommend using BetterPress Ink. Traditional dye inks also provide a beautiful, clean transfer, as do Archival Inks; however, neither give the rich impression that you get from BetterPress Ink because of the dye level. Pigment inks tend to create a blurry transfer and are messy to work with on the press plates and magnetic platform.
Q: How much ink does a betterpress transfer use?
A: We tested a variety of ink pad sizes and found the mini–ink pad to work the best. It was manageable for all size of images and line thicknesses in addition to making less mess than larger pads. However, because of the smaller pad size and increased ink saturation in the cotton paper, you will use more ink. Refill bottles are available for each color ink, and the pads and refills will last for hundreds of impressions.
Q: Can I use regular cardstock with the system?
A: Yes, any cardstock will work with the system; however, to get the full letterpress effect – an impression you can see and feel – we recommend cotton cardstock. Spellbinders offers the Cotton Cardstock in two weights, 118 lb. and 220 lb. double weight for a deeper and more luxurious impression.
Q: Can I color the images with watercolor, alcohol markers or other mediums?
A:BetterPress Ink is an oil-based dye ink, ideal for coloring with watercolor, colored pencils and other dye inks. While technically possible to color with alcohol markers, you may get feathering.
We hope this FAQ guide has answered some of your burning questions about the Spellbinders BetterPress. Now, armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to embark on a journey of creativity and bring your paper crafting dreams to life. So go ahead, grab your BetterPress, and let your imagination run wild!
Happy crafting, everyone!
Shop BetterPress
37 Comments
Karen Clark
Cathy Z used alcohol to clean plates but I didnt catch your answer on the replay regarding its use. Will cleaning with Alcohol damage the coating on both the press plates and magnetic chase pad ? TYIA Karen
Yana Smakula
We only recommend using Ranger Archival Ink Cleaner. Alcohol tends to dry out surfaces and damage with use. The Ranger Cleaner is non-toxic and meets ASTM D-4236 criteria for safety.
Sandra Lawson
Will there be a Betterpress Plate of the month club?
Yana Smakula
yes! It is coming on July 1st.
Kristine Gifford
I cannot find any reference to the Spellbinders Grand Caliber machine on either the list of machines compatible or the ones not compatible. I really want a Betterpress, but I do not want to have to purchase a new die cutter. I have a Gemini and also a Grand Calibur.
Yana Smakula
Kristine, here’s a list of compatible and non compatible machines:
Machines BetterPress is compatible with:
Machines BetterPress is NOT compatible with:
Marie
My sizzix fold away platform is 6.25 inches wide, will the betterpress work with my machine?
LoriTravis
What is the name of the flower die that comes with the starter kit?
Melanie Hommes
I have a Sizzix Big Switch Plus electric die cutting machine. Will the Betterpress work with it?
Yana Smakula
Melanie, BetterPress is compatible with Sizzix Switch machines.
Ann
Why won’t my better press go through my electric die cutting machine?
Yana Smakula
which electric machine are you using?
Leigh
My magnetic Betterpress insert has stopped holding the press plates securely. They are sliding all over the registration templates. What can I do to remedy this problem?
Rachel
Will spellbinders eventually release the alphabet or letters? This is amazing and I hope to create for names
Yana Smakula
there might be something coming 😉
Donna
What is the recommended way to store the Press plates ?
Yana Smakula
We don’t have a recommended way to store them. you can store them on magnetic sheets, or in plastic pockets or similar to how you store your dies/glimmer plates.
Vicki
Can stamp cleaner be used to clean betterpress plates?
Yana Smakula
Absolutely! But, the BetterPress ink is a bit tricky to clean. We recommend using Ranger Archival Ink Cleaner. The Ranger Cleaner is non-toxic and meets ASTM D-4236 criteria for safety.
oraxia
Is there any way to make a custom die? Say, if you wanted your cards to say “Merry Christmas from The Smiths” or something like that? Or if you wanted to letterpress a logo?
Wendy Palmer
My platen of my Betterpress has some slight marks from the die. Do I need to buy a new platen. Does it mean the pressure was to strong.
Yana Smakula
it is normal, you’ll have marks on your platen as you use it. You can buy a replacement if you want – https://spellbinderspaperarts.com/products/replacement-betterpress-platen
Pat
Does the betterpress work with the Ebosser machine?
Yana Smakula
Pat, betterpress is compatible with the following machines:
Spellbinders Platinum, Platinum 6
Deep Sea Die Cutting and Embossing Machine
Sizzix BigShot
Sizzix BigShot Express
Sizzix Big Shot Plus
Sizzix BigKick
Sizzix Switch
Tim Holtz Vagabond
RG Amaze
Stampin’ Up!
Sarina Coffin
What is the name of the embossing folder used on the ‘Just Because’ card shown above? Thank you. I look forward to purchasing this entire system! I love how it combines a little of every look; stamping, foiling, embossing and water coloring. Fabulous job creating all the gorgeous plate designs.
Yana Smakula
It is our Tile Reflection 3D Embossing Folder – https://spellbinderspaperarts.com/products/tile-reflection-3d-embossing-folder-from-the-floral-reflection-collection?_pos=28&_sid=4aac778c4&_ss=r
Claudia
I know you keep linking the list of compatible and non compatible machines but the spellbinders Grand Calibur machine is not on either list – since it’s a machine made by Spellbinders don’t you folks know if it’s compatible or not?
Yana Smakula
Grand Calibur is not compatible with BetterPress.
CMSand
Are the individual shims for the Betterpress and Glimmer machines interchangeable as long as you use the proper number of shims?
Yana Smakula
no, these machines have different shims
Ann Apolito
I’ve had mixed results with the betterpress system and am a bit disappointed with it. I find that the magnetic mat moves slightly so if I try to run a plate through twice I will often get a blurred result. With some plates I don’t seem to get enough pressure with the provided shims. I’m using a Sizzix Big shot, one of the recommended machines. Everyone else seems to be getting perfect results every time. If you have any advice I would appreciate it.
Blanca
Will the better press system work with the We are memory keepers Revolution? It has a 6″ opening. I have seen that it is compatible with the Evolution but I have the Revolution.
Yana Smakula
No, it is not compatible.
Donna
Can you use polymer stamps with the Better Press
Yana Smakula
Hello Donna, no you cannot use polymer stamps, sorry!
Deeann
Besides the Letterpress Stamps, which stamps can be used with the system?
Yana Smakula
You can only use the Press plates in the BetterPress system