Tips for Smooth Brayering

My friend, Amy and I got together to stamp again today. We continued with our brayering fun.

Several people have asked how I get my brayering so smooth. First of all, I use Xerox Heavyweight Matte Cover 80lb paper that I purchase at Staples. Ink slides very well on it. But remember that because ink slides so well, when you stamp you have to be VERY careful not to slide your stamp. Do not be in a hurry with this paper. I also heat set before switching ends of my paper. Your mask will not stick if the ink is not totally dry.

Second, I always start with a very light base color. After applying a second color, if it does not blend well, I roll as much color as I can off my brayer. Then using the brayer, I add another coat of my base color, starting at the dark end and blending down into the lightest. I do the same with each layer, always going back to my first color if necessary. Amy and I have found it is very easy to apply the ink direct to paper from the pad and then run the brayer over it. You get better coverage that way.

Third, I always brayer in one direction with a very light hand. Heavy handed rolling tends to leave vertical lines in your ink. I usually have more ink on my scrap paper than I do on the card stock.

So here is what we came up with today. The first scene is a full 8.5 x 11 inches sheet of paper. Don't think I will be trick or treating at that house! The second scene is a half sheet, 5.5 x 8.5 inches. The house stamp which I have not used before is from Stamps 'N More. I hope you will try this technique and share your finished projects with me. Just leave a comment with a link to your art, and I will check it out.