PROTECTIVE PLASTIC COATING

PRACTICE

    It is a good confidence builder to do a practice application of the contact plastic before applying a piece to your finished card.

1. Cut a scrap piece of card stock or cardboard about 4" x 5"

2. Cut a piece of contact plastic about 1/2" larger on all sides than the card, following the grid lines on the backing to keep the cut square.

3. Lift a corner of the plastic from the backing with a pin, such as a corsage pin, and peel off.

4. Stick the plastic to the bottom edge of the card.  Slowly press down and smooth the plastic, an inch or so at a time toward the top of the card.  Then smooth from the center toward the edges.  You will have about 1/2" of plastic extending beyond your cardboard on each side.

        A single-edged razor blade provides the most professional looking cut in trimming the excess.

5. Hold the card upright in one hand and   the blade in the other hand at a 45 degree angle  to the card.

6. Draw the blade from the top of the excess plastic downward on each side, brushing the edge of the card  with the blade.

COVERING  YOUR DESIGN

        Once you have done a few practice cuts,  you will agree that it is really very easy.  You are now confident and ready to cover your finished design.

Repeat step 2

Before Step 3, please note:  Static electricity is formed when the backing is peeled away from the plastic.  Static can cause your flowers to reach up to meet the adhesive, since they are glued sparingly.  To help counteract that possibility, crumple a fabric softener sheet  (the kind made for the clothes dryer) and rub all over the plastic side of the coating before removing the backing.

Repeat steps 3 through 6

Put your finished card back in your phone book press for a few hours or overnight to settle the covering around all the flowers.  It is now preserved forever - or almost.  Even if you already had in mind who would receive your first card, you may find it very difficult to part with it.