Frequently asked questions

How can I remove the plastic film from Bubbalux?

On one side of each sheet of Bubbalux, there is a peel-off plastic film. This protects the Bubbalux during manufacture and transport, and ensures you have a pristine surface to work from. Please ensure that you remove and discard this plastic film before using the Bubbalux, as it will then be much easier to cut, emboss, die cut etc. It can be quite difficult to find or see the plastic film, as it is transparent and very thin. Our tests show that the best way to remove the protective film is to scrape very lightly at one of the corners using your craft knife, a papercraft 'pokey tool' (aka an Awl), or your fingernail. Once you have lifted the corner, you can pull at the plastic film very easily to remove it from the whole sheet. If you are using a number of different sheets of Bubbalux for your craft project, we recommend you find and peel the corners of each sheet before starting, so you have a reminder to remove each one as you use it - it is very easy to forget to remove the sheet! Please note If you do forget to remove the sheet before crafting with Bubbalux, it is unlikely to harm your project, it just makes it a little more difficult to cut or shape.



Can I use a rotary cutter to cut Bubbalux?

You can use a rotary cutter, but please be aware that Bubbalux may blunt the blades quite quickly. We recommend using a craft knife, DIY knife or a die cutting machine, with heavier-guage dies to cut bubbalux.



In which order should I emboss and shape Bubbalux?

Please be aware that if you emboss Bubbalux first and then heat to shape it, the foam nature of the Bubbalux means that you may lose the definition of your embossing. We recommend hand embossing on formed creations after they have been shaped for best results. Another really effective way to emboss and shape is to emboss and then use embossing powders or embossing wax to really bring out the pattern. You can then heat to shape, and although the depth of the emboss may be altered, you can still clearly see the pattern.



What are the best embossing and die cutting tools to use with Bubbalux?

Bubbalux can be die-cut using the larger rotary or electric craft machines and heavier gauge dies. If you use the thin papercut dies or foils, you will get an emboss on the Bubbalux, but they will not cut through.

Always check your machine is suitable before use.

Our tests show that Bubbalux works well for embossing and die cutting with the Craftwell 'Cut n Boss', Sizzix 'Big Shot' machines and the Spellbinder 'Sapphire Plus' but as we cannot take any responsibility for damage to individual machines, please check with the manufacturer before using to die-cut Bubbalux.



What is the best way to cut Bubbalux?

Bubbalux may be hand-cut with a craft knife, DIY knife, good-quality scissors or a fine tooth saw.

When cutting Bubbalux with a craftknife, we recommend you use a steel ruler or template for controlled cuts. First, lightly score - then you can cut more deeply over the top. It may take a few cuts to go all the way through.

Always cut smoothly and steadily, so the ruler and knife don't slip. We recommend you always use a protective cutting mat, for protection as well as stability, as Bubbalux is very smooth, so may move around when cutting with a blade.

When using scissors, ensure they are strong, sharp and good-quality to effectivly cut through the Bubbalux. It can sometimes be easier to cut a rough shape and finish the shape by sanding.

Bubbalux is great for die cutting, If you have a die cutting rotary machine and heavy-guage dies.

Tips:

- Warming up the Bubbalux in the area you are cutting will usually make it easier to cut.

- Use sandpaper to smooth down any rough or uneven edges.

Always take care when using sharp implements, to avoid personal injury, and we recommend you use a CraftTex Table Protector Mat on your crafting table when using Bubbalux, as this will protect it from scratches, dents, spillages and heat damage.




What is the best way to heat Bubbalux?

Bubbalux can be bent and formed very easily, when it's been heated up.

Heat may be applied with a reguar household hairdryer, a crafters' heat gun, or by submerging in hot water. Submersion will allow you to create three-dimensional shapes and drape-forms.

Please take care to protect yourself from heat and hot water to avoid personal injury.

Care must be taken to avoid personal injury when applying heat and using heated Bubbalux.

Always work in a well-ventilated space when heating Bubbalux with a hair dryer or heat gun.


While Bubbalux can be heated and re-heated to obtain the desired shape, please note that iexcessive heat can degrade the surface of Bubbalux so that after numerous heatings it will no longer change shape.

Please note that fumes and a smell may be given off as the material is heated. Always work in a well-ventilated space when heating Bubbalux.



What can I use to stick Bubbalux

All common household craft adhesives such as super glue, Mod Podge, Evo Stick and double-sided sticky tape are all suitable for use with Bubbalux Ultimate Craft Board. We have also achieved good results with hot glue guns.


Always follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions.

Please note: Solvent weld adhesives are not recommended for use with Bubbalux.



What pens are best to draw on Bubbalux?

Most craft pens and markers may be used with Bubbalux and we have had particularly good results with Sharpies and other water-based ink.


Bubbalux has a perfectly smooth surface, which is wonderful to draw on, but please remember to remove the plastic film before drawing on Bubbalux! otherwise your design may peel off.

Ink drying times may vary, depending on the product used, so we recommend you test on a small area before use.

Please note: Roller ball in ballpoint pens may mark the surface of Bubbalux.



After cutting with scissors, Bubbalux has a jagged edge, what can I do?

We recommend gently sanding any jagged edges with a fine sandpaper, or even an emery board to achieve a smooth finish on every side.

Please take care not to abrade the top surface of the Bubbalux though, as this will leave a permanent mark.

Bubbalux Ultimate Creative Craft Board is manufactured so that there is a solid colour running throughout the material, so there won't be any white areas to colour match. Unless you are using the white Bubbalux of course.



How should I clean Bubbalux?

We have had good results cleaning off small marks with baby wipes. You may also clean using warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Use alcohol wipes to remove more stubborn marks.

To remove static, treat with an anti-static cloth and spray.

Any adhesive or paint spills should be cleaned immediately, before they dry.

Do not use paint thinner or solvents to clean.



Is Bubbalux child-friendly?

Bubbalux is not a toy and is not suitable for children under 14.

Please ensure adult supervision of any child under 14 using Bubbalux.

Bubbalux may be harmful if ingested.

Please ensure age-appropriate tools, care and supervision when crafting, especially when cutting and heating.



What sizes does Bubbalux come in?

Standard size Bubbalux comes in packs of three sheets, each a single colour. 215 x 279mm (8½" x 11") Large size Bubbalux comes as individual sheets in a single colour, measuring: 508 x 762mm (20" x 30") Each sheet is 2mm thick



Where can I learn how to use Bubbalux?

The best place to start is our Blog, which has tutorials, tips and how-to videos for all sorts of projects. We think the best way to learn how to use Bubbalux well is just to play with it and find out what it can do for yourself! The craft possibilities are vast and you'll find it's a great addition to your craft stash as you can use so many of the tools and gadgets you already have, you probably won't need to buy anything new or specialist to use Bubbalux. Don't forget to tag @Craft_Tex and use the hashtag #Bubbalux to show us your creations!



Can I paint on Bubbalux?

Bubbalux Ultimate Craft Board may be painted with water or acrylic based paints and varnishes.

For more durable applications, exterior gloss may be used.

Remember to remove the protective plastic film from the Bubbalux before painting and ensure surface is grease-free before painting as this may affect results.

A patch test is recommended before starting your project, to check the paint's suitablility. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.



Why is there a plastic film covering one side of the Bubbalux sheet?

This is a protective film, which once peeled off, ensures you have a pristine surface to work on every time. This also enables you to draw guide lines for your project, which you can use to hand emboss, cut etc, and then peel off, without having to clean or rub off pencil or ink. Search our FAQs to find the best ways to remove this plastic film.



I am finding Bubbalux hard to cut, is there anything I can do?

Gently heating Bubbalux for a few second with a heat tool, or even your hairdryer, makes it easier to cut with scissors or a craft knife. Please always take care when heating and/or cutting Bubbalux.



Do you have any tips for heating Bubbalux?

When you use a heat gun or hairdryer to heat Bubbalux, hold it about 5-6cm (2 inches) away from the surface, and keep it moving so the heat doesn't beconme too intense in one area. If the Bubbalux isn't flexible enough to bend after 20 second of heat being applied, try another 10 seconds. Larger pieces may need up to 60 seconds. You can apply heat multiple times, for example if you go wrong and want to re-shape your creation, but please be aware that too much heat, too many times can degrade the foam nature of the Bubbalux, which means it will cease to bend. We recommend you take the necessary safety precautions to avoid personal injury when heating Bubbalux. Always work in a well-ventilated area. We also recommend you wear cotton gloves to protect your fingers if you are doing a lot of heat forming with Bubbalux. We find heat-gun holders and reverse-action craft tweezers really helpful when heat forming,



What can I use to hand-emboss Bubbalux?

We have found the hand-embossing ball tools very effective and easy to use with Bubbalux Creative Craft Board, but really anything similar can be used to emboss by hand. Try an old ballpoint pen (with the ink removed) or a pencil or pen in the same colour as the craft board. We have also enjoyed using wooden stamps and a hammer - but do be careful to avoid personal injury and use one of the CraftTex Ultimate Surface Protector Mats on your craft table to avoid dents or marks caused by any mishaps!