The Button Blog - American Button Machines

Do I need special paper to make buttons?  This is one of the first questions most new button makers ask and the answer is quite simply no.  ABM recommends using standard 24 pound copier paper with most all of our button makers.  If you have a photo button maker, you can use photo paper up to 58 pounds.  For the best results, be sure you use a paper with a brightness level of 100.  For a super crisp, clean print you might want to try Epson Matte Presentation Paper.  It's what Team ABM uses when we make samples to share...

  Matte Finish While ABM does not sell a Matte Mylar, we can help with some basics on how to achieve the look. One of the simplest ways is to use CLEAR MATTE CONTACT PAPER. Apply the film over your printed sheet of graphics, smooth the film down, and remove all bubbles or wrinkles.  Then use a die press or adjustable cutter to cut out your graphics and make your button as normal (minus the glossy mylar): PRESTO! You have a matte finish. You can use a LAMINATING SHEET to do the same thing.  BUT DOESN'T laminating both sides of...

What can I use a neodymium (neo) magnet for?  How can I up my button game with these magical little magnets?  MagTags are super strong neodymium magnets that despite their compact size pack a hugely powerful punch that makes them perfect for tons of applications.  You can turn every day items into interchangeable, button-tastic treasures quickly and easily and ABM is here with great ideas to help get the creative ball rolling! First up, who doesn't love to add a personal touch with things that make you smile around your office or workspace?  Not a lot of room to set...

When I pull the handle of my graphic punch, it doesn't do anything.  What do I do?  Here at ABM we get that exact question and our Customer Solutions Team is happy to come to the rescue. Please click the following link for instructions on how to un-jam a punch cutter. If the handle gets bumped it could knock it out of place. It may seem like your punch cutter is jammed but it could just be a slipped handle.  If you can not feed paper into the slot or you can see daylight on one side but not the other...

One of the most common button making questions is, "Why are my buttons coming apart" or "Why is there mylar not tucked in on the side of my button?" The first thought is usually that the machine is broken or the parts are defective but it is extremely rare that either of these are the case.  In this edition of Ask ABM, we are taking a look at the many things that can cause these common concerns and how to fix them! One of the most common causes is that your paper is too thick or too thin.  We recommend...