Which is the best Hot Foil Pen - we put two to the test!

If you're a crafting enthusiast who loves the luxurious look of metallic foiling on your cards and paper craft projects but you're hesitant to invest in expensive foiling machines, then handheld foil pens might be the solution you've been waiting for. In this article, we will compare two popular hot foil pens and help you decide which is the best hot foil pen for you: the Papermania Foil Quill and the We R Memory Keepers Foil Quill. We'll unbox and explore their features, foiling capabilities, and overall performance to help you decide which one is the best fit for your creative endeavors.

Papermania Foil Quill: Unboxing and Overview

Let's start with the Papermania Foil Quill, an affordable and beginner-friendly option. The Papermania Foil Quill set is priced at £19.99 and comes with several foils and additional nibs. Inside the package, you'll find:

  • The Papermania Foil Quill pen
  • A selection of foils, including gold, silver, and rose gold
  • Extra nibs (fine and bold)
  • A tool for changing nibs
  • A stand for the pen
  • USB cable for power

This set offers good value for those looking to experiment with foiling without breaking the bank. It's a perfect choice for beginners or as a thoughtful gift for a fellow crafter.

We R Memory Keepers Foil Quill: Unboxing and Overview

Next up is the We R Memory Keepers Foil Quill, which offers a more premium foiling experience. Priced at £83.99 (or £75.59 for VIP members), this set includes:

  • The We R Memory Keepers Foil Quill pen
  • A variety of foils, including gold and silver
  • Three different nibs (fine, medium, and bold)
  • Low tack tape for securing foils
  • A USB cable for power

The standout feature of this set is the range of nibs it provides, giving you more versatility when it comes to foiling. The We R Memory Keepers Foil Quill is ideal for those who are serious about adding intricate foiling details to their projects.

Comparing the Foil Quills: Testing and Performance

Now, let's compare the performance of these two hot foil pens. We'll assess factors like heating time, foiling quality, and ease of use.

Heating Time: Both pens heat up reasonably quickly. The Papermania Foil Quill claims to be ready in a few seconds, while the We R Memory Keepers Foil Quill recommends a five-minute warm-up. In practice, allowing the Papermania pen a couple of minutes to heat up seems sufficient.

Foiling Quality: We conducted tests using both pens on various cardstock types. Surprisingly, the Papermania Foil Quill showed better foiling results on specific cardstocks. However, the We R Memory Keepers Foil Quill produced more consistent results on its recommended cardstock.

Ease of Use: Both pens are user-friendly and feature on/off switches. The We R Memory Keepers Foil Quill also comes with a handy low tack tape for securing foils in place while foiling. The Papermania Foil Quill allows for easy nib replacement, making it a convenient choice for switching between different nib sizes.

So which Hot Foil Pen came out best?

Choosing the best hot foil pen depends on your budget and foiling needs. If you're a beginner looking for an affordable option to explore the world of foiling, the Papermania Foil Quill offers a great starting point. It's user-friendly, comes with essential accessories, and delivers decent results.

On the other hand, if you're a serious crafter who wants more versatility and consistency in your foiling projects, the We R Memory Keepers Foil Quill is worth the investment. With its variety of nibs and tape for securing foils, it's designed for crafting enthusiasts who want to take their foiling to the next level.

Remember that both pens have their strengths and weaknesses, so consider your specific needs and budget when making your choice. Whichever hot foil pen you decide on, you're sure to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your paper craft projects during the festive season and beyond. Happy foiling!

Watch the full review here!