What Is a Plastic Shim For? Gemini Midi Purple Shim Explained
By Crafter's Companion | Craft Supplies | Papercraft & Art | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: How-to Guides
A plastic shim adds pressure when embossing with a manual machine. Learn what the Gemini Midi Purple Shim does, when to use it, and how to keep results crisp.
Quick answer
A plastic shim is a thin, reusable layer that adjusts the pressure inside a manual die-cutting or embossing sandwich. The Gemini Midi Accessories - Plastic Shim Purple is designed specifically for 2D embossing folders in the Gemini Midi manual machine, giving you a tighter sandwich for clearer embossed detail.
Why a shim matters for embossing pressure
Manual embossing relies on the right amount of pressure passing through the folder and paper. If the sandwich is slightly loose, the embossed pattern can look soft or incomplete. A shim fills that gap without forcing you to change your machine's settings or add unrelated layers.
The Gemini Midi Purple Shim is not a replacement for your regular cutting plates. It is an accessory that sits within the sandwich when you are using compatible 2D embossing folders, so it only belongs in those setups.
When to use the purple shim — and when not to
Reach for the shim when you are embossing with a 2D folder and the result lacks crispness. It is also useful as a spare or replacement if your original shim is worn or misplaced. Because the catalog describes it as designed for use only with 2D embossing folders, do not add it to die-cutting sandwiches or use it with other folder types.
If your embossing already looks sharp, adding the shim may create too much pressure. Always test a small scrap first and remove the shim if the paper starts to distort or the machine becomes hard to turn.
Common questions about the Gemini Midi Purple Shim
- What is a plastic shim used for in die cutting?
- It adjusts the pressure in a manual sandwich. In the case of the Gemini Midi Purple Shim, it is used only with 2D embossing folders to tighten the sandwich and improve embossed detail.
- Is the purple shim required for every embossing project?
- No. Use it when your embossed results look soft or you need a replacement shim. If your current sandwich already gives crisp detail, you can leave it out. Test one scrap before committing a full project.
- Can I use the Gemini Midi Purple Shim with cutting dies?
- No. The catalog states it is designed for use only with 2D embossing folders, so keep it out of die-cutting sandwiches.
- How do I know if the shim is making a difference?
- Emboss a small scrap with and without the shim. If the shimmed version shows sharper ridges and deeper detail without buckling the paper, it is working as intended.
Product facts
- Gemini Midi Accessories - Plastic Shim Purple: Designed for use only with 2D embossing folders in the Gemini Midi manual machine. This keeps your sandwich correct and avoids using the shim where it is not intended.
Gemini Midi Accessories - Plastic Shim Purple - Gemini Midi Accessories - Plastic Shim Purple: Helps create a tighter sandwich for crisp, clear embossed detail. A tighter sandwich can improve definition when your embossing looks shallow.
