What is Foil Stamping?

An Overview of Foil Stamping

Foil stamping is a specialty printing process that uses metal dies, heat and pressure, to apply foil films.

Foil stamping has a wide range of applications, including;

• Stationery

• Labels

• Product packaging

• Holiday cards

• Seals

• Pocket folders

• Postcards

• Certificates

The modern technique, known as hot stamping, was first conceived in the late 19th century.

Today, it is leveraged to create visual interest and increase the perceived value of products.

A foil is a thin film coated with the colors that are applied to a product through a process known as hot stamping.

The pigment is placed on a clear film, which acts as a carrier that transfers the color onto the product.

Another layer of the foil consists of pigmented sediments, and a third layer is a heat-activated adhesive that sticks the sediments onto the product.

Like Embossing & Spot UV, you can apply foil stamping to all kinds of paper stocks.

It works best for stock with a smooth, even surface as opposed to textured or lined materials.

Types of Foil Stamping

Based on your substrate and the type of finish you want, you can choose from one of the four hot stamping techniques discussed below:

• Flat foil stamping, a simple, economical process where a copper or magnesium metal stamp transfers the foil onto the substrate. It achieves a foil design that relatively raises from the surface.

• Vertical foil stamping, which stamps foil designs on flat substrates and cylindrical shaped areas.

• Sculpted foil stamping, which uses brass dies to achieve a raised image for a clearly defined and carved look.

• Peripheral foil stamping, where foil heat transfers are applied to the outer perimeter – across the entire circumference – of the product.

Typically gold and silver coloring is used to create a luxurious effect.

Various finishes, such as glossy, matte, metallic, holographic sparkles and wood grains are available.