FOIL STAMPING

Whether creating vitality and richness or a quiet sophistication, the use of foil stamping and foil embossing can help you create memorable images with vivid color, texture and dimension. Foil stamping is a highly versatile process by which foil is applied with the use of heat and pressure to various substrates such as paper and plastic. Foil stamping can be either flat stamped or foil embossed. Flat stamping is the process of adhering the foil flat on the sheet, whereas foil embossing, or combination work, combines foil stamping with the raising of an image in a one-press pass through a combination die. Since registration is critical in this process, care should be given to the selections of paper stock, textures and inks used.

Reccomendations for Successful Foil Stamping FOIL STAMPING OVER INKS: When foil stamping over inked surfaces, the ink used should be wax-free. Anything higher than a 30% concentration of wax in the ink and the foil will not bond properly. Also, heavily inked areas may not be porous enough for the foil to adhere. WET TRAPPING: Plastic coatings and varnishes can prevent an adequate foil transfer which results in blistering. This blistering, or wet trapping, can be avoided by letting the ink dry completely. When dry, apply varnish, after which the foil can be applied. With the use of coatings and varnishes, tests should be conducted prior to going to press. OVERLAPPING FOILS: Certain foils such as matte pigments are not compatible and often repel other foils, not allowing a solid bond when overlapped. Many foils can be overstamped - testing is available.

 

EMBOSSING

Return to Services page