Understanding Foil Printing
Foil printing can make the difference between an ordinary project and a professional-looking, creative asset for your brand or company. Foil printing, also known as foil stamping or hot foil stamping, is a process that adds class and sophistication to multiple types of projects. This specialty printing process uses heat, pressure, and foil to add a shiny or matte, effect to designs or graphics.
Knowing what foil stamping can add to your vision can be helpful when planning out the details and timeline for your project.
How the Foil Stamping Process Works
Prior to the foil stamping process, a leafing/foil die must be created. This process typically takes a day or two to create. Due to this extra step, it is important to plan ahead when considering a job with foil. To create a foil die, the designer must send over a black negative of the area they want foiled. This file should be separate from the final file. The designer should also designate the placement of where they want the foil in the final file so the printer is aware of placement for the foil when they are ready to begin the foil stamping process.
During the foil stamping process, the design is etched onto a metal die or a copper plate. The foil is then positioned over the surface of the product. On a letterpress, a heating element is then used and the die or plate presses the foil onto the paper substrate, bonding the foil to designated areas on the surface. The foil is bonded permanently to the design areas, and the rest of the foil is discarded.
After the paper and foil are run through the machine, a quality check takes place to ensure that the process has run smoothly. Although the setup for a foil printing process can be a little more expensive and require some time to set up, the results of the finished product can be stunning. If you’re interested in adding foil stamping to your next print job, our experienced team at Thomas Group Printing can talk you through the details.
Why Add Foil Stamping to Your Next Project?
Foil stamping adds a shiny, glossy, metallic, or reflective design depending on the type of foil you choose, and can help take multiple types of print jobs to the next level. Foils come in gloss, matte, and other varieties and color types including the popular gold and silver, ensuring you get the perfect look for your project.
Paper with foil stamped designs or graphics stand out from others, and it is a versatile option that can also be paired with finishes or coatings to make sure all of the creative elements and details look just right.
When to Use Foil Stamping
Foil printing has several potential use cases including:
- Invitations
- Business stationary such as reports, business cards, letterheads, and more
- Promotional materials such as brochures, booklets, leaflets, and other types of materials that require customer engagement
- Ordinary packaging such as boxes, stickers, or labels can also stand out among other mail with foil stamping
Prior to creating your artwork, it’s also a good idea to show your printer what you want foiled, as small letters and thin lines may need special attention during the process.
Experience the Difference with Thomas Group Printing
At Thomas Group Printing, we are a fourth generation owned and operated professional printing company in NYC. If you’re not sure whether or not your print job could benefit from foil stamping, we’re here to answer all of your questions and make sure your vision comes off the press looking its best.
Reach out to us today to get started on planning out the details for your next project or to find out more about foil stamping.
