Embossing is a printing technique that creates a raised section or area on paper, cardstock or other substrates (metal, wood, fabric, leather, acrylic). Debossing is the opposite, creating depressions relative to the surrounding area. In the image above, the “Merry” and “Seasons Greetings” are embossed – they are raised relative to the surrounding area. Flipping the cards open, their “insides” show what Debossing can look like.
Embossing and Debossing Technique
Embossing or debossing a printed piece uses a process that occurs after printing is completed. Two metal dies are fabricated, one with the raised design such as the word “Merry” in the photo; and a matching die with the same design recessed instead of raised. The raised die then fits into the recessed die. To create the three dimensional effect on the printed piece you place the piece between the dies then add heat and pressure to push the substrate’s fibers into the depressed area of the die. When the piece cools and dries it will retain the new shape.
Blind Embossing
In the photographed Christmas cards, the embossed areas have inking and foil-stamping to enhance them visually and make them pop. With blind embossing, the outcome is a raised area that doesn’t have color, ink, foil etc. applied. It’s purely a raised or recessed area retaining the color of the substrate. Blind embossing can also retain or not retain the texture of the substrate as embossing can also flatten and smooth a textured substrate or add texture to a smooth substrate, creating contrasting texture rather than contrasting color. Seals such as those used by Notary Publics create the effect of blind embossing.
Combination or Registered Embossing
Blind embossing creates a raised or depressed area without additional embellishments. Combination and Registered embossing adds ink, foil, punching or additional embossed sections into one process, resulting in raised or depressed areas with color, shine and other effects.
Single and Multi-level Embossing
Single level embossing is the simplest (least expensive) form of embossing wherein the paper is raised at only one level. Dies can also be made with dimensional surfaces creating multi-leveled raised areas.
Embossing Makes a Statement
Embossing adds a visual and tactile punch to printed pieces. It obviously increases cost so using it is budget-dependent. But when feasible, embossing or debossing can enhance the impact of your piece.
If you have any questions about embossing or debossing, give us a call at 330-597-8560. We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
