Foil-stamping is a printing process that applies a thin layer of “foil” over selected areas of a substrate. The foil adds a coat in gold, silver or other colors. The level of shine ranges from matte to gloss. Foil-stamped areas can be combined with other finishes or coatings to create a myriad of elegant effects.
Foil-stamping harkens back to the earliest days of “printing” when gold leaf (made of real gold) was hand-painted onto manuscripts (also made by hand). When printing began to be automated, leather-bound books were often decorated with gold leaf.
These days foil stamp is generally made of tin or aluminum and can be colored, making it more affordable. It is still possible, if you have the budget, to use real gold leaf too.
The Foil-Stamping Process
Foil-stamping requires a die or plate, on which the design is etched. The foil is placed over the substrate to be stamped and the die or plate is then heated and strongly pressed into the foil, bonding the foil to the substrate. Designated areas receive the foil; the rest is trimmed off and discarded.
Foil-stamping can be done using manual stamping machines (for small runs) or air-powered machines (for large runs).
Types of Foil
- Metallic foils mimic the look of metals like gold, silver and copper, as well as metallic looking versions of different colors.
- Pearl foils imparts a subtle sheen over lighter, semi-translucent inks. It does not look metallic.
- Pigment foils add a non-metallic shine to colors, ranging from matte to glossy.
- Holographic foils create a rainbow effect with multiple colors that appear to move as you change position when viewing them.
Using Foil-stamping
Foil-stamping can add a wonderful touch of interest and elegance to your design. Business stationary, packaging, various promotional items and, of course, invitations, are good candidates. Greeting cards of all types are often foil-stamped.
If you have any questions about foil stamping, give us a call at 330-597-8560. We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
