This Is What Foil Stamping Is All About
In foil stamping, also called hot foil stamping or foil printing, foil is applied to another material to achieve an aesthetic finish. Heat and pressure create foil stamps with unique printed designs, similar to embossing or debossing.
In foil stamping, heat, pressure, and metal are combined to create unique designs and optical effects.
Metal foils, like gold and silver, are usually used, but any color can be used. Foil rolls, like paper, can have matte and glossy finishes.
A Brief History of Foil Stamping
Gold was beaten with a hammer until it became extremely thin, then applied to papyrus to add luster in ancient Egypt.
It was a labor-intensive process reserved for the highest-quality written records. Gold leaf was common in royal and religious texts, even at the beginning of recorded history.
After the printing press was invented, foil stamping used handset lettering or custom-engraved dies. Since the process was so advanced, it was only used in literary works and book covers.
For example, the gold text on a book cover had to be printed and assembled on a custom-engraved die, one letter at a time. Stamped metallic foil sheets on the book cover were printed in the press after the text and die were assembled.
Foil printing was invented in the early 1900s. In the late 1800s, a Berlin master bookbinder invented hot-stamped foils. In England, atomized gold was used on polyester film. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the song remained popular.
Foil Stamping Is Used In Print And Packaging.
The technique of foil stamping, commonly known as hot foil stamping, is similar to letterpress and engraving, in which pressure is used to apply color to paper.
Once the design is finalized, metal plates are meticulously created for each color foil. Heat is then applied to the dies, sealing the foil to the paper or packaging material. The press is then run multiple times, each applying color with precision and care.
For a raised or embossed effect, another die can be used.
As you consider foil stamping, you should consider how your choices about matte or gloss lamination, embossing and debossing, and UV coating will affect the overall appearance of your packaging.
Foil Types Are Commonly Used In Foil Stamping
Different types of foil can be used to give packaging different optical effects, including:
Foil With Metallic Properties
This type of foil is likely what comes to mind when you think of foil stamping. Metallic foil, also called metalized foil, can achieve a shiny, metal-style look. An elegant touch can be added with gold or silver foil class luxury.
Foil Pigment
Metalized foil has a metallic appearance, whereas pigment foil doesn't. Various colors and glossy or matte finishes are available, making them eye-catching or adding a touch of softness and luxury.
Foil Holographic
These types of holographic foils can create 3D rainbow effects. You've probably seen this type of foil at work in promotional materials or on collectibles such as baseball cards.
Pearl foil, effects foil, and scratch-off foil are less commonly used but have well-known uses, such as wedding invitations and lottery tickets.
Stamping With Foil In The Traditional Manner
As you now understand the different types of foil stamping, let's move on to the actual methods.
Traditional foil stamping and digital foil stamping are two ways to stamp foil.
When traditional foil stamping is used, a metal plate is edged with the design. Unlike regular dies, this metal plate is used for foiling. It functions similarly to a rubber stamp. Between the die and the surface below it, a layer of the foil you want to use is placed. By pressing the die down onto the surface, the foil bonds to the metal plate in the shape of the design.
To create a design using multiple foil colors, foiling dies need to be made for each color, and the packaging material needs to be run through the machine several times (once for each color).
In addition, you can apply other effects to the foil stamping during this time, such as an embossed edge or a raised look, so that the final product stands out visually and tactilely.
Stamping With Digital Foil
Like traditional foil stamping, digital foil stamping uses adhesive foil to adhere the design to the surface instead of pressure to bond the design to the packaging design with a metal die. Multiple passes into the printer are not required for packaging designs that use numerous foil colors or patterns.
Since both methods can be used to create the type of effects you want on your packaging, neither is necessarily better than the other. We would be happy to answer your questions about the specifics of different foil stamping processes and are glad to elaborate and help you decide the best fit for you.
The Benefits Of Foil Stamping
Using foil stamping on retail packaging offers several benefits.
Your packaging will most definitely make your product stand out. Metallic or colored foil can add an eye-catching touch of brilliance and beauty to any package.
The packaging can take on a whole new level of sophistication if you combine that with other effects like raised or embossed designs.
Furthermore, foil stamping offers a wide range of applications. Beyond metallic lettering, numerous other options are available, each with its unique appeal. Hot foil stamping resists moisture and scratches and can be used with different types of stock, from corrugated boxes to folding carton boxes, while retaining its luster. The possibilities are endless, and we're excited to explore them with you.
Hot foil stamping stands out because of the bright and eye-catching gloss foil stamping or the more subdued matte stamping.
Can You Imagine Your Packaging With The Added Allure Of Foil Stamping?
It's a sure way to make your product stand out. Is your packaging ready for this transformation? If you love the allure and uniqueness of hot foil stamping and want to refine your packaging using this time-honored tradition, contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and consultation.
At Luxury Custom Boxes, our team of experts boasts years of experience and knowledge in using foil stamping and printing to create various packaging products. This ensures that your products' packaging captures and conceptualizes your brand, message, and mission, instilling confidence in our ability to meet your needs.
Use our extensive experience to enhance your product packaging with exquisite hot foil stamping. To captivate your audience and persuade them to take action, use other types of printing customers to buy. With thousands of large and small brands relying on our expertise, we can help them with all their packaging needs.
Need help choosing a design? We have a packaging glossary of terms, so feel free to ask. We have a variety of talented artists on staff who can capture your vision and convey what you want your brand to represent. We can show you how premium packaging can transform your business. Get in touch with us today to learn more about working together.
