Foil Printing – What It Is And The Best Applications
Foil printing is often that little something extra that elevates everyday, run-of-the-mill marketing material from something okay-ish into something truly striking and memorable. In short, it is a very easy way to dial up the sophistication on any printed product. Here is a little more information about foil printing and the myriad uses thereof:
What is Gold Foil Printing
Hot foil stamping is a speciality printing process that combines heat, pressure and foil to create shiny graphics on printed materials. It works by way of a heated die, which causes the metallic paper to stick to the surface below it in the design of the die itself. Gold and silver foils are the most popular, but there are many other options that include a near-limitless selection of colours, as well as extra-special finishes like pearlescent and holographic sheens.
Foil Pressed Printing Methods
Let’s start by explaining what foil printing is not.
Although foil printing is often referred to as ‘foil stamping‘ it’s important to note that it is a completely different method than standard ‘stamping printing‘. A ‘stamping printer‘ is a very low-tech stamp made of wood or metal, featuring a pattern or group of letters on one side. It is pressed onto a pad of ink and then onto the paper to produce a mark, which is also called a stamp.
Similarly, ‘printing on foil‘ also differs from foil printing. Although the two terms seem closely related from a semantic point of view, printing on foil refers to the process of applying ink to a sheet of foiled paper, so it’s a little different to the heat-applied method that we’re referring to.
In terms of actual foil printing, there are two main types:
- Hot foil stamping. This process involves the application of the foil finish on paper using traditional hot foil stamping machines and custom shaped heat plates that press the foil into the paper’s surface by means of debossing (an indentation in the paper).
- Digital foil printing. This process involves printing the design directly from a computer file, which results in a smooth surface rather than a debossed or embossed one. It is very cost-effective because it is so much easier to produce.
Impressive Uses of Foil Printing
Foil printing can be used to great effect in a variety of interesting and innovative ways. This includes:
- Foil business cards, that immediately make a strong, classic statement about any enterprise or business professional.
- Foil label printing that offers food manufacturers and wineries the opportunity to let their product stand out on the shelf among the rest of its competitors.
- Custom foil prints that can be used for artistic expression in countless ways.
- Custom foil sticker applications that can be added to existing labels to indicate newly received consumer rewards, etc.
- Custom foil greeting cards that can add a touch of sophistication to seasonal gift drop-offs, etc.
Foil Printing Prices
Foil printing prices vary according to the type of product, the intricacy of the design and the volume of printed goods ordered. It is always best to ask for a custom quote in this regard. Reach out to your preferred printer to get detailed cost breakdowns and more information about their foil printing processes.
