Embossing & Foil Stamped Printing
Blind Embossing, Foil Embossing & Flat Foil Stamping

Blind embossing, foil stamping and foil embossing are used to add extra graphic impact to your stationery, presentation folders, or report and book covers.

All three processes involve a piece of metal known as a die with a reversed image of the desired design. The die is commonly made of magnesium, copper or brass.

If the image is to be embossed, a metal die (female - usually made of brass), and a counter die (male) are required that fit together and squeeze the paper fibers or other substrate. A combination of heat and pressure "irons" the fibers, raising the level of the image higher than the substrate to make it smooth.

Foil stamping is the application of metallic foil (often gold or silver) or pigment to press a thin layer of foil onto the paper's surface with a heated die through heat and pressure. The foil can is pressed onto the paper as a flat image. Flat foil stamping can also be combined with embossing to create a more striking 3-D image.

Blind Embossing is an image pressed into the paper creating a three-dimensional design without the use of ink, foil or pigment. Blind embossing creates a more subtle effect.

Foil Embossing is combining both foil stamping and embossing, either with a foil embossing die or embossing an image that was previously flat foil stamped (known as "stamp and bump").

De-bossing is depressing the image into the paper instead of raising it, De-bossing a lowered image into the paper or other substrate to create a three-dimensional design.

Embossing Tips
Artwork Considerations

The art should be slightly "fatter" than normal. Use a technique, such as a "stroke" in Adobe Illustrator, to compensate for the added 3-D dimension. Use bold type and avoid small serif fonts. Rules (lines) should be at least two points thick.

Synthetic papers Can NOT be used for foil stamping, blind embossing nor foil embossing. This would include clear labels, labels made for outdoor use, and synthetic papers as well.

TSOQ Printing
Your Full-Service Business Printing Company
Graphic Design · Business Printing Services · Catalog Printing · Bindery Services