
Both methods achieve a unique aesthetic appeal, but different projects are better suited for one approach over the other.įor a video comparison of Metallic Ink and Foil Stamping, check out our visual guide below.Print-on-demand (POD) technology has greatly improved in the past few years, and most POD printers are able to offer a number of book (or trim) sizes and bindings. While metallic ink is a uniquely mixed ink that is rolled onto your project similar to CMYK inks, foil stamping applies metallic foil onto your printed paper stock with heat and pressure. To ensure quality, the only limitation we recommend is ensuring your stamped areas are at least 1mm (2.83 Adobe points) in thickness. We do not require a protective layer of lamination atop a debossed foil stamp.

In fact, the process is actually simpler, and because the debossed area is sunken in versus protruding, there are fewer design limitations. Debossingĭebossing can also be coupled with foil stamping to create a stand out cover. All foil stamped or embossed areas in your mask files must be at least 1mm (2.83 Adobe points) thick. If you choose to use a matte lamination on top, your foil stamp may look less shiny than usual, but will remain unscathed by the elements. If you’re foil stamping an area that’s also being embossed, we will automatically add a lamination of your choice (gloss, matte or anti-scratch matte) on top of your cover(s) in order to protect them from scratches and scuffs. Simply request a custom quote and with metallic inks, which works great for gradients. If you’re seeking a gradated or textured metallic effect, however, we’ll be happy to make it happen. The material used for foil stamping is solid, meaning there cannot be any gradients or textures present in your files. Additionally, large areas of foil stamping can scuff over time, so consider placing your foil stamp beneath a gloss, matte, or anti-scratch matte lamination if you intend for your foil design to cover large areas. For this reason, we strongly recommend reserving foil stamping for areas that have a minimum thickness of 1mm. Text or line-work less than 1mm thick (2.83 Adobe points) is not suited for hot foil stamping and could flake off over time. Due to its fragile nature, this option is best-suited for thicker, larger fonts. The material used for foil stamping can be delicate – it’s much thinner than aluminum foil. Instead, remove the printed version of the text or shape from your file and simply use the foil itself.

To prevent an overlapped appearance with the ink, avoid duplicating any printed shapes or texts with foil. The stamping process can cause the placement of the foil to vary slightly from one project to the next by 0-2mm. We also offer holographic foil in many designs, colors, and depths, so you can highlight areas of your project with sensational visual elements. Please also note that complex foil stamping is still restricted to a minimum thickness, so for designs with fine detail consider metallic ink. To get pricing for “Complex” foil stamping please request a custom quote. “Basic” foil stamping must be contained within a 4″ x 4″ area, while a complex option can cover large portions of your covers. How much area, and how complex your foil stamp design is will dictate the cost associated. If you have a specialty option in mind beyond a 4″ x 4″ area in silver or gold foil, simply request a custom quote. To get an estimate for this add-on service, simply check the appropriate box using our quoting calculator. No matter what you have in mind, there are plenty of ways to make your project shine. You can also use multiple foil colors to wow your readers with vivid metallic hues, or add sequential foil numbering to make each piece in your run unique.


To cover larger areas try using metallic ink with small flakes of metal, or make your entire cover from foil using foil stock. As with all of our services, however, there are plenty of custom options available. Our basic foil stamping services include areas up to 4” x 4” in gold or silver. Our expert operators use a heated die to transfer the foil onto a printed or unprinted sheet. As its name suggests, the process employs the use of foil to achieve a metallic finish, usually in gold or silver. With hundreds of custom printing options to choose from, we’re here to make sure your project comes out exactly how you envisioned.ĭo you want to make sure your cover gets noticed amongst other books on the shelf? If so, this is an excellent option for creating some eye-catching visual appeal. Lean more about that team and quote your printing project today! Foil Stampingįoil stamping is an easy way to catch the eyes of consumers. Our customer service team has helped deliver more than seven million pieces to happy customers around the world.
