Create Arresting Finishes With Foil Embossing Dies

By Miranda Sweeney


Today, it requires something special to attract the attention of customers. Using specialty finishing techniques to give a job extra class is one way to do this. Foil embossing dies are available today that can transform certificates, stationery, presentation folders, pocket folders, product packaging and many other items.

When an image is embossed, this means that it is raised from the surrounding areas. A die is used for this process and heat and pressure are necessary. Different quality results are produced depending on the type of die used as well as the consistency of heat and pressure applied.

Foiling is another process that offers the option of integrating a special metallic effect. Foils come in gold, silver and many other colors too. Heat is required for the transfer of foils to paper and for the process to work, the foils and images have to be precisely aligned. Certain paper finishes work better than others and a waxed or coated paper may affect the end result.

It is possible for foiling and embossing to be accomplished in two steps or in one single step, depending on the dies used. For a simple image with a single level emboss, an etched flat stamp die may be used for the foiling and another die for the embossing. It is also possible to use a combination die which does both. There are many factors, such as registration, that are born in mind when deciding to do the process in one or two steps.

The type of metal from which a die is made is also important. The type of metal chosen depends upon the intricacy of a design, the size of a job and how many times it may need reprinting. Magnesium ones are inexpensive but they are not that long lasting. If designs have intricate details, a copper die is more suitable. For particularly intricate designs a more expensive brass die may be necessary.

The depth and shape of a die are chosen according to the nature of work to be done. A single level die only changes the paper surface at one level. A multilevel one works on a number of levels. A sculptured die is necessary for an image with curves, angles and depths. Very deep dies have beveled edges to prevent cutting through the paper.

The type of paper stock used for such a job can also affect the final result. Long fibered paper stretches best, creating a crisp, deep emboss. A textured paper often produces an impressive emboss as it smooths the textures on the image making it contrast the surrounding texture. A dense concentration of flecks on the stock can lessen the impact of an embossed image. The thicker and heavier the stock, the easier it will emboss.

A raised three-dimensional image in color, particularly metallic color, really stands out from the competition. It is not difficult to purchase a die to suit a particular project and these can even be bought from online stores. Using the right die for the right product can produce an affordable, impressive end result.




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