Foil Stamping

Foil stamping involves applying a pigment or metallic foil – usually gold or silver – to paper. Also known as hot foil stamping, since it uses a die heated to around 100°C, it’s a permanent process, and is often combined with embossing to create a striking 3D image. Foil stamping is widely used to give wine labels, stationery, invitations, cigar bands, gift boxes and other luxury items a distinctive look and finish. It’s also often used on bank notes and event tickets to prevent counterfeiting.

The best results are obtained using smooth paper stock surfaces (either gloss or matt uncoated). We need to create line artwork so there’s enough surface area for the foil to fuse with. Decorative artwork, fine scripts and thin type tends to look thicker or bolder in foil stamping and we try to avoid halftone dots and super-thin lines, as these won’t foil as easily. There’s a wide choice of foils and colours available (patterned, fluorescent, holographic, clear, pastel, matte or white). Although they don’t follow the Pantone Matching System, we can usually find something close enough.

At Warren Creative, we love foiling for its craftsmanship and hand-finished process, which produce superb effects that are both visual and tactile. Its blend of modern technology and traditional printing skills make it a highly flexible, truly bespoke medium, and adds a real sense of importance and care to your printed materials. To view more foil stamping examples visit our Pinterest board >