Packaging is transforming into luxury. New techniques are being created and brought up into the realm of the packaging world. Among these techniques, foil stamping is the hot one.
Foil stamping is a printing technique in which a thin material is applied to the surface of the material by using heat and pressure to create metallic visuals for a glittery appearance. This ancient foil-stamping process is rich in its benefits and uses, taking its worth from centuries.
There is still a lot about this stamping process. Let us dive into details of the foil stamping to know more about it, its process, benefits, uses, and advantages over other techniques.
Let’s dive into the article.
What is Foil Stamping?
Foil stamping is a printing technique in which a thin layer of foil is applied to the surface of a material using high pressure and high temperature. Of this, the goosy appearance and shiny look emerge on the material surface.
You must have seen shiny patterns on business cards, invitations, and book covers. The foil can be gold or silver, depending on the layer of foil. The surface can have a matte or glossy finish.
Diving Into History Of Foil Stamping
Foil stamping is as old as ancient Egypt. At these times, artisans would hammer gold into thin sheets and apply them to papyrus (a type of paper made from plants).
In medieval times, foil stamping was used for important documents, royal decrees, and religious texts. Later in the early 1900s, foil stamping evolved to more advanced levels in Europe, particularly in Berlin and England. The new machines were introduced that made the foil stamping process easy and efficient.
How Does Foil Stamping Work?
You now know about foil tamping, but does this process work? This process begins with creating metal plates called dies. The different metal plates or dies have different color. These dies are heated and after making them hot enough then these plates are pressed onto the material with high pressure.
These metal plates bond the foil to the surface.by this, the working process of stamping is completed. For more colors, this process is repeated several times.
The metal plates or dies or made of brass, magnesium, or copper. A single metal plate can be used multiple times.
You can also used embossing and debossing for special visual effects. This will create a raised pattern on the material, creating a 3D pattern or three-dimensional look.
Different Types of Foil
The foil stamping comes in various types. Each type gives a different pattern, different appearance, and different frames. Before diving into foil stamping, learning about these different types of foils is mandatory to use the best one that suits your needs and preferences.
Metallic Foil
The metallic foil is the most common system. This type of foiling gives a shiny, metal-like look, often in gold or silver. Brands use this for creating shiny and luxury appearance in gold or silver color.
Pigment Foil
The other is pigment foil. It is unlike metallic foil, a non-metallic one. This foiling type also comes in many colors. You can add matte or glossy finishes with this type of pigment.
Holographic Foil
It is one of the most luxurious and colorful foiling types. It creates a rainbow-like, 3D effect. Being expensive, it is used only for promotional items to grab attention.
Special Effects Foil
As the name shows, this special effects foil type is used to mimic textures like leather, pearl, or marble. It adds a unique feel to your designs.
Traditional vs. Digital Foil Stamping: What to Choose?
There is no question that digital foil stamping is a much more beneficial option than the traditional method. It gives more color accuracy and an appealing appearance.
The traditional foil stamping method uses metal dies and pressure to apply the foil. If you're using multiple colors, it requires several repetitions before the work is done.
On the other hand, digital foil stamping uses a digital printer to apply the foil. It doesn’t need metal dies or multiple passes to apply several colors or do complex designs. The digital approach makes it faster and more efficient.
Benefits of Foil Stamping For Packaging
Foil stamping has become the cornerstone of custom packaging boxes. Whether it is a normal packaging box or a luxury, the hot foil stamping gives packaging an eye-catching and luxurious style to stand out and display a shiny appearance.
The foil stamping is durable and resistant to scratches and water, making packaging more long-lasting. The stamping works on various materials like paper, plastic, metal, and more. When it comes to paper, corrugated, cardboard, folding cartons, rigid, and others.
Foil stamping achieves both vibrant and subtle effects. You can add glossy or matte finishes. Foiling is not like ink. The color of the foil is not affected by the color of the material as happens in ink methods. It uses light and metallic foils on darker surfaces without losing vibrancy.
Foil stamping is a creative process. You can use a wide range of finishes for branding and packaging using digital and traditional methods. The increased visual appeal and perceived value of products help brands stand out among the sea of products.
Final Words
Foil stamping is the process of craving visuals be it silver gold or metallic materials. It gives a glossy display and branded appearance. Their use is considered a mandatory step for luxury packaging.
Your Box Packaging creates custom boxes in all shapes and styles with custom options such as foil stamping, hot foil stamping, silver foiling, gold foiling, holography, and many more. We offer low-cost, free delivery, and branded services to meet your needs. Get custom foiling boxes for your brand to enhance the product's appeal.
