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").

Debossing is depressing the image into the paper instead of raising it, debossing 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.

For more detailed information on embossing, visit Capital Press

Graphic Connection is a freelance graphic design studio based in Lee's Summit, Missouri. We make creative ideas "come to life" in print and on the world wide web.

The first step in the design process is to discuss what your project goals are and the audience you are trying to reach. Once I have a feel for who you are and what you do, we can begin looking for ways to communicate your message visually.

As a freelance graphic designer with "on hands" experience in a commercial printing facility, I offer many advantages which can save your company both time and money when it comes to printing a graphic design project.

To see some of sample websites or graphic designs in my portfolio click here.
For a price quote on a design project click here.

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