Foil Stamping

Here’s how the foil stamping process works:

1. The image to be stamped is made into a stamping die, typically made of magnesium or copper for flat stamping, brass for multi-level, sculptured or combination dies
2. The die is mounted in a press and heated to 170 to 240 degrees F
3. Foil is pulled across the heated surface of the die
4. The paper is pressed to the foil, transferring the pigment from the sheet to the printed piece

There are several variations of foil stamping, some of which include:

- Foil embossing, where the image is both foiled and embossed. 
- Foil embossing can be produced in two separate press passes using two separate dies, or in one pass using a combination die. The embossing can be single level, multiple level or sculptured.

When we mention foil stamping, most people think of shiny metallic foils like gold and silver.  Today foil comes in many color and finish variations of foil, shiny metallic foils, and pigment colors in a variety of finishes including gloss, semi-gloss, and matte, giving printers and customers endless options. 

Embossing

Embossing provides a difference you can feel immediately.

Embossing adds dimension to your printed piece by re-shaping the paper using a specifically crafted die, heat, pressure and a counter. Adding embossing for texture and dimensions can create an appealing contrast to your design.

The dies needed to emboss are made of magnesium, copper or brass and there are many different kinds of embossing dies. They include single-level, multi-level, sculpted, and embossing in combination with foil. Each produces a unique embossing effect.

Blind embossing is another option which involves using the copper, brass or magnesium plate and counter without foil or ink, causing the paper to be raised up or embossed in the shape of the design.

Since embossing produces a dimensional image, the paper used should complement and not compete with the dimension in the printed image. Generally smooth paper stocks lend to embossed designs well. Since embossing produces a dimensional image, the paper used should complement and not compete with the dimension in the printed image.

Specialty Finishes

It’s all about how you finish, and 90% of the look of any project comes from the last 10%.

Ink Fine Printing offers a variety of hand finishing techniques in-house to add just the right touch to compliment your printed piece. Capabilities that set you apart from the rest and make you memorable.

We offer finishing services such as multiple sheet pasting, edge tinting and gilding, corner rounding and beveled edges, scoring, folding, drilling, binding, hand assembly and many others.  Our team will do what it takes to make it work.

Die Cutting

Die cutting involves having a die made in a particular shape. The die is locked up in the press and the paper is run through the press and is cut into the shape of the die. Die makers can shape a cutting die into any pattern or shape to make your print job that much more memorable. Stars, animals, …. not just circles, squares and triangles. Use your imagination.