Create Specialty Finishes With Foil Embossing Dies

By Miranda Sweeney


Specialty finishing techniques provide a unique way of the attracting the attention of potential customers. They add a touch of class to items like certificates, book covers, presentation folders, packaging for products and stationery. Foil embossing dies can be used for this process and they can be bought from many stores today, including those online.

When designs are raised or depressed, this creates an extra element. In order to raise a design, it is necessary to use a die. It is also important to apply heat and pressure. When the correct amount of heat and pressure are applied, the fibers in the area of the die are raised thus creating a three-dimensional image.

Foiling is a process of applying a metallic material to an image. The range of colours and textures of such material available today is huge. The die and the item to be foiled must be positioned accurately. When the heated die presses against the image, the foil which is sandwiched between the two is pressed onto it. Sometimes when heat is applied to foils and the paper being used is coated, heat can release certain gases that cause blistering and bubbling. It may be worthwhile to do a trial run.

Foiling and embossing an image can be done in one step or separately. When using only one step, it takes the right type of die and a perfect combination of heat and pressure to achieve the desired results. Sometimes for a smaller job where the image is only embossed with a single level, a flat stamp die is used for foiling and another die for embossing.

A die can be made of magnesium, copper or brass. The magnesium die is the most affordable. However, it breaks fairly easily and does not produce great results with intricate designs. For jobs of a large size where many reprints may have to be done, it is better to go with copper or brass. If a design is detailed and the paper stock used is heavy and textured, copper or brass are also better. Brass is the most expensive and it used when a job requires sharp bevels or sculpting.

A die can also have different depths. The deepest ones need to have a precise bevel on the edges so as not to cut right through the paper. A die with a single level only changes the paper surface to one level. However, one that is multilevel can produce different levels. There are even those that produce many angles and curves such as a sculptured die.

The choice of paper when using specialty finishes is important as it can have an effect on the end result. A thick, heavy stock is often easiest to use. One that has long fibers is best as stretching needs to take place. Textured paper can be used as the smooth, embossed image stands out nicely from the textured surrounds. However, a densely flecked variety can draw attention away from the embossed image.

It is possible to add class and distinction to stationery and many other items with images that are foiled and embossed. The dies used to create these effects are available for purchase from online stores. It is important to remember when purchasing such items that having the right die for the right purpose really does matter, even though it may be more costly.




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