From shiny metallics to subtle tints and rich pigments to an array of special effects, foil stamping creates an impressive visual statement.
To ensure your work looks as good as it could be, you need to keep several things in mind.
- Paper selection will have a bearing on successful stamping. Coated surfaces are recommended for fine detail and the shiniest foil surface. Smooth uncoated papers would be the next best surface for fine detail. Pronounced textures require extra pressure that may cause lines to fatten and may also cause the foil to appear dull.
- Small type or fine lines reversed out of a solid stamping area will have a tendency to fill in. Make sure you have adequate line width, usually 1 point or more depending on the paper, to stamp cleanly to prevent bridging of the foil across the gap.
- Just as important is a very narrow line width that can actually etch away creating broken lines. A line width of narrower than ½ point is not recommended.
- Most metallic and pigment foils have sufficient opacity to stamp over printed areas without any ink showing through. This will minimize or eliminate the necessity to reverse or knock out the ink in the stamping area.
- Heat compensation for die expansion can be applied to large or multiple up dies to allow correct fit.