Foil Stamping 101
After a short break for Christmas and New Year's, we are now back in action and excited for what 2015 may bring. To kick it all off, we have our first instalment in Technique 101 posts - learning the art behind the letterpress.
Foil stamping is also often referred to as foiling, hot foil stamping, hot stamping, foil printing, dry stamping, foil imprinting, leaf stamping or foil stamp design - the many terms used to describe the art of hot foil stamping.
The process of foil stamping involves pressure and heat. A foil stamping dye (metal or polymer) is mounted to a bed of a foil stamping machine and heated. The dye holds the image that is to be foil stamped as a raised image.
Pressure from the machine stamping the dye onto the paper transfers the image + Heat enabling the foils’ pigment or metallic film to be released = a foil stamped image.
Unlike PMS (Pantone Matching System) colours – foils are available in set colours. Contrary to popular belief however, gold and silver are not the only hues obtainable. A full range of colours are available, from tones of golds and silvers, to spectacular shades of coppers, blues, purples, greens, oranges, yellows, reds, pearls, whites and everything in between. Also available are a range of clear and holographic foils. Tones are available in a glossy and matt pigment colours, and compatible with a large range of paper stocks.
The technique is so perfect for an elegant and beautiful invitation - like some of our much-loved wedding invites above!
Check out our special Pinterest board dedicated to all things foiling, and contact us for your very own foil stamped treasure.
