The basic concept behind foil stamping is simple. The process is achieved when a die is mounted on a platen and heated. Foil is then placed between the die and the material to be imprinted. When the die presses against the foil, the heat releases the coloring layer from the foil and binds it to the end product.

Foil stamping – which also is known as flat stamping, hot stamping, gold stamping, blocking, and leafing – does not produce a raised image. But when it's combined with embossing, as discussed on the next page, it is called foil embossing, or in the industry, combination work. Foil stamping is the only printing process capable of applying bright, non-tarnishable metallic effects to paper, plastic, paper board, and other surfaces.

Foil	Counter	Die	Paper

But foils are not limited to gold and silver, or even metallic finishes. In fact, stamping foil is available in a wide range of colors, finishes, and effects, from marble, snakeskin, imitation leather, pearls, woodgrains, and geometric patterns to holograms, pigments, metallics, and subtle tints, in matte and gloss finishes.

Since ink, paper, die, and color selection are all key elements in the success of an embossed or foil stamped product, it's a good idea to get the foil stamping shop involved in the project at the design level. Before beginning any project involving the use of foil stamping and embossing, it is recommended that you discuss your plans and expectations with your supplier.

Composition of Foil
Most foils for stamping are comprised of five layers:

• A Polyester Film Carrier is used to protect the foil layers and to permit rolling.
• The Release Coat allows the other layers to release from the film carrier upon application of heat and/or pressure.
• The Lacquer, or Color Coat, carries the color tint in the form of dyes or pigments.  Most often this layer is transparent or translucent, which allows the introduction of the metallic layer in metal foils.
• The Metal Coat is generally composed of aluminum to provide the reflective qualities and opacity desired in metallic foils.
• The Adhesive Coat serves to bond the foil to the substrate being stamped.  The printability characteristics of foils are primarily determined in this coat by employing more or less adhesive.

Different foils have different characteristics in terms of durability, scratch resistance, fade resistance, chemical resistance, brittleness, opacity, and adherence, along with color and surface characteristics. And different foil manufacturers produce a number of foils that can vary widely. Even foils that appear the same can have different characteristics that are not immediately recognizable, as they are intended for different applications. Like any other creative medium, these characteristics should be recognized as an opportunity for exploration. Foil characteristics, along with the qualities of the selected paper stock, and the depth and complexity of the artwork and dies, are all variables that will influence the viability of your project.

Foil stamping is an incredibly versatile process that allows you to explore imaging on any number of surfaces to which conventional printing techniques cannot be applied. Your local foil stamping and embossing vendor has the experience to help you determine the best strategy for your project.

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