ENHANCE YOUR PROJECTS
Foil Stamping
Foil stamping refers to the application of metallic material using either heat or pressure. It’s certainly a luxurious printing finish, and it goes a long way to adding visual interest and texture to your printed design.
Foil stamping is often used for logos, but it can also be used for text.
Embossing
Is when you raise a logo or other image to create a 3D graphic. This raised design is achieved by pushing a metal die into paper, card stock (or other chosen material) from underneath. The raised area can then have ink or foil applied to it for added effect or it can be left unprinted or unfoiled (i.e. known as a blind emboss).
Debossing
Is the opposite of embossing as you are creating an indent in the material you are using. A metal die is stamped onto the front of the material you are using causing depressions that leave a (debossed) imprint of the image on your paper, card stock (or other chosen material). You can choose to leave the debossing as it is (i.e. known as a blind deboss) or you can fill the indentation with ink.
Die Cutting
Die-cutting is a process used to cut a flat piece of paper into a specific shape using a steel cutting die. It can be used to punch out a decorative shape or pattern to incorporate within a larger piece, or it can be used to create the main shape of an object by cutting the entire sheet of paper in a distinct/designed way.
Spot UV
Spot UV is a clear gloss coating applied to paper or card stock which draws your attention to a particular design aspect by adding depth and definition to the printed surface. Spot UV creates a contrast between two elements by making one part of the design shimmer and reflect the light whereas the uncoated area remains matt or flat.
Spot UV is when a varnish is “cured” or hardened using an ultraviolet light. Traditionally, a design will be printed, then a matt cello glaze (a thin plastic coating) is applied to the printed card. Next, a liquid varnish is applied to a “spot” on the design. Finally, a UV (ultraviolet) light cures the varnish. The curing makes the varnish solidify and makes the distinctive glossy finish.
