Foil stamping, also called hot foil stamping, is a printing technique that uses heat, pressure, and metal dies to transfer a metallic foil to the material of your choice. This method not only enhances the visual appeal of logos or other designs but also offers an excellent way to add a touch of class and elegance.
When it comes to choosing the appropriate type of foil and die for your project, you should be aware of all the details that might affect its quality. Sometimes, it gets a little mixed up between the different foil stamping methods and the types of foils used in them.
Basically, foil stamping is all about adding that shiny metallic film to the surface, and it all depends on the stamping die. But let’s not forget that those metallic films come in all sorts of colors and finishes, adding even more choices to the mix!
How Does It Work?

Hot stamping, a method developed in the late 19th century, is now commonly used to make products more attractive and valuable. It involves using a thin colored film called foil, which is applied to the product using heat. The color is on a clear film that transfers it to the product. The foil also has colored particles and a heat-activated adhesive to stick them to the product’s surface, enhancing its appeal across various box dimensions.
Embossing & spot UV and foil stamping can be done on various types of paper, but it works best on smooth surfaces rather than textured ones.
This method of printing is all about applying the appropriate amount of heat and pressure to the product to ensure that the foil printing is done properly. You can do this manually or pneumatically with an air compression machine.
As compared to the old methods, when people used to use literal gold leaves, modern methods are much easier and cheaper to take advantage of. The contemporary process uses efficient die-cut machines and the process involves the following steps:
- A custom die is made according to the desired design. It could either be calligraphy that contains any of your brand’s information or a design like your logo or a pattern.
- After this, the surface to be stamped is placed under the stamping machine with a thin layer of foil above it.
- The die is pressed down on the foil with a combination of heat and pressure to transfer the foil onto the surface.
- This will leave a beautiful impression of the die on the surface, and the extra foil will be dusted off to reveal clean and crisp details.
Types of Foil Stamping
The process mainly involves 4 types that are based on the finish you want and what type of product you want to use it on.
Flat Foil Stamping

The most common and widely used method is flat stamping, where the metal stamp transfers the foil to the surface of your substrate. This type gives an embossed effect that is slightly raised from the surface. In this process, magnesium and copper stamps are used to give a different type of impression.
Round-flat foil Stamping

Here, you have a combination of flat counter plates with cylinders in the machine. The pressure is applied horizontally across the cylinders to transfer the foil directly onto the surface of the substrate, leaving the impression.
Round-Round Foil Stamping

This technique refers to the process that is used in printing presses, where the foil, along with the printing substrate, is passed through two cylinders with pressure applied to create the impression. This method is used for intricate designs and delicate impressions.
Types of Foils Used
You can even have the option to choose your desired type of foil to get the outcomes you want. In the industry, the following types of foils are mainly used.
- Metallic foils like gold, silver, and copper
- Pigmented foils come in solid colors, giving you an edge to make it matte or glossy.
- Holographic foils give your product a 3D effect every time you look at it from a different angle.
- Pearlescent foils give the product a glow-in-the-dark effect or a soft, shimmery look.
- Patterned foils are either in geometrical shapes or even floral patterns.
- Textured foils are trendy because of their leathery look or even because of their wooden texture.
Benefits of Foil Stamping

When opting for stamping foils, you are essentially choosing a type of printing technique that helps you add a metallic sheen to your product. The easy answer to the question of ‘what foil stamping does’ is that it will elevate the visual aesthetics of the product. Additionally, it has multiple benefits, such as
- Beyond aesthetics, hot stamping is a more efficient way than any other printing technique to achieve high-quality and long-lasting influence.
- The versatility of foil stampers is undeniable, as they can be used on a range of materials, from leather and fabric to paper and plastic.
- If the die-cut is properly designed, you will have more precise and accurate stamping, allowing you to create custom shapes and designs.
Applications of Foil Stamping
Foil stamp printing has gained popularity among businesses of all sizes because of its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and numerous benefits. The minor details of the custom die create major impressions on the products that are being stamped. Some of its common applications are:
- Promotional products like business cards, pens, letterheads, brochures, etc.
- Luxury packaging like gift boxes, cosmetic boxes, jewelry boxes, and occasional themed boxes.
- Labels like the ones on apparel or in food packaging.
Here, we also have the choice to choose the material of the dies, such as brass, magnesium, or copper, to get the desired result. This technique is not only versatile in terms of its application but also in the material it can be applied to. From mylar bags to rigid boxes and corrugated boxes, printing on foil paper is highly recommended.
Wrapping Up!
Captivating the attention of designers, consumers, and printers, foil printing is one of the most creative ways to present your brand’s image. After being used for decades, this printing technique has undergone several changes and improvements and is still evolving. Among every other printing technique, the type of printing with foil is the one that has the most creative opportunities and results in a luxurious look with limited resources.