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Sunday, July 27, 2014

Create Specialty Finishes With Foil Embossing Dies

By Miranda Sweeney


Creating specialty finishes gives items a touch of class and an extra element that helps them to attract attention. Foil embossing dies are used to create metallic, three-dimensional images. There are many items that can be finished in this way, from stationery and certificates to packaging for products.

When designs are raised or depressed, this creates an extra element. In order to raise a design, it is necessary to use a die. It is also important to apply heat and pressure. When the correct amount of heat and pressure are applied, the fibers in the area of the die are raised thus creating a three-dimensional image.

Foiling involves applying foils to an image using heat and pressure. These foils come in a variety of colors although gold and silver are always popular. They are aligned with the image and when heat and pressure are applied, they adhere to it. Sometimes the type of finish on the paper stock used can affect the result of foiling so it needs to be carefully selected.

An image can be embossed and foiled in two separate processes, first the one and then the other. They can also be done together by using a combination die that does the foil stamping and embossing all at once. The type of design, length of the job and various other factors will determine whether one step or two are used.

The type of metal from which a die is made is also important. The type of metal chosen depends upon the intricacy of a design, the size of a job and how many times it may need reprinting. Magnesium ones are inexpensive but they are not that long lasting. If designs have intricate details, a copper die is more suitable. For particularly intricate designs a more expensive brass die may be necessary.

A die can also have different depths. The deepest ones need to have a precise bevel on the edges so as not to cut right through the paper. A die with a single level only changes the paper surface to one level. However, one that is multilevel can produce different levels. There are even those that produce many angles and curves such as a sculptured die.

The type of paper used needs to be carefully considered when using specialty finishes. One need a paper that can stretch, such as a long fibered paper. Textured paper can be used effectively with the smooth, embossed image standing out well. However, a densely flecked paper can obscure an embossed image. The easiest paper to emboss is one that is thick and heavy.

It is possible to add class and distinction to stationery and many other items with images that are foiled and embossed. The dies used to create these effects are available for purchase from online stores. It is important to remember when purchasing such items that having the right die for the right purpose really does matter, even though it may be more costly.




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