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6 Design Tips for Foil Embossed Business Cards

Posted Apr 13, 2012 in Business Cards, Foil Stamping, Embossing with (0) Comments

As we explored in our blind embossing blog post, embossing refers to creating a 3D image in the paper surface by pressing it between two heated dies — almost like a Panini press. In foil stamping, colored metallic foils are pressed onto the paper using what’s known as a foil die.

Wes-Tex is one of the few printing companies that can combine the two, so that the raised image is highlighted with foil. We use a “stamp and bump” process, applying the foil in the first pass and then embossing on top of the foil.

What sort of results can you expect from foil embossing?

It ranges a lot. You can achieve subtle and delicate effects with a clear foil or light tint applied over a small embossed design element. On the other hand, a wide band of boldly embossed metallic foil can be strong and “in your face.” The design possibilities are wide open!

Helpful hints for your foil embossing on your business cards:

• You can’t fix a bad logo or graphic with foil embossing — in fact, it will only call attention to the troublesome element.
   
• Make sure the art to be foil embossed is slightly thicker than you’d normally use. This will allow for the extra dimensionality.
   
• Rules (lines) to be foil embossed should be at least two points thick.
   
• If the area you wish to emboss with foil includes type, handle with care.
  • When foiled, type generally appears bolder, however, embossing tends to make type seems smaller. For foil embossing, we recommend your type be at least 8 points.
     
  • Avoid fonts with small, fine serifs.
     
  • Highly reflective foils can make type hard to read.
     
  • Also, watch out for kerning or leading too tightly.
     
  • If you have any questions about using type in your design, feel free to contact us!
• It’s sometimes hard to find a foil that exactly matches a PMS ink color. We recommend using the Wes-Tex Color Palette for best results. It includes all of our foil colors as well as a swatch to use to indicate embossed areas in the design, making the entire process simpler and helping ensure optimal results.
   
• Foil embossing can be difficult for customers to visualize. To help set the right expectations, view our online gallery for foil embossing.
   

Next week, we’ll look closer at ink embossing, so stay tuned! And as always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to post them in the comments below or send us an email.

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