Here Are the Many Applications of Hot Foil Stamping.
Roll labels and paper labels with hot foil stamping stand out from the competition and capture customers’ attention.
This finish is popular in the wine, cosmetics and high-end food sectors. Hot stamping gives labels a special texture that reflects light, creating a unique visual effect. In addition, hot foil can be combined with many other finishes, allowing you to achieve a unique and refined end result. Choosing high-quality custom hot stamping labels means securing a distinctive and memorable product. However, there are some key aspects to consider:
With hot foil stamping, fine details that create visual and tactile contrasts can be achieved in an elegant and subtle way. In the online calculator, first select parameters such as quantity and material, then choose the most suitable hot foil.
How Does Hot Foil Stamping Work?
When labels are embellished with hot foil stamping, a very thin foil is applied to the surface at the desired locations. These foils, colored or metalized, are applied to the label by special equipment and the use of heat. Almost all of our label materials are compatible with hot stamping. We offer a wide range of hot foils that can be combined to give free rein to your creativity. Among these you will find foils:
- Metallic or transparent
- Matte or glossy
- Gold, silver and holographic
- Copper, bronze and rose gold
- Colors pink, red, orange, blue, green
- And many more on request!
Hot Foil Stamping: Creating Print-Ready Files
To ensure correct print files for hot foil stamping, it is important to consider several technical aspects. Our artwork service is at your disposal to verify and optimize your files – just select the most suitable package.
Alternatively, you can download our free guidelines on preparing print files. Keep in mind that elements and characters must be at least 0.2 mm thick, and blanks and negative elements must be at least 0.4 mm thick. If you have any doubts about creating the correct print files, check out our tutorials.
Perfect Print Files in Minutes
Want to create print files for your hot foil labels yourself? Our tutorials will guide you step by step! We have collected videos, text and images that explain in detail how to properly prepare files for hot foil stamping.
We will guide you step by step in setting up the hot foil correctly in your label file. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Create a spot color
- Set the spot color to overprint.
- Verify colors by previewing separations
In the tutorial, hot foil is shown with an example in gold, but it can also be made in other colors. The important thing is to create the foil as a spot color, assign it the name Foil, and set it to Overprint.
Note: Slight deviations may occur during hot foil application. If elements are printed as edges, it is possible that their position may change slightly during production. Also, on textured materials, very thin elements may be further thinned.
Production, Pressure and Material
Hot foil stamping is achieved by combining a custom-made tool, the use of heat and pressure. The same embosser is reused several times to apply the film to the label surface at the desired locations. At etichetta.it, the standard embossing tool is made of magnesium, but a brass tool is also available upon request.
The use of the tool may result in production-related variations, which means that, printed elements may not be positioned with absolute precision. In addition, pressure affects the appearance of the foil: larger elements require more pressure than smaller ones. When a hot foil design contains elements of different sizes, results may vary. In these cases, it is recommended to produce multiple tools, so each element can be printed with the best pressure.
The material also affects the result. For example, if hot foil is used on a large surfaces with minute details, swelling or tearing may occur in the foil. Also, colored foils are often thinner and not always suitable for textured materials, such as cotton paper. We will be happy to advise you on your choice! We recommend that you request a print proof to ensure that your label has the desired appearance.
Magnesium vs. brass
A magnesium implant is a cost-effective solution in the short term and ensures sharp edges. In comparison, the brass implant, although more expensive, is ideal for filigree elements that require precise printing. In addition, the brass implant is more durable, can be reused many times, and is more economical and sustainable in the long run.
Do You Want a Print Proof?
We will produce a small quantity of your hot foil labels in original printing conditions. Take advantage of our proofing service to check the result and make sure everything meets your expectations!
Choosing the Right Material
At etichetta.it we offer a wide selection of materials for printing your custom labels, ideal for hot foil stamping. Whether you choose a paper or plastic material, you will find several options to suit your needs. In addition, we offer sustainable solutions without compromising aesthetics or functionality. If you need a specific material, contact us! etichetta.it offers the perfect solution for every application. Upon request, we can unlock the desired materials in the online calculator.
and the appropriate stickers
Depending on the application of hot stamping labels, specific adhesive properties may be required. We offer among others:
- Labels with permanent adhesive
- Removable labels
- Frozen food labels
Free Samples …
Request a free sample book today! You’ll find lots of design ideas, helpful hints and pre-printed labels to test directly on your products. This way you can evaluate not only the look and texture of our materials, but also the print quality and adhesiveness.
Try first, then order! If you wish to test films, substrates and materials, our free sample book is an ideal choice. Alternatively, we can prepare a custom sample folder upon request. Contact us at +39 06 94803980 or by e-mail at info@etichetta.it.
Hot Foil Stamping with 3D Effect?
If you combine hot foil stamping with embossing, you get relief embossing, considered the queen of finishing. Through the combination of embossing and hot foil, the finished elements are uniquely highlighted, creating a striking 3D effect that is visible and perceptible to the touch.
The material is shaped at the desired point with an embossing machine and then finished with a hot foil. Blind embossing does not involve the application of color, but is distinguished by partial deformation of the material.
etichetta.it specializes in relief embossing, which gives labels a tangible contour, enhancing them both visually and tactually. The difference in height creates a fascinating play of light and shadow, making labels even more attractive.
Only classic hot foil stamping is available in our online calculator. If you would like to apply relief embossing or blind embossing, please contact us and we will be happy to help!
Metallic Labels as an Alternative
In addition to paper or film labels with hot foil stamping, we also offer labels printed on metallic materials, a cheaper but equally impactful solution.
Hot Foil Stamping Laboratory
To help you better evaluate our hot foils and test their appearance on your product, we have included in our free sample book a page with several examples of shapes and silver hot foils.
Additional Protection for Your Labels
Finishes are not only an aesthetic element; they can also offer additional protection! Options include matte or gloss protective varnishing and protective lamination. Protective varnish not only enhances the appearance of the label, making it more elegant and eye-catching, but also protects it from everyday wear and tear. Its characteristics should be adapted to the label material and the hot foil: for example, for a glossy hot foil, we recommend an equally glossy protective varnish. Protective lamination (or film lamination), on the other hand, does not involve the application of a varnish, but of a transparent film that protects the label from the most intense abrasion.
Both finishes can be combined with hot foil and provide your label with extra protection against external impacts.
Don’t Have a Design Yet?
No problem! Our free sample book will help you get ideas and offer a dose of inspiration. If you still need support after this step, our graphic designers are at your disposal! Our design service will create your custom label: a graphic designer will work with you to create the perfect look for your hot foil label.
Shipping and Processing
Hot foil stamping custom labels may seem like a long process, but it doesn’t have to be! At etichetta.it, the production time and delivery time are always displayed in the online calculator. In some cases, you can select express production to receive your labels even faster. Keep in mind that any delays may be caused by incorrect print files or the need to produce an ad hoc tool. We also offer several shipping options to fit your needs.
The next step after the production and delivery of your high-quality hot foil labels is their application, which can be done automatically, semi-automatically or manually. For proper labeling of roll labels, it is essential to know and specify the winding direction.
How to Proceed Now?
For more information about our finishes, visit our overview page. In addition to hot foil, we offer other options such as blind embossing, relief embossing and digital spot varnish.
In the online calculator, you can easily configure your custom hot foil labels in just a few steps. Contact us at +39 06 94803980 or by e-mail at info@etichetta.it.
Useful resources and services
Order a print proof
Would you like to see your design printed on a specific material or test different colors before going to print with your order?
Print file guidelines
Ensure you upload print-ready files to speed up the production of your labels.
Design Service
Don't have a design for your labels yet or simply want to give your labels a makeover? With our Design Service, our designers will create your label design based on your needs.