An Added Touch: Relief Embossed Labels
Compared to traditional labels without special processing, those with relief embossing immediately catch the eye. This finish catches a potential customer’s eye and is rightfully considered the queen of finishes. Relief embossing is widely used in wine labels, cosmetic labels, liquor labels and other luxury products.
What makes relief embossing special is the partial deformation of the label material, further enhanced by foil coating. You can highlight lettering, logos, textures or abstract shapes – creativity knows no limits! This technique combines blind embossing with hot foil stamping, resulting in a unique 3D effect that gives the label that extra touch that makes all the difference.
No hot embossing option is available in our online calculator. If you would like to learn more or request a custom quote, please call us at +39 06 94803980 or by e-mail at info@etichetta.it.
How Does Relief Embossing Work?
When you apply relief embossing to your labels, you create a deformation on the label surface at the points you wish to highlight. These points are then finished with a hot foil. You use a special tool, heat and pressure to achieve this effect.
At etichetta.it, your embossed labels acquire a three-dimensional shape and tangible contour. There are two variants: positively deformed (embossing) and recessed (debossing). We focus exclusively on the former.
The intensity of embossing depends on the type of embossing equipment and the thickness of the material. Remember that relief embossing can only be done on paper and not on film.
Relief Embossed Labels: Correct Print Files
To make perfect embossed labels, it is essential to pay attention to several technical details when preparing the printing files. Not sure how to do it? No problem: our print file artwork service is ready to help you! With the Premium package, tailored to your needs, we take care of creating or adapting print files for your relief embossed labels.
During the design phase, keep in mind that the elements and characters to be embellished with relief embossing on your roll labels must be at least 0.4 mm thick, and the blanks and negative elements must be at least 0.6 mm thick.
Become a Print File Professional
Do you want to create the print files for your embossed labels yourself? We invite you to use the following tools:
- Guidelines for print files
- Checklist to verify the correctness of data
- Template for creating print files
Production, Pressure and Material
Brass tools, combined with heat and pressure, are used to achieve relief embossing. The embosser is applied several times to achieve the desired deformation and properly secure the film.
Variations possible during production: in some cases the embossed elements may be slightly misaligned. Also, the pressure applied affects the final appearance of the embossed foil of your roll labels. Larger elements require higher pressure than smaller ones. If a single tool has details of different sizes, the final result may be uneven. In these cases, we recommend using multiple tools to ensure ideal pressure on each element.
Material-related effects: when embossing on large surfaces with particularly fine cutouts, some materials may experience shrinkage or cause tears in the film. Colored foils, which are thinner than other types of foils, are not the best choice for textured substrates such as cotton paper. The extent of the embossed area deserves special attention: areas that are too large can compromise definition, attenuating the three-dimensional effect. Whatever your needs, we are here to advise you on the most suitable solution!
Do You Want to Give It a Try?
Upon request, we will produce a small quantity of your relief embossing labels for you, using the same printing conditions as for the final production. Contact us by phone at +39 06 94803980 or by e-mail at info@etichetta.it.
Take advantage of the proofing service to check any features or variations. You will also be able to test the material, quality and adhesiveness of your labels.
Materials and Adhesives for Labels with Relief Embossing
In our online calculator you can choose from different materials. However, relief embossing is only possible on paper labels. We have the most suitable papers available to make your embossed labels perfectly tailored to your needs. Does your custom embossed label need to withstand moisture or particularly low temperatures? Depending on the intended use of the labels, choosing the right adhesive is crucial. We offer you, among other options:
- Labels with permanent adhesive
- Labels with removable adhesive
- Frozen food labels
If you would like to evaluate the materials and adhesive strength for your embossed label in advance, we recommend that you request our free sample book.
Try Before You Buy!
Request your free sample book today. You will find plenty of design inspiration and helpful practical tips there. The book also includes pre-printed labels that you can apply directly to your products, so you can test the materials, films and adhesives best suited for relief embossing yourself.
Do you prefer a custom sample book? Upon request, we prepare custom samples according to your needs. Call us at +39 06 94803980 or contact us by e-mail at info@etichetta.it.
Embossed Labels: Alternatives, Possibilities and Extras
By combining hot foil stamping with blind embossing, relief embossing is achieved. In this process, the material is deformed at the desired point by an embossing tool and then embellished with a hot foil.
Hot foil stamping: If you prefer to do without the 3D effect or deformation of the material for your custom labels, but still want to enhance the label with the foil effect, hot foil stamping is the ideal solution.
Blind embossing: if you want an elegant and minimalist design, blind embossing is the perfect solution; it only enhances with the partial deformation of the material, without the use of foil!
Finishes always generate a fascinating play of light and shadow, resulting in a truly stunning visual effect. Of course you can combine different finishing options on your label. Only hot foil stamping is available in our online calculator. If you would like to add relief embossing or blind embossing to your labels, please contact us. We will be happy to help!
Metallic Labels
For your embossed and hot foil roll labels, we use a hot foil that can be matte or glossy and, at your choice, colored or transparent. It’s not just the hot foil that creates a special metallic effect, though. In addition to embossed paper labels or hot foil labels, you can also choose our metallic labels. This solution is a cheaper alternative to hot foil stamping. Remember that you cannot do embossing with metallic labels.
Special Protection for Your Labels with Relief Embossing
To best protect your labels, you can choose between film lamination and protective varnish. Protective lamination is a transparent film that is applied to the label, while protective varnishing is a liquid substance that covers the surface of the material and dries. Due to the typical deformation of relief embossing, you cannot apply protective lamination.
Relief embossing can be combined exclusively with protective varnish. This finish gives the surface of your label an even more valuable appearance and protects it from abrasion. It is important that you choose a protective varnish that is compatible with your label material. For example, if you opt for a glossy hot foil, we recommend that you combine it with a glossy protective varnish.
The Perfect Design
Don’t have a design for your label with relief embossing and film lamination yet? We’ll help you create the perfect label! Get inspired by our free sample book. In addition, our experienced design team will provide you with valuable advice on designing your labels. Our design service is here to help you create the perfect look of your relief embossed label.
Manufacturing, Shipping and Labeling
Making custom embossed labels may seem like a lengthy process, but it doesn’t have to be. Our optimized processes allow us to offer you fast production and on-time delivery. If we already have embossing equipment available, you can take advantage of our express production service to receive your labels even faster. Remember: any delays may be due to incorrect print files. We also offer several shipping options for you to choose from.
After your high-quality relief embossed labels are produced and delivered, you will need to take care of labeling, which can be done automatically, semi-automatically, or manually. Remember: for relief embossed roll labels, it is essential to specify the correct winding direction in advance, so you can ensure perfect labeling.
How to Proceed Now?
If you would like to learn more about the different finishes available, please visit our overview page. In addition to relief embossing, you can also choose from other finishing options such as hot foil stamping, blind embossing, and digital spot varnishing. If you can’t find the finish you need for your roll labels in the calculator, contact us! We will be happy to help you. You can call 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.