A brand mark
Design direction
A simple, recognizable logo gives the metallic finish a clear purpose. Leave small supporting information in ordinary print.
What to send us
Share a vector logo and identify the foil area separately.
NEW ERA PRINT SOLUTIONS · MISSISSAUGA
Foil Stamping
Metallic shine for logos, names and statement details. Traditional hot foil stamping uses a heated die to transfer foil onto a suitable printed surface.
THE PROCESS, UP CLOSE
Watch foil stamping in action
Watch how foil is transferred to the paper. The guide below explains how to plan a logo, title or decorative detail for the die and stock.
TAKE A CLOSER LOOK
Design around the metallic focal point
Hot foil uses a die, heat and pressure to transfer a metallic or specialty film. The shine changes as the light moves across it. Try the effect on a clear logo, open pattern or larger title, with space around the foil detail.
What to notice
- Foil reflects light differently from printed colour.
- A conventional foil transfer is flatter than a raised-foil effect.
- A separate foil design makes its position and coverage clear.
Illustrative design concept, not a print proof.
Plan the details that matter
An invitation motif
Design direction
A metallic border or botanical detail can frame the wording. Balance reflective areas with the paper and the rest of the suite.
What to send us
Confirm your stock, motif, foil colour and any embossing or debossing requirement.
A cover title
Design direction
Use foil to highlight the title or logo on a folder, booklet cover or presentation piece.
What to send us
Show folds, trim and other finishes so the die and production sequence can be reviewed.
Use this guide to plan your idea. We’ll check the paper, artwork and finishing details before confirming the job.
Will a photograph show the actual foil colour?
Only approximately. Lighting, viewing angle and screen settings affect the appearance. Review a physical foil reference when selecting a colour or sheen.
Can a design use foil and embossing together?
Some designs can combine them, but alignment, tooling, stock and detail must be considered together. Include both treatments in the specification instead of assuming one includes the other.
BEFORE YOU PRINT
Choose where the foil should stand out
Choose a logo, title or pattern to highlight, and leave enough space around it for the foil to stand out.
Logo or monogram
Leave clear space around the logo. Send fine lines, tight gaps and small openings in letters for review; their suitability depends on the paper and die, not how sharp they look on screen.
Title or greeting
Try foil on a short cover title, seasonal greeting or name in larger type. Keep paragraphs, dates and other practical details in printed ink so they’re easy to read.
Border or repeated motif
A simple border can frame a design, but placement needs careful registration. Review corners, nearby trim and any scores before approving the final artwork.
Choose the right finish
Gold and silver foil
Classic metallic highlights for business cards, wedding invitations and cover titles.
Specialty foil finishes
Ask about coloured, pearlescent and holographic options for your design and stock.
Repeat branding
A retained die may be reusable when artwork, size and production requirements remain suitable.
Where foil stamping works
- Business cards and stationery: emphasise a logo while keeping contact details in readable printed ink.
- Holiday cards and invitations: use foil on a greeting, monogram or border.
- Pocket folders, packaging and booklet covers: highlight the identity or cover title with a deliberate focal point.
How the process differs
Traditional hot foil uses a custom die and heat. Raised digital foil creates a different tactile result using digitally controlled embellishment. Choose the process by the desired feel, stock, artwork and quantity, rather than treating every gold accent as the same finish.
Artwork and mask preparation
- Supply the full-colour print PDF and a separate, clearly named vector mask for each finish and side. Keep the same dimensions and position in every file.
- Use solid 100% black (C0 M0 Y0 K100) on white for the finish mask. Avoid shadows, glows and grey values unless NEPS has approved a special setup.
- Outline fonts, embed print images and follow the job-specific bleed and safe-area template. Identify front and back explicitly.
- Include a composite reference showing the intended result. Ask us whether foil-only or blind-emboss elements should appear in the print PDF; do not remove underlying print artwork without confirming the intended effect.
- Ask NEPS to approve line weights, type size, spacing, edge clearance and stock before committing to production.
Finishing examples
Questions before you order
Does foil need to be metallic?
Foils can have different colours and surface effects. Send the desired appearance or a physical reference; the available foil and its compatibility with your stock must be confirmed.
Can I reuse a foil die on a later order?
A retained die may be reusable if the artwork, size and production setup remain suitable. Confirm this when reordering; a changed logo or scale can require a new die.
How does hot foil differ from raised foil?
Traditional hot foil transfers foil using heat and a die. Raised digital foil creates a dimensional metallic accent through a different process. Compare the physical result and stock suitability before choosing.
Let’s plan your foil detail
Send the artwork, foil colour you have in mind, paper, size and quantity. A physical colour reference is useful if you have one. We’ll check the detail and die requirements, then quote the job and discuss timing. Visit our Mississauga team to compare samples, or arrange shipping across Canada. Production follows artwork approval; delivery takes additional time.
Need help with the design? Explore graphic design services.