Ed #6 Embossing / Foil Stamping

Embossing is frequently used on packaging, covers, folders and dust jackets, as well as letterheads and business cards—and it can make a strong impression.

Like the stamps and seals that are found on awards and diplomas, embossing creates a sense of authenticity or official sanction. Embossing also adds greater interest by engaging the sense of touch. Embossing creates a physical presence, a sculptural quality, that printing on its own can’t achieve. Raised forms also help to attract the eye by intensifying highlights and shadows. There’s a feeling of luxury and a look of permanence, authority and wealth.

Of course, it takes time—and money—to look expensive. Preparing an original die can be costly, and the larger and more complex the design of the die,  the greater the cost will be. Then the project must be run through the stamping press, which adds another step to the production schedule and increases costs.

There are other issues, too. The most obvious concern is that the reverse side of the embossed sheet—often the inside front cover of reports or folders—will show the reverse of the embossed design. Type and images can be printed in the reversed area, but they will follow the contours of the embossing, which viewers might find distracting. It may be better to leave the reversed area blank. A more elegant solution is to cover the reverse side of the emboss by folding the paper over it in a French fold.

Embossing also calls for special attention in typesetting and design. Because embossing actually stretches the paper around the die, it is important to leave additional space around type and artwork and not place the embossed area too close to scores or folds. Typefaces with thin or delicate serifs are typically not recommended for embossing. Kerning—the space between letters—and leading should be increased. Embossed rules should be two points or more in width.

Paper is another concern. Typically, the best results are achieved with a bulky paper stock, such as 100-pound cover. A heavy stock provides the most dramatic effect, since the embossing can push deeper into the surface, and the stock can handle the pressure generated by the die. While thinner stocks can be used, the depth of the emboss needs to be limited. Embossing also tends to work best with a softer finish, like those found on uncoated papers, because softer finishes have less tendency to wrinkle or crack. What’s more, the embossed image can be burnished—or heat tinted—to a smooth, gloss surface that stands out against the uncoated sheet.  Matte and dull coated papers may also be used, however, and even gloss coated paper can be used if the dies are cut with softer edges. Otherwise the hard surface of the gloss coated paper can crack beneath the pressure of the die.

Although it can be embossed quite well, recycled paper also requires special consideration. The fiber in recycled paper is often highly compressed, so stamping large areas requires more pressure than it does to stamp virgin stock. And the abrasive, fibrous nature of recycled stocks may tend to shorten the life of the die—a concern in large print runs. Contact your NewPage representative for more information or visit www.NewPageCorp.com.