Types of Hot Stamping Foil

Hot Stamping Foil is an essential element of the hot stamping process.  Serving the same purpose as ink or paint, foil is a thin film coated with the layer of color that will be transferred onto your product via the hot stamping process.  Foil is composed of 3 functional layers:

• A clear film forms the carrier upon which the pigment is laid.  The film is not transferred to the product.
• The main layer of pigmented sediments that form the actual color that will be seen.  Metallica foils employ a vacuum metalizing process that deposits a mircons-thin layer of pigmented aluminum onto the carrier noted above.
• The release coating, a heat activated glue that bonds the pigmented sediments onto the product being hot stamped.

MOST POPULAR TYPES OF FOIL:

• Metallized Foil
• Pigment Foil
• Effects Foil
• Holographic Foil
• Scratch-Off
• Signature Panel

METALLIZED FOIL – figure 1

The best known hot stamping application, metallic foils provide a bright shiny metallic look to the finished print.  Although gold and silver are most popular, metallic foils are available in a rainbow of colors.

PIGMENT FOIL – figure 2

Popularly used on plastics and papers, Pigment Foils are typified by their flat, non-metallic coloring.

EFFECTS FOIL – figure 3

There’s a wide world of foil beyond single-color tones.  Options include:

• Stripes
• Sparkles
• Light diffractions
• Holographic patterns
• Stone and wood grains

HOLOGRAPHIC FOIL – figure 4

We’ve all marveled at the holograms found on credit cards, security seals, and ID cards.  Applied with a specialized foil feed system that precisely registers each image, holograms add value by improving both security and cosmetic appeal.

SCRATCH-OFF – figure 5

Conceal PIN #’s, prizes, or answers with scratch-off foil.  Scratch-off foil hot stamps just like regular foil, but it does not adhere permanently.  When your client later scratches the foil, the scratch-off patch strips away to reveal the information hidden beneath.  Popular for phone cards.

SIGNATURE PANEL – figure 6

 Ever wonder how they put the signature panel on the back of your VISA card?  Chances are, it’s hot stamped.

For more information on how Spartanics can provide a solution for your specific needs, please contact us by filling out our ‘Contact Form’ or call us today  +1 (847)394-5700.