Toner foiling is a practice that has been increasing in popularity recently. This has come with the introduction of straightforward desktop machines and bigger equipment best suited for commercial use. While there is far more interest in decorative foil, there is plenty of confusion about the multiple types of foil and what one method can do versus the other. We intend to clear things up by discussing toner foiling in detail. Then, if you want to order sustainable foils, you can speak to us.
What is toner foiling?
Firstly, we’ll go over what it is. It’s a speciality print process of sticking specialised pigment or metallic foil to an area layered by toner from a laser printer. Other names for it include foil sleeking, sublimation foiling, foil fusing, and laser foiling.
Due to the foiling’s nature, it is highly cost efficient for one-off jobs and short runs. It is ideal for work like large solid areas or small to medium definition.
To begin toner foiling, it is necessary to have specialist toner foil. Think carefully about what to use here and the potential of sustainable foils. You also need a toner foiling machine, a printer, and paper.
To begin, you need to print your design on a page. For the best results, it is preferable to use semi-coated, smooth materials that aren’t overly absorbent. Some papers would absorb too much toner, impacting the result.
Depending on the machine, the next step can be different. If you’re utilising a laminator, you must cut some foil off and then stick it over the top of a printed page. Next, you have to run this through a laminator. The pressure and heat from the roller will “activate” your foil. As a result, it should stick to the toner on your page.
The right printer
An older laser printer works well here. This is because of the higher level of toner it uses. Newer printers can use Eco mode for environmental reasons, which has its benefits. However, lower levels of toner can mean the reactive foil won’t fuse as well as it should. The final result might not be as solid. Wax inks and inkjet printers aren’t viable either as the foil won’t stick to these substances.
How does it differ to hot foil stamping?
Some people wonder about toner foiling and the traditional hot foil stamping method, particularly using sustainable foils. The latter calls for a bespoke metal stamping block, foil, and a hot stamping machine. Each design must be made as a separate stamping block. This is then positioned and locked up onto a heater plate and held in your press. From there, it is down to a procedure of finding the proper temperature, pressure, and dwell time. This is to create the ideal impression.
The main difference is that hot foil stamping takes longer to produce the final results. Toner foiling offers quicker results. There are also smaller set up times and lower costs too.
Toner foiling advantages
There are a few notable benefits with toner foiling. For starters, it is quick and easy, having no bespoke dies. It is also safe. Users can personalise every run and the foiling produces a flat, smooth finish.
Lastly, you can change foil colours as many times as you like. There are no complications of different foils reacting to separate inks differently.
Work with our stellar team and choose sustainable foils
At Foiling Services, we make use of reliable equipment to do our work. As such, we can implement foil in a variety of ways. Our team can also navigate the challenges with any available pattern or shade. The finishes will be fantastic every time.
In addition, we have no trouble supplying and working with sustainable foils. They are a great option for anyone wanting to do extra for the environment. So, if you’d like to work with us, please let us know.