Comparing hot foil stamping and screen printing

Foiling services are popular because of the appearances they can bring to items. By working with the most experienced team, you can gain the best value. Ours is an establishment that has been part of the industry for a long time. We use exceptional equipment and quality foils to produce world class results for clients.

Two great techniques

Screen printing is one of the oldest techniques in existence. It was employed by Phoenicians and successively within Japanese art. Contemporary art also makes use of it. The well known Marylin Diptych by from Andy Warhol was created using this practice.

Hot foil stamping has an extensive history as well. The patents here date back to the start of the 19th century. It is a very common choice today.

Both options have the means to augment your labels with alluring effects. You may wish to give yours that extra touch. If so, the guide we have will aid you in deciding on the finest finish for your needs. You can then talk to us about foiling services.

How do they work?

Foiling servicesWith screen printing you realise the finish with a silk-screen that you stretch over a frame. You then treat it so the ink is only capable of passing through those areas where the image to print has been reproduced. To every colour corresponds an individual frame.

Hot foil stamping is a technique that moves a neutral or metallic foil on a flat surface. This is due to the action of heat and pressure.

Applying these finishes to your labels can make them truly distinct. However, you have to take some peculiarly into consideration to gain a perfect result.

The pros and cons

Let’s start by looking at the pros and cons of screen printing. The technique makes it possible to apply even the thicker varnish layers. What this does is ensure high coverage, even with white and other peculiar colours. Moreover, varnish lucidity and thickness generate a lens effect. It amplifies underlying colours. Due to these facts, screen printing is perfect for producing 3D and glossy effects. It can emphasise some of the label’s features, like the logo or product name.

If you are looking at screen printing, you must consider that it is preferable to avoid 3D effects. Do this on details that are both too wide and small. It is certainly difficult to reproduce small details on a frame, whereas wide areas make labelling troublesome. Because of the latter, avoid creating varnishing that is too thick.

Lastly, there are two things to avoid. For one, you can’t use screen printing when reproducing colour shades. It is also not good for elements that can differ between orders. This would mean you’d need to create a new frame each time, leading to more costs.

Now, let’s move onto hot foil stamping and foiling services. It permits the creation of precise, sparking details. It amplifies colours in a charming manner. Furthermore, it enables you to use a wide variety of finishes and colours. It uses the universal colours code. Thus, it is possible to use your labels with the same colours as other packaging elements. Examples include carton boxes and wine capsules.

Saying that, it is mandatory to pay special attention to readability. What the stamping can do is make it hard to read your text. So, it is preferable to apply it on non-textual objects. These include on short texts with simple fonts or the logo.

Like with screen printing, hot foil stamping makes it impossible to produce small colour shades and details. In addition, using it isn’t recommended with variable elements. It would result in higher costs for new dies. If you need our first class foiling services, please get in touch.

Deciding between the two

After exploring the limits and differences of these ennoblements, you need to decide. Ask yourself what you wish to convey with your adhesive label. According to the effect you desire the most, it will be simpler to go for one or the other.

Screen printing is definitely recommended for those after minimal and modern effects. It is for innovative products targeting younger individuals. Also, it is for premium items characterised by precious details and a “less is more” elegance.

Due to the extensive choice of finishes and colours, hot foil stamping makes it possible for you to get all kinds of distinct results. Utilising foils such as ducal, matte gold, or copper lets you obtain a vintage and classic effect. This is ideal for traditional items like food preserves and fine wine. It is the same for cosmetics with a retro taste. By using foil like metal grey or silver matte, your final effect will be glamour and contemporary.

We are always careful when offering foiling services

Thanks to our years of experience, we know that the act of foiling can provide wonderful appearance results. We are also aware that when done improperly, it can offer the opposite. Knowing this, we are always careful whenever we foil a client’s items. Our goal is always to achieve the perfect look.

So, if you’re interested in our foiling services, please let us know. We would be happy to work with you.