Great artwork can make a wonderful impression. That is the case whether it is promotional material, packaging, or even decorative items. One of the most creative things you can do here is combine foil and ink printing. The results can be instantly eye catching. As one of the UK’s leaders when it comes to foiling services, we always recommend it. Plus, we can offer support and advice to help people get the best results.
Artwork basics
By far the best thing about foil is you can use it to add a stunning extra dimension to artwork. But, there are some basic things you need to keep in mind here.
The thing to remember is there are separate stages here. The foil printing will either be the initial step or the final one depending on what you have in mind. Foils should always sit on top of everything else.
The crucial thing is that foil will stick to bare toner from printing. So, if part of the artwork is ink you need to print this first. There will then be a lamination to ensure you won’t apply foil to any parts that don’t need it. Then you can have the final stages of foiling.
Artboards
With the separate stages in mind, it is wise to have artboards for each. So, you should have one for the ink print and a second for the foil part. If there is no ink and just foil, one artboard will be enough. However, if you are printing and foiling on both sides you will need four boards.
Plan for movement
The printing action with foiling means there can always be a small amount of movement with the placement. Sadly it is unavoidable. With that in mind, you need to create your artwork with a tolerance for where the foil can land. Quality foiling services can limit the movement, but it is still a good idea to plan for around 1mm of movement in any direction. You could need to adapt things to allow for it.
Formats and colour differences
A common mistake with foil printing is having the wrong format for artwork. Some formats won’t work at all. It is possible to convert them, but it can result in a change in the colours. For consistency and the best finish, it is a good idea to use the right format to begin with.
In a similar vein, it is important to remember not to choose colours from a computer monitor. They can vary depending on the device and calibration.
Finally, think about how the laminate will impact the colour when you have foil. If there is ink and there needs to be lamination before foiling, it can make the print darker. It may be necessary to make the art a little lighter to account for this.
Choose us if you want reliable foiling services
Foil is a really great investment, whether you choose a small addition to highlight your logo or make it a big part of the artwork. There are lots of options here, including gold, silver, red, green, and many other colours. There are also foils with different finishes such as matte or glossy. It gives you the chance to be really creative.
So, if you want foiling services to enhance any kind of artwork, talk to us. We have a huge amount of knowledge and experience to share, ensuring you can get unbeatable results.