Buying choices tend to be made due to first impressions. Foil stamping, debossing, and embossing, as well as other finishing techniques, are options designers can use. With them, they can introduce a perception of value to packaging and make a great impression on buyers. This can be good for the environment too, especially if you choose sustainable foils.
What we are going to do is discuss a handful of simple but impactful packaging design techniques you can use.
Embossing or debossing
Firstly, we have blind embossing or debossing. Both of these practices are ones that involve a die. It leaves an impression in paper instead of using ink. Such a tactile variety of printing is suitable for patterns, images, or text. It plays with shadows and light on the exterior of paper.
When thinking about this option, take both the paper choice and design into account. In particular, it is possible for you to emboss large designs and bolder types more deeply. What’s more, heavier papers are capable of achieving superior detail and depth.
Foil stamping
This is a technique where you introduce metallic or coloured foil to an exterior for an elegant aesthetic. You can choose sustainable foils here. Like embossing, it makes use of a mixture of pressure. However it can also apply heat to stick foils to substrates.
Various luxury brands employ foil stamping for their packaging in silver or gold to connote a premium item. Combined with debossing and embossing, the effect can literally be more impactful.
If you don’t have much of a budget, think about the size of the area you want to have foil. You can make the most of your money with small touches like logos or scripts.
Clear or holographic hot stamping
What we have here is a lithographic printing technique. It uses stamping dies or heated image moulds to move pre-dried ink or metal foil onto an exterior. Holographic or clear foils are a wonderful, subtle way to highlight a design on a substrate. It obtains a straightforward reflection, highlighting the area to our eyes. Introducing such an effect to dark or similar tone ink colours or paper can produce a bold design.
Hot stamping isn’t the best option with incredibly small designs or letters, since it loses detail. Another critical consideration is the material choice for your die, the one pressing the foil. Magnesium dies are the cheapest and easiest, but aren’t as durable. Brass and copper bring wonderful durability, however they cost more to produce. Hardened steel dies are virtually indestructible and offer superb foil transfers. They can be expensive, but thanks to their durability they are extremely cost efficient in high volume production runs.
Overall embossed or debossed pattern
Let’s say you desire the look of a speciality paper without needing to actually buy it. Embossing patterns are a simple way to obtain a distinct feel and look. Options can include fabric and leather, wood grain, and similar finishes. You achieve them through the use of a massive embossing cylinder, pressed into board or paper.
Sustainability
To finish, we want to go over the sustainability of some of these techniques. For embossing and debossing, it is only as sustainable as your preferred substrate. To guarantee recyclability, don’t use board and paper with a coating. Think about utilising recycled materials when possible too.
For foil and hot stamping, both are recyclable as well as re-pulpable. This is a wonderful advantage if you are trying to attract environmentally conscious buyers.
We know what we’re doing with sustainable foils
At Foiling Services, we know the process of using foils can enhance the appearance of items in ways you’ve never seen. When done wrong though, it’s the opposite. That’s why it is important to work with a team that knows what it’s doing. We take steps to ensure the process goes according to plan. What’s more, we use sustainable foils to help protect the environment.
So, if these are the services you want to use, please give us a call.