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vendredi 25 juillet 2014

Create Arresting Finishes With Foil Embossing Dies

By Miranda Sweeney


Specialty finishing techniques provide a unique way of the attracting the attention of potential customers. They add a touch of class to items like certificates, book covers, presentation folders, packaging for products and stationery. Foil embossing dies can be used for this process and they can be bought from many stores today, including those online.

If an image is to be embossed, this involves using a die. The die is made from metal and consists of a section and a counter section that fit together and squeeze the paper fibers. With the application of heat and pressure, these fibers are raised above the level of the rest of the paper. The quality of the job will depend on the amount of pressure applied, the consistent application of heat and the type of die used.

Foiling is a process of applying a metallic material to an image. The range of colours and textures of such material available today is huge. The die and the item to be foiled must be positioned accurately. When the heated die presses against the image, the foil which is sandwiched between the two is pressed onto it. Sometimes when heat is applied to foils and the paper being used is coated, heat can release certain gases that cause blistering and bubbling. It may be worthwhile to do a trial run.

An image can be embossed and foiled in two separate processes, first the one and then the other. They can also be done together by using a combination die that does the foil stamping and embossing all at once. The type of design, length of the job and various other factors will determine whether one step or two are used.

A die can be made of magnesium, copper or brass. The magnesium die is the most affordable. However, it breaks fairly easily and does not produce great results with intricate designs. For jobs of a large size where many reprints may have to be done, it is better to go with copper or brass. If a design is detailed and the paper stock used is heavy and textured, copper or brass are also better. Brass is the most expensive and it used when a job requires sharp bevels or sculpting.

The depth and shape of a die are chosen according to the nature of work to be done. A single level die only changes the paper surface at one level. A multilevel one works on a number of levels. A sculptured die is necessary for an image with curves, angles and depths. Very deep dies have beveled edges to prevent cutting through the paper.

The type of paper stock used for such a job can also affect the final result. Long fibered paper stretches best, creating a crisp, deep emboss. A textured paper often produces an impressive emboss as it smooths the textures on the image making it contrast the surrounding texture. A dense concentration of flecks on the stock can lessen the impact of an embossed image. The thicker and heavier the stock, the easier it will emboss.

A raised three-dimensional image in color, particularly metallic color, really stands out from the competition. It is not difficult to purchase a die to suit a particular project and these can even be bought from online stores. Using the right die for the right product can produce an affordable, impressive end result.




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