Hot Foil vs Cold Foil Stamping Differences & Similarities

The quick answer to the question, “what is foil stamping,” is that it is a print process that uses a combination of pressure, heat, and metal foils to produce designs and effects that are shiny in appearance. When it comes to applying foil to packaging substrates, the decision comes down to hot foil vs. cold foil stamping. We will examine them in greater detail in this article as the differences between the two techniques include how they are performed, and common products produced by each technique. No matter your current level of foil stamping knowledge, you will know more by the end of this article.

What is Foil Stamping?

As mentioned earlier, foil stamping is a print process that uses pressure to apply colors to a paper. The final results can cover a wide range of colors and textures and it is even used as an anti-counterfeiting method. There are a variety of substrates that foil stamping can be used for including stickers, labels, product packaging, brochures, and even office documents (such as stationery).

What is Hot Foil? Or Hot Foil Stamping?

Hot foil stamping is also known as hot foil and it involves the creation of a graphic impression on a surface using metal hot foil plates (that are thin) and special foil sheets. By combining heat from the hot foil machine and die-cutting machine pressure, the result is a shiny metallic design. Hot foil stamping leaves a raised foil design that catches the eye and gives the item an elevated look to the text, graphics, or optic effects. Some of the common items created using this process include business cards, book covers, and presentation folders that often require a raised design. .

What is Cold Foil? Or Cold Foil Stamping?

Cold foil stamping, AKA cold foil, is considered to be a more cost-effective version of hot foil stamping as the process requires a standard printing plate to apply an amount of UV curable adhesive in the area where the foil will be placed.. Cold foil stamping can be performed using a dry lamination process that is popular in the offset printing industry or a wet lamination process that is often used in the flexo label industry. The main factor that separates it from the hot foil method is that it does not raise the foil design. Instead, the foil design is left to lay flat on the substrate. Some of the common products created with this technique include wine labels, cigarette cartons, and cosmetic packaging.

What are the Differences Between Hot Foil and Cold Foil?

Now that you know more about how each fold stamping technique is performed, you likely want to learn more about their differences. Take a look below to learn more about hot foil vs. cold foil:
Hot Foil Stamping Differences

• Hot foil stamping is best used for printing on smaller areas
• Due to the heating element needed for this stamping method, hot foiling can take longer to perform
• The final design is raised in appearance
• Ideal for quantity runs up to 20,000 pieces

Cold Foil Stamping Differences

• Cold foil stamping is an ideal choice for printing on larger areas
• Cold foiling is a much faster printing process since it does not involve a heating element
• The final design lays flat
• Ideal for large quantity runs on press equipment designed for inline cold foiling

What are the Similarities Between Hot Foil and Cold Foil?

Now that we have examined the differences between them, let’s look at the similarities between hot foil and cold foil:
Both foiling methods apply metallic effects to various substrates in order to enhance the aesthetics of printed materials. These foil methods offer a sense of elegance and a splash of luxury which makes them a popular option for printed items such as labels, high-end packaging, and decorative prints. Even though they have different application processes, they both have an end goal of producing a metallic sheen that is both eye-catching and adding a premium feel to the final product.
If you need more information, our expert print team can help you identify the best foil stamping option for your next project.

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