It may look the only difference between hot stamping foil and cold foil printing is the temperature but there’s more to it.
Besides the heat application, there ’s a difference in the process, and the end effect. Read this article to understand the difference and to help you decide between foil stamping and foil printing for your packaging.
THE FOILING PROCESS FOR CUSTOM PACKAGING
HOT FOIL STAMPING
Hot foil stamping uses a die with a relief image. The heated die presses, or stamps, the foil onto paper, plastic or other material creating a brilliant, eye-catching effect. Foil stamping is done on a second line, meaning that your packaging will be printed first, then placed on another press for stamping.
Some customers like to add embossing to foil stamping. These two finishes can be completed at the same time and don't require a third pass.
COLD FOIL PRINTING
Cold foil printing is done inline --meaning that it’s completed in one pass along with ink printing. Doing it in one pass generally means a faster processing time. Since cold foil is essentially done with ink, it also eliminates the need to create a die.
It’s important to note that time savings doesn't always equal cost savings nor does it mean that it’ll be completed any faster.
That depends on the presses being free, the press being in working order, and the printer’s ability to complete the job in the timeframe you need.
THE EFFECTS
HOT FOIL STAMPING
The result of foil stamping is a brilliant and what you would expect when you think of foil. It’s readily available in a wide range of colors and patterns such as such as holographic, pigmented and clear foil which are not available with the cold foil process.
Also, since the foil is stamped on, there is a slight debossed effect characteristic of “high quality.”
COLD FOIL PRINTING
Cold foil only comes in two colors --silver and gold, and a few holographic patterns. For larger orders, foil manufacturers may be able to create customized colors using CMYK or PMS colors. The color is applied to the silver or gold foil to customize the color. Since cold foil printing uses ink, several colors can be applied at the same time, in one pass inline.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
HOT FOIL STAMPING
Hot foil stamping works great for precise application, on smaller areas, and for creating an upscale look as the stamping process makes a slight impression that gives depth. It also hints at a hand-crafted look, which may not be too far from the truth as some jobs may require the use of a hand-fed press for foil stamping.
COLD FOIL PRINTING
This method is preferred for broad areas. Also, since the printing is flat, additional effects can be applied afterward, on top of the foil.
Keep in mind, however, that you may not need foil printing + UV coating to create the desired effect.