Besides the temperature oriented names, what is the difference between hot stamp and cold foil? Why might you choose one foiling method over the other? Let’s break it down.
The Difference Between The Two Foiling Methods
Cold Foil
Using a photopolymer plate, an image gets printed onto the label substrate with the use of a special UV-curable cold foil adhesive. The foil material bonds to the adhesive and the substrate. Then, it’s later removed.
The extracted foil merges to the printed adhesive. Then, the surface may be varnished, over-laminated, or encapsulated which will create a durable surface. This is a more affordable technique.
Hot Stamp
When printing, the metallic pigment coat is transferred from a ribbon or plastic material known as the “carrier” to the surface of the material to be printed. This process uses a hard printing plate bearing the image for hot stamping. The application of heat, pressure, and dwell time achieve the look. The length of time the hot coating makes contact with the substrate is crucial to the process also.
The printing plate is a hard material with a raised image. The majority of hot stamp blocking for label printing is short-run text and solid color, produced on small flat-bed machines.
MiraFoil
Another method, not discussed, is MiraFoil. This ink-based foil produces clean, intricate lines. However, the main difference between MiraFoil and Hot Stamp or Cold Foil is the opportunity to color match with any Pantone color. Even emphasize your brand logo with consistency. This process is so drastically different than the others that it stands apart. Still, it creates a distinguished shine.
Regardless, whatever you choose, you’ll outshine your competition. Literally. Instead of sitting back, lean in and take advantage of the haptic benefits of using labeling techniques.
Learn more about designing effective, professional grade labels that wow customers. Download our Label Project Guide.
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