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PUR Adhesive Binding
April 2011 - Tips for Creating Better Foil Stamping and Embossing Projects
Working with a trusted finishing partner, you can create distinctive foil stamped and embossed projects like this book.
In a world full of busy people who have little time to absorb information, it can be challenging for printers and designers to create products that capture consumer attention. By incorporating foil stamping and/or embossing into your printed product, you can add emphasis and "snap" that will help your product stand out from the clutter.
Read on for tips from Seidl's Bindery on ensuring your next foil stamping and embossing project goes smoothly.
Choosing A Die Material
The dies used in foil stamping and embossing processes are typically fabricated from brass, copper or magnesium. Each metal has distinct properties that must be carefully considered based on your specific application. For long-run jobs or those expected to be reprinted several times, dies should made from either copper or brass, both of which are very durable. Inexpensive magnesium dies, commonly referred to as "mag" dies, tend to smash out or break down fairly quickly. If the design is very detailed or if you're embossing heavy, textured stock, use either copper or brass dies.
The dies used in foil stamping and embossing processes are typically fabricated from brass, copper or magnesium. Each metal has distinct properties that must be carefully considered based on your specific application. For long-run jobs or those expected to be reprinted several times, dies should made from either copper or brass, both of which are very durable. Inexpensive magnesium dies, commonly referred to as "mag" dies, tend to smash out or break down fairly quickly. If the design is very detailed or if you're embossing heavy, textured stock, use either copper or brass dies.
Artwork Preparation - Guidelines and Suggestions
There are a few guidelines regarding preparation of artwork for die-makers. In contrast to the increasingly digitized world of lithography, die-makers still work for paper or film. For single-level dies, prepare either film or good-resolution black-and-white mechanicals. The artwork for multi-level dies should have a tissue overlay for each level. In general, designs should be slightly oversized, with lines and fine points heavier than if they were going to be printed.
There are a few guidelines regarding preparation of artwork for die-makers. In contrast to the increasingly digitized world of lithography, die-makers still work for paper or film. For single-level dies, prepare either film or good-resolution black-and-white mechanicals. The artwork for multi-level dies should have a tissue overlay for each level. In general, designs should be slightly oversized, with lines and fine points heavier than if they were going to be printed.
Stock Considerations
Paper stock is an important consideration for foil stamping and embossing projects. Soft papers are easier to emboss than laid bond and other hard stocks. Uncoated sheets are best for deep embossing. Embossing and debossing involve both heat and pressure, which smooths out textured stock. While the contrast between the smooth, embossed image and the rest of the page is striking and often desired, let your customers know in advance that this will happen.
Paper stock is an important consideration for foil stamping and embossing projects. Soft papers are easier to emboss than laid bond and other hard stocks. Uncoated sheets are best for deep embossing. Embossing and debossing involve both heat and pressure, which smooths out textured stock. While the contrast between the smooth, embossed image and the rest of the page is striking and often desired, let your customers know in advance that this will happen.
About Seidl's Bindery
Located in Houston, Texas, Seidl's Bindery is a leading multi-shift provider of a complete range of post press services including PUR adhesive binding, Wire-O and plastic spiral binding, saddle stitching, cutting and folding, gluing and attaching, die-cutting, film laminating, foil stamping, embossing and much more. Seidl's Bindery has two PUR perfect binding lines running at least two shifts. We have the capacity and throughput to attract high volume work from all over the USA.
Located in Houston, Texas, Seidl's Bindery is a leading multi-shift provider of a complete range of post press services including PUR adhesive binding, Wire-O and plastic spiral binding, saddle stitching, cutting and folding, gluing and attaching, die-cutting, film laminating, foil stamping, embossing and much more. Seidl's Bindery has two PUR perfect binding lines running at least two shifts. We have the capacity and throughput to attract high volume work from all over the USA.
For additional information about Seidl's Bindery, please call Bill Seidl at (800) 380-3815 or e-mail him at bill@seidlsbindery.com.
