What is foiling?
When wanting to add an element of flair and uniqueness to your prints, foiling can emerge as your best bet.
Foiling generally uses the process of applying pressure and heat to bond a range of different foils to a substrate. This is usually done with the use of a specialist die which is heated to high temperatures, and then pressed onto the substrate, with the foil between the two.
As technology has progressed the options have diversified with digital foiling and newer technologies such as high-build scodix foiling for those looking for that extra wow-factor
Metallic Foiling
Metallic foiling is the standard material used for the foiling process. The material used for metallic foiling resembles that of aluminium or kitchen foil, giving a metallic shine and texture.
Most commonly, metallic foils will come in traditional metal colours such as silver, gold, copper and rose gold. However, coloured foils, such as green, blue, and red are often used.
This form of foiling uses the traditional process of creating a foiling block. You then lay the foil of your choice and use a heat pressing process to adhere to your substrate of choice.
Holographic Foiling
Holographic foiling is, as it says on the tin, a foiling that leaves a holographic factor to the foil. When being printed, holographic foil is embossed, causing the material to refract light resulting in the display of a rainbow-like effect.
Holographic foiling is an ideal way to help your print stand out. Holographic foiling can vary the pattern displayed on your print, for example adding sparkles or a waves.
Check out some of the ranges available from on of our suppliers Foilco where their impressive foils will give you and idea on what is possible for your campaign.
Digital Foiling
Digital Foiling is a new, tech savvy way of foiling. Digital foiling allows for foil printing to be done, without the need for a ready-made die.
The benefits of digitally foiling is that it is easier to add some personalisation to the foiling, and you can have more flexibility with the run-rate. The process of digital foiling remains similar, in that heat and pressure is used to bind the foil to the selected substrate.
Perfect for bespoke printed items such as certificates, wedding invitations and bespoke name cards where you can add all the personalisation you want.
Scratch Off Foiling
Scratch off foiling is the process of having a foil that can be scratched away pressed on top of a hidden image or text, with the purpose to be removed. Most notably, this form of foiling is used for scratch cards, but can be used for things such as hiding barcodes and numbers on gift cards or for use on tokens.
This foil is a unique blend and does not adhere in the traditional way to its substrate which is what allows for easy removal.
let us know if you would like to know more about this process
Scodix Foiling
Scodix foiling is a whole other level when it comes to foiling, the cream of the crop. Scodix foiling requires it’s own special machine to be printed, but the results make it worth it.
Scodix foiling is where technology is used to make your foil print look raised and beveled, making it stand out and shine. Its high build technology can not be compared to anything else and really is a step beyond the more traditional methods of foiling.
A great choice of foiling to use if you’re looking to give your printing that extra bit.
Mirri
We are entering a bit of a grey area now. Mirri board is a substrate that is pre-foiled, rather than having foil printed on top. Mirri board can be printed directly on to by a digital press or UV Litho presses.
Mirri board can come in a number of different styles, such as Mirri holographic, silk and special, with each one adding a different look and feel. Have a look at the full Mirri range on the Mirri website, or contact our specialists.
