The first stamping appeared in the middle of XV century and produced with a thin-sheet of gold on a book binding. The high cost of the process has led to the fact that in 1892 by Ernst Oeser (Oeser Company ceased its activities at the end of the XX century) patented the first prototype of the future foil for stamping, and later the imitating gold foil. In its present form (polymer base with deposited metal particles and an adhesive layer) stamping foils appeared in the 30 – 50 years of XX century, with the participation of Leonhard Kurz. What is the structure of the foil for stamping? Modern Foil for stamping generally consists of a polymer base (e.g. lavsan) further that layer of material to facilitate the separation of the metal or pigmented layer and then a layer of metallization itself or pigmentation, which will be on the final image. The final adhesive layer is, by means of which the metal or pigment sticks to the paper surface. That is actually the last layer that determines the type of surface to which this series foil fits best. The range of modern foil stamping is quite wide – in addition to the imitation of gold and silver and shades, there are foils with colored metallized, gloss and matte, holographic with different patterns and shades, as well as pigmented with any color option.
In this article we would like to share its rich experience in order to help readers avoid the most common mistakes in choosing and using foil stamping.
Mistake №1. You found that very color, which you were looking for! But, for some reason, so vaunted by the seller foil doesn’t lay on your UV coated packaging, diaries or anything else? Before you buy the entire batch of the necessary foil, be sure to ask, on what kind of material this series of foil lies on. Whether it is suitable for that surface, you are going to stamp.
Mistake №2. Finally, color and the series fits, but still … The foil does not lie! Find out what the temperature regime is right for this type.
Mistake №3. Well, now that you are a pro !!! Yet, the quality of the imprint is not what you expected … Most likely, this time you need support materials. They are huge number and variety too, and each performs its indispensable function: some evenly distribute pressure, others protect the paper from breaks, others prolong cliché service for several times. And so on. In addition, great importance is the fact on which machine you stamp: manual, semi-automatic or automatic machine.
It should also be noted that for the storage of a foil is necessary to meet certain conditions: avoid excessive moisture and direct sunlight to avoid shedding the separation layer, and in order to avoid gluing the foil can not be put a roll on a roll.
Hopefully, these tips will help you achieve the best results in stamping.