Digital Foiling In Printing World

We understand how difficult it can be to prepare your files for special effects like Digital Foiling. However, believe us when we say it isn’t necessary.

We’ve compiled our top five suggestions for ensuring that your artwork shines when it comes off the press.

1: Counter misalignment

When putting the Foil elements over your design, there is always a very tiny amount of movement due to the nature of the Digital Foiling process. Although this movement is normally only 1-3mm, it might result in misalignment (or ‘trapping,’ as it is more frequently known) in the final print. Fortunately, there are a few basic artwork guidelines that can help you avoid this.

2: Keep your lines thick

Excessively fine lines or very complicated patterns should never be used in the Digital Foil portions of your artwork. Anything less than 2 point won’t offer you a great clear cut edge, in our opinion. If your lines are too thin, the Foil will not adhere correctly (which isn’t pleasant for anyone) – so if you can, add a few more points to your patterns.

3: Avoid tiny fonts

As a general rule, use a font size of 8 or higher in your artwork. Any smaller, and the Foiling won’t be able to adhere to your pattern adequately. The Business Card designs above are a terrific example of how Digital Foiling a big type face can produce something incredibly eye-catching, while also providing enough surface area for the Foil effect to really shine!

4: Check your artwork resolution

Pixelation should never be used in your designs, and the same goes for using Digital Foiling techniques. If the printed portions of your design are low-resolution, the Foil finish will be low-resolution as well. Ensure that your artwork is made at a resolution of at least 300 dpi (dots per inch). This guarantees that your print appears its best, and the Foil finish is smooth and sharp as a result.

5: Foiled Sticker setups

It’s vital to know that we can only foil vector-based shapes and text when it comes to Foiled Stickers. We can also only print Foil as a single element on your stickers (so no other colours or layers are possible). As a result, the Foil colour you select will be the only ‘coloured’ element in your design.

So, when it comes to Foiled Stickers, you have two options: foil your design or foil your entire Stickers and cut out your design (so it shows through as white). Fortunately, we have 6 fantastic Foil colours to select from, so you’ll be able to choose something that matches your business.

So, what’s the story with Block Foiling?

You may be aware that, in addition to our Digital Foiling option, we also offer Block Foiling. Traditional foil blocking (or hot foil stamping) entails using heated plates to apply metallic foil to paper or card (or die). As the foil is hot pressed onto your card or paper stock, your foiled elements are somewhat debossed and textured.

Block Foiling is better suited to tiny, intricate designs with fine details and serif type letters; but, because the method requires the use of plates, it is significantly more expensive.

If you like to find out more about foiling and want the foiling done visit our website http://www.truecolours.pk