hotstamping

Hot stamping, also known as foil stamping, is a printing process that applies a thin foil to a surface by pressing a heated die onto a carrier foil. The heat from the die causes the foil to bond with the substrate in the shape of the die, producing metallic, pearlescent, or pigmented finishes. Common substrates include paper, cardboard, leather, plastics, and textiles. Finishes range from metallic gold and silver to holographic and translucent foils, often used to add branding or decorative detail.

Equipment and materials used in hot stamping include a heated stamping press, stamping dies (pre-cut shapes or text), and foil rolls that consist of a carrier film, an adhesive layer, the foil material, and a liner. The process may be combined with embossing by using a counter-die to create a raised or recessed impression, enhancing texture and depth.

Process steps are typically: prepare the substrate, align and fix the foil, set the die temperature and pressure, apply a short dwell time to transfer the foil, then separate the die and foil to reveal the stamped design. Post-processing may involve trimming, varnishing, or additional stamping in other colors.

Variations include dual or multi-pass stamping to layer effects and, when combined with embossing, raised designs. Hot stamping is widely used in packaging, book covers, business cards, labels, and luxury branding. It offers durability, sharp detail, and a premium appearance but requires specialized equipment and setup, making it less suitable for very small runs.