Cold Stamping vs. Hot Stamping on Custom Card Deck
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Foil stamping is a popular technique used in printing and packaging to add metallic, or holographic effects to products such as custom playing to embossed packaging. It is the difference between standard products and high quality, shiny and irresistible premium products.
Two main methods are used in foiling: cold foil and hot foil stamping. While both techniques achieve similar results, which are metallic or holographic finishes, the processes, equipment, and applications differ significantly.
Why Foil Stamping?
Hot and cold foil printing has become increasingly popular in printing business cards and now in playing card decks.
Premium card decks deserve stunning visuals to match their content, one way to achieve this is with foil printing which can produce packaging such as card decks with metallic and holographic finishes.
What is Cold Foil Stamping?
Cold foil stamping is a process that applies metallic or holographic foil to a layer without using heat. Instead, it will use adhesive and UV light to bind the two materials together. This process is more efficient and faster for certain applications when compared to hot foiling.
How Cold Foil Stamping Works
• Adhesive Application: A UV-curable adhesive is printed onto the substrate in the desired pattern using;
- Flexography (a printing process that uses plates that are like modern day letterpress).
- Offset printing techniques (where the design is transferred to rubber blankets to print).
• Foil Transfer: A metallic foil is pressed onto the adhesive. The foil only sticks to the areas where the adhesive has been applied.
• Curing: The adhesive is cured (hardened) using UV light, ensuring the foil adheres to the substrate.
• Foil Removal: Excess foil is removed, leaving behind the desired metallic design.
Cold Foil Stamping Process & Equipment
Cold foil stamping is typically performed on cold foil printers, which are integrated into flexographic or offset printing systems. Cold foil printing machines are designed to apply the UV adhesive and transfer the foil in one continuous process, making it ideal for high-speed production.
Advantages of Cold Foil Printing Custom Cards
• Speed: Cold foil can be applied at high speeds, making it suitable for large-scale production.
• No Heat: Since no heat is used, cold foil is ideal for temperature-sensitive materials like plastic films.
• Cost-Effective: Cold foiling is generally more cost-effective for shorter runs and simpler designs.
• Color Flexibility: Transparent foils can be used, allowing for a wide range of printing colors underneath the foil.
• No MOQ: Since there is no need to make a new die with each process, there is no MOQ with cold foil printing with custom card decks.
Examples of cold foil produced card decks
What is Hot Foil Printing?
Hot foil stamping is a more traditional process where a heated die is used to transfer metallic foil onto a layer. It achieves this by using the heat to melt the adhesive of the hot foil and the pressure of applying further reinforces the different layers to come together.
The foil film of hot foil contains multiple layers; metallic foil, color layers, release later and adhesive layer. How Hot Foil Stamping Works Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the hot foil stamping process:
• Die Preparation: A custom die, typically made of metal, is created with the desired design. • Foil Selection: A hot stamping foil is chosen based on the desired effect. It can be metallic, holographic, or even a matte finish.
• Heating the Die: The die is heated to a specific temperature, depending on the foil and substrate.
• Foil Transfer: The heated die is pressed onto the foil, which is then transferred onto the substrate using pressure. This process melts the adhesive in the foil which together with the other layers bind to the substrate.
• Cooling & Finishing: Once the foil is applied, the substrate is cooled, leaving a crisp and polished metallic finish.
Hot Foil Stamping Equipment & Machines
Hot foil stamping requires a hot foil stamping machine, which includes both the heating element and the die. These machines come in a variety of sizes and configurations, from manual tabletop models to fully automated systems. In addition to the machine, hot stamping foil is essential, which comes in a variety of colors and finishes to suit different design needs.
Advantages of Hot Foil Stamping
• Durability: The heat and pressure involved in hot foil stamping ensures a durable and long-lasting finish.
• High-Quality Finish: Hot foil produces a sharp, precise finish, ideal for luxury packaging, premium business cards, and high-end products.
• Versatility: Hot foil stamping works well on a wide range of materials, including paper, leather, and even plastic.
• Texture: Hot foil stamping can be combined with embossing techniques to create raised, textured effects for an even more luxurious look and feel.
Cold Foil vs. Hot Foil: Key Differences
While both cold and hot stamping are used to achieve different finishes, hot stamping has further design options:
| Aspect | Cold Foil | Hot Foil |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Adhesive-based, no heat required | Heat and pressure required |
| Speed | Faster, ideal for high-volume production | Slower, typically used for smaller volume or premium items |
| Cost | More cost-effective for short runs and simple designs | Higher cost due to custom die, slower production, setup and calibrations | Material Sensitivity | Suitable for heat-sensitive materials (e.g., plastics) | Can be used on a wide range of materials, but not heat-sensitive ones | Finish Quality | Good but not as sharp as hot foil | Superior finish, crisp and durable | Embossing | Not suitable for embossing | Can be combined with embossing for raised effects |
When to Use Cold Stamping vs. Hot Stamping
Use Cold Stamping if you need:
• High-speed production for large print runs.
• A cost-effective foiling solution for simpler designs.
• To foil temperature-sensitive materials such as plastics or films.
Use Hot Stamping if you need:
• A luxurious, high-quality finish that’s durable and precise.
• To combine foiling with embossing for raised textures.
• A method suited for small batches or premium products like invitations or high-end packaging.
Conclusion
Both cold foil and hot foil stamping offer distinct advantages depending on your project’s needs. Cold foil is ideal for high-volume, fast production, while hot foil excels in creating premium, durable finishes.
Understanding the differences between the two techniques, as well as when to use each, will help you make the best choice for your specific application.
QPMN offers advanced printing facilities capable of creating custom playing cards decks with metallic and holographic finishes. With a variety of premium card stocks and finishing options to choose from, we ensure the highest quality results for your unique projects.
If you want to learn more contact us.
FAQs
Cold foil is best suited for paper and heat-sensitive materials like plastics. However, it may not adhere well to certain textured surfaces.
Yes, hot foil offers a more durable finish due to the heat and pressure involved in the process, making it ideal for high-end products that may include embossing.
Yes, both cold and hot foiling can use holographic foil, but hot foil tends to produce a sharper holographic effect.
In terms of using hot or cold foil, both printing and stamping have the same meaning as being a process that transfers a metallic foil film onto a layer/substrate