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How metal are you?

Foil vs. Metallics

Metallic inks are printed on press and come in a range of colors. They are more cost-effective than foil and require less production time.

Foil requires a die which adds to the cost and additional time for the process of stamping. It comes in a range of colors, effects and designs and works well on uncoated stock where metallic inks tend to lose their luster.

Do:

  • Ask to see a metallics Pantone book, there are color options that aren’t in a standard Pantone book.
  • Create a layer in your files  for graphics or type that foil stamps or prints in a metallic ink.
  • Consider using clear foil as an alternative to spot varnish to make a logo or graphic pop.

Don’t:

  • Use for overprint images or solids, metallic ink should be reversed.
  • Include small details in work that will be foil stamped.
  • Forget that the pressure of the die when applying foil might leave a slight image on the reverse side of the sheet.

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Foil vs. Metallics is part of a series of tips to help enhance all your print projects.
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