When it comes to making a lasting impression, few printing techniques match the elegance and allure of digital foiling. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of digital foiling, covering everything from the basics to advanced design considerations. At Same Day Printing, we understand the need for fast and flawless results, making us your ideal partner in bringing your foiled creations to life.

What is Digital Foiling?

Digital foiling is a sophisticated printing technique that adds a metallic finish to specific elements of your design. At Same Day Printing, we offer three distinct ways to incorporate digital foiling into your projects: Foil Only, Foil + Print, and Foil Overprint.

Three Ways to Use Foiling

Foil Only

In the realm of digital foiling, the "Foil Only" technique offers a sleek and solid metallic finish to your design. This approach involves applying a single, solid foil color without any non-foil printing elements. To achieve this, the foil layer should be supplied as 100% black. The magic happens wherever this black is placed – that's where the foil adheres, creating a captivating and unadulterated metallic effect.

Foil + Print

For a touch of sophistication with added depth, the "Foil + Print" method combines the elegance of foil with the clarity of standard printing. Similar to the "Foil Only" approach, an extra pass of standard printing is introduced. It's crucial to note that in this technique, the foil and print layers should not overlap, ensuring a distinct separation of the solid foil layer and the printed elements. For optimal results, supply three separate pages – Result, Print Layer, and Foil Layer presented in 100% black.

Foil Overprint

Taking digital foiling to the next level, the "Foil Overprint" technique introduces foil over the standard print layer, often with a background color. This is achieved by applying a cello glaze coating over the print layer, serving as a barrier between the foil and the background. When preparing artwork for "Foil Overprint," three separate pages should be supplied – Result, Print Layer, and Foil Layer in 100% black. The addition of a velvet smooth cello (laminate) protects the background layer, ensuring a flawless foil application.

How to Set Up Artwork According to Kind

Foil Only

In the "Foil Only" setup, simplicity meets sophistication. To bring your vision to life, supply the foil layer as 100% black. This ensures that wherever the black is, the foil will elegantly adhere, creating a seamless and impactful metallic finish.

Foil + Print

To achieve a harmonious balance between foil and standard printing, meticulous preparation is key. Supply three separate pages – Result, Print Layer, and Foil Layer presented in 100% black. It's crucial to ensure that the foil and color elements do not overlap, guaranteeing a perfect alignment of the two layers.

Foil Overprint

For those seeking the pinnacle of foiling excellence, "Foil Overprint" delivers a mesmerising result. Supply three separate pages – Result, Print Layer, and Foil Layer in 100% black. Adding a velvet smooth cello (laminate) protects the background layer, allowing the foil to gracefully overlay, creating a stunning visual impact.

Design Rules and Tips for Foiling 

Fine Lines and Script

In the world of foiling, precision matters. The smallest font size you can use is 4pt but we strongly suggest opting for a minimum font size of 8pt and a line thickness of at least 0.04 mm for optimal and aesthetically pleasing results. Avoid hairlines and lines less than 1pt to ensure a flawless and consistent finish. For example, Serif fonts, with their delicate details, may not translate well in foiling, so it's advisable to choose sans-serif or bold fonts for a cleaner finish. 

Space it out

Enhance readability by generously spacing your type, including proper kerning and leading. Provide ample room for your type, creating a visually appealing and clear design that stands out.

Vector Art vs. Bitmap or Raster

The foundation of a successful foiled design lies in its format. Opt for vector art over bitmap or raster designs. While we can work with higher resolution bitmap/raster images, this would entail auto vectorisation which may result in a design that is not as smooth or refined as first intended. Foil areas should be output at a resolution of 2000 dpi, maintaining a crisp and sharp appearance. Remember, foil is best utilised as 100% values and cannot replicate shading or gradients.

Counter Misalignment

Understanding the nuances of digital foiling, especially the potential shifting in digital printing, is crucial. Account for slight movement during the process, typically between 1-3mm, by keeping lines thick (above 2 points). Choose font size 8 or above to ensure optimal foiling results. Maintain a minimum resolution of 300 dpi to guarantee a sharp and flawless foil finish, avoiding any pixelation or loss of detail. At Same Day Printing, we specialise in navigating these intricacies, ensuring your foiled projects are true masterpieces.

Choosing the Right Printer

When it comes to digital printing, Same Day Printing stands out as the go-to choice for fast, high-quality results. Our expertise in digital foiling makes us the perfect partner for turning your visions into reality.

Digital foiling is a powerful way to amp up your designs, and Same Day Printing is here to ensure your foiled creations not only meet but exceed your expectations. Explore the possibilities of fast printing with a touch of sophistication.