What is Foil Letterpress?

Every once in a while, we have a customer call in and ask if we can do “foil letterpress.” The answer is yes, and we already do. It’s called Foil Stamping. Let us explain…

If you’re familiar with custom printing, you’ve probably heard of foil stamping, a popular technique that adds a metallic or shiny finish to stationery, packaging and other printed materials. But what about “foil letterpress”? Are these two different processes, or simply two names for the same technique? Let’s take a closer look…

What is Foil Stamping?

Foil stamping is a print finishing technique that applies a thin layer of matte, metallic or holographic foil to a surface. It creates a luxurious effect that stands out on custom print projects, from wedding invitations to business cards. Unlike other printing processes, foil stamping doesn’t use ink. Instead, it uses heat, pressure and foil to transfer designs, text, or patterns onto paper.

How does Foil Stamping work on Heidelberg printers?

Heidelberg presses are traditionally used for letterpress but can be modified for foil stamping. Here’s a breakdown of the foil stamping process:

1. Preparing the Foil and Die – The foil used for stamping comes in rolls. To apply the foil, a custom die (stamp) is created with the desired design. (FYI – The process of creating the die is why foil stamped and letterpress items take longer to produce.) For foil stamping, this die is then heated in the Heidelberg press.
2. Applying Heat and Pressure – The die is pressed onto the foil roll, which is then placed over the paper or cardstock. The Heidelberg press uses precise heat and pressure to bond the foil onto the paper in the shape of the design, creating a distinct impression.
3. Revealing the Final Look – When the die is lifted, the foil adheres to the paper in the exact shape of the design, resulting in a crisp, beautiful impression. The Heidelberg’s craftsmanship ensures that the foil finish is sharp and well aligned.

Is Foil Letterpress the same as Foil Stamping?

Yes, foil letterpress refers to foil stamping but with one big difference: “foil letterpress” would likely be done on 100% cotton paper to get that letterpress look. It’s important to note, however, that foil stamping is NOT the same as letterpress. Letterpress uses ink and is printed on the same machines as foil but follows a few different steps to get that final impression. Check out Letterpress Printing to learn more.

Lastly, if you’re after the signature look of letterpress with the flair of foil, shop our Foil Stamped Products and be sure to choose 100% cotton paper to ensure a deeper, more textured impression. Foil stamping—by any name—is the perfect way to create a luxurious, standout design.