How to use Embossing in your Printing Jobs

What is embossing?
Debossing and embossing are the process whereby a new dimension is added to any surface, which can be pressed upon. This new raised dimension could be a design, pattern, lettering, logo, seal or anything at all. The surface could be anything on which you can press and leave an impression. Paper is the most popular surface for embossing but cloth, wood, glass, tiles and even terra cotta pots can be embossed upon.
Embossing is an elegant process that adds aesthetic appeal to the object. It also has many functional uses.

 

 

What do you need to know when you emboss your job? What pitfalls do you need to avoid?

First, be aware that embossing is a mechanical process that manipulates the paper stock--and, by default, also manipulates your design. Also be aware that embossing follows the printing stage. Embossing before printing would provide a more fragile product that would be crushed by the press rollers during the printing process. With these facts in mind, do the following when planning for embossing:

1. Set your type with more space between letters than usual. Once embossed, the letters will be slightly closer than you had initially placed them. This goes for small design elements as well. If you put them too close to one another, they can merge and become one element once the embossing has been done.
2. To avoid wrinkling your printing paper, keep design elements away from the edges of the sheet.
3. Set your type larger than 9 point. In fact, use this approach with all design elements, including rules. Embossing makes design elements look smaller and reduces the sharpness of smaller items. Rules that are too thin may also cut through the paper, so make your rules larger than 1/32 inch
4. Consider the heat and pressure an embossed piece will endure when you design anything that will run through a xerox machine or laser printer. Digital printing equipment will flatten your embossing. If you're feeling lucky, at least run a test embossed sheet through your equipment before committing to embossing the entire press run. Also, the depth of the embossing does make a difference as well.

 

How to use Embossing
Embossing is a technique that's perfect for adding a touch of class and individuality to your printed piece. It works well on many types of printing products, including:

• Cover of books
• Business cards
• Letterhead and envelopes
• Presentation folders
• Rack cards
• Brochures
• Invitations
• Certificates
• Greeting Cards

 

Many elements and images in your design can be embossed, including text. The most effective embossed pieces use a detailed die and heavier paper stock to highlight the depth and detail of the embossed graphics or images. Also, with the addition of colored metallic foil stamping as shown in this image, the emboss really stands out, both literally and visually. It is a great way to draw out and highlight important details, such as names, designs or logos. A combination embossing die and foil stamping die is needed for this process.

Embossing with foil stamping

Embossing is an elegant way to add a unique look and feel to your marketing piece. Considering how many pieces of catalgs, booklets, noteboks and other printed materials your target audience gets each day and at every tradeshow and convention, this special touch can make all the difference in your piece getting noticed. Embossed jobs can make a lasting impression. Add custom embossing to your marketing practices to stand up and out from the crowd and stop your customers in their tracks.

 

 

 

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