Foil Printing and File Preparation

• What is foil printing?

  Foil printing (hot foil stamping) uses a heated die and pressure to transfer a thin metallic foil film onto paper…

• Can I use two different foil colors in one job?

  No. Each foil job uses one foil color, on the front or both sides. For many metallic colors on one piece, choose…

• Can I print foil in a gradient?

  Not with foil stamping, which gives one solid color. Gradients are possible with Akuafoil.

• Can I print foil on smooth-feel paper?

  Yes. Choose Premium Cardstock 16 pt C2S with silk lamination for a smooth, satin feel.

• Can I print foil and Spot UV on the same card?

  Yes, on 16 pt C2S (Spot UV isn't offered on uncoated stocks). Foil and Spot UV must not overlap, and each needs its…

• Is there a limit on foil coverage for presentation folders?

  Foil presentation folders include up to 36 square inches of foil coverage. Larger coverage is quoted separately, and…

• How do I set up mask files for foil printing?

  1) Identify the text or logo areas for foil in your CMYK artwork. 2) Create a separate black-and-white vector mask…

• How many files do I need?

  CMYK artwork for each printed side, a foil mask for each foiled side, and a Spot UV mask for each side with Spot UV.

• Can I print artwork under the foil?

  Use a solid background color under the foil. Artwork or text under the mask may show through, so remove it from the…

• What are the foil artwork guidelines?

  Keep foil text at 8 pt or larger, avoid hairlines and very fine detail, and keep small text from being reversed…

• Can my mask include shadows, gradients or grayscale?

  No. Masks must be solid 100% K black and white only, as vector art (outlined fonts and shapes), saved as a PDF.

• I don't have a mask file. Can you create one?

  Yes. Our designers can create the foil mask or your whole design. Chat live, contact us or add design service when you…