The Finishing School

What is Foil Blocking?

Metallic gold foil blocking magazine cover example

Foil blocking is often used in the print world as an enhancement to enhance the appearance of printed items. This print finishing technique is perfect for highlighting products as premium and indicates a product of the highest quality.

Foil blocking regularly appears in magazines, event invites, business cards, packaging and book covers and it’s not difficult to see why.

In order to create the foil blocking effect, a hot die is stamped onto the foil, which allows it to stick to the surface and leaves behind the design of the die on the paper. Many colours are available, however, common favourites are often metallic colours such as gold, silver and copper. Bright colours are also popular for creating stand out and highlighting key areas.

 

Bronze metallic foil blocking example with stipple varnish print finish

Cellofoil

Metallic foil can be used to attract attention to specific parts of an image or packaging – creating an enticing and luxurious effect.

Pigment Foil

Pigment foil looks most striking when used as a contrast alongside a minimal palette of colours such as black and white, or used on uncoated card or metallic background. Even on the roughest of surfaces, pigment foiling can produce clean and crisp text or graphics.

Security Foil

The main function of security foil is to ensure that a product can be uniquely identified and to deter theft and counterfeiting. If you’re looking for something truly unique, we also offer bespoke holograms. Or, something simple for those with an honest quest to simply protect documents.

Textured and Fluted Foil

Fluted foil is applied with a 3D textured emboss, which adds a raised effect to the foil. Foiled flute is very adaptable, as it can have straight or curved edges depending on your desired outcome. Magazines, cards and stationary often use this eye-catching effect.

Why not order one of our foil samples to see this stunning finish up close? We’re sure you’ll love it just as much as we do.