Foil Printing FAQ
Have a question about custom foil printing? Explore these foil printing FAQs to learn about available foil colors, artwork setup, recommended paper stocks, bleed requirements and specialty finishes.
Want to learn how to prepare your artwork for foil printing? Watch this quick tutorial:
What is foil printing?
Foil printing is a specialty printing process that uses a digital Sleeking™ technique to bond foil to printed ink rather than directly to the paper. The result is a reflective, metallic finish that creates more shine than standard metallic ink. See all of our foil products.
What foil printing colors are available?
We offer foil printing in five colors and finishes: gold, silver, rose gold and holographic foil, plus clear spot gloss. Available options depend on the product you choose.
What is raised foil printing?
Raised foil printing is a specialty finishing process that adds a raised layer of foil over selected areas of your printed design. This creates a dimensional, textured effect with eye-catching shine. See all of our raised foil products.
What colors are available for raised foil printing?
Our raised foil printing options include eight finishes and colors: gold gloss, gold matte, silver gloss, silver matte, blue, red, green and holographic.
What paper stocks work best for foil printing?
We recommend coated paper stocks for both standard foil and raised foil printing. Uncoated and textured stocks are not recommended for these finishes.
If you want to write on the reverse side of your printed piece, choose coated semigloss one-side (C1S) stock with one-sided foil printing. This leaves the uncoated side available for writing. Learn more: Small Format Paper Stocks, Coated Paper Stocks vs. Uncoated Paper Stocks
What are the bleed requirements for foil printing?
Foil printing cannot extend fully to the trimmed edges of your finished product. However, your print-ready artwork must include a 0.125″ bleed for production.
Bleed is the area of artwork that extends beyond the final trim edge of a printed piece. Including bleed helps prevent unwanted white gaps along the edges if slight cutting variations occur during trimming. Learn more: Bleed & Crop Marks
Video Tutorial: How to Design With Foil Printing & Other Specialty Finishes
Our School of Print Design video tutorial explains how to prepare designs for foil printing and other specialty finishes. Watch the video to learn more about incorporating these effects into your print projects.
If you have questions about these foil printing FAQ or other printing services, please contact customer service. We’re happy to help with whatever you need.
