ARTWORK · PAPER · PRODUCTION
Hot Foil FAQs
These hot foil FAQs answer the practical questions that arise before ordering: how to prepare vector artwork, choose a foil and paper, plan multiple colours, combine processes and understand production timing.
ARTWORK
Solid vector separations, one clearly named layer for each foil.
APPROVAL
Tooling begins only after the supplied files have been checked and approved.
MATERIAL
Paper, foil grade, coverage and detail are evaluated as one production system.
PROCESS BASICS
Hot foil FAQs about the process.
01
Is hot foil the same as metallic ink?
No. Hot foil stamping transfers a prepared foil layer from a carrier onto the paper with a heated metal die and pressure. Metallic ink contains reflective particles but is printed as ink, so its surface and opacity behave differently.
02
Can foil reproduce gradients or photographs?
The stamping die applies a solid image. It does not reproduce photographic shading, variable opacity or a normal printed gradient. Tonal effects need to be translated into suitable solid shapes, separate processes or another printing method.
03
Will every foil look the same on every paper?
No. Foil grade, paper texture, colour, coverage and detail all affect the result. A physical swatch shows the foil itself, but the final pairing still needs to be considered against the chosen stock.
For a supplier-side explanation of the material layers involved, see Foilco’s stamping-foil structure guide.
FILE PREPARATION
How should hot foil artwork be supplied?
Supply every foil colour as solid vector artwork on its own clearly named spot-colour layer. Build the document at final size, convert fonts to outlines or include the required fonts, and show the trim, safe area and both faces of the card.
PDF, AI and EPS are the preferred routes when they contain genuine vector shapes. A JPEG or screenshot may explain the intended appearance, but it is not normally suitable tooling artwork. We review line weight, negative space, coverage and registration before production.
MULTIPLE PROCESSES
Can hot foil be combined with other finishes?
04
Can I use two or three foil colours?
Yes, in an appropriate product or bespoke construction. Every colour is prepared as a separate vector mask, normally needs a separate die and is applied in its own press pass. Spacing and realistic registration tolerance must be designed before tooling.
05
Can foil be combined with blind impression?
Yes. The foil and uninked impression remain separate processes with separate artwork and tooling. Their sequence and spacing matter, especially when the impression crosses a large foiled surface or when both faces carry pressure.
06
Can foil be combined with painted edges?
Yes on selected substantial constructions. The face artwork is completed before the trimmed stack receives its edge colour. The foil palette and edge colour should be planned together rather than treated as unrelated additions.
ORDERING
When do I submit artwork and when does production start?
On supported online products, you can upload print-ready files with the order or choose to send them afterward. An order without approved artwork remains awaiting artwork; production does not begin from a screenshot, incomplete file or unconfirmed colour instruction.
The listed production time begins after print-ready artwork has been checked and approved. Most current hot-foil products show a 5–7-working-day production estimate, while unusual coverage, extra tooling or bespoke combinations may require a different confirmed schedule.
YOUR NEXT STEP
- Choose a standard product if the construction and options match.
- Ask for artwork guidance if the file route is uncertain.
- Request a bespoke quote for unusual paper, coverage, shape or process combinations.
MORE DETAIL
Understand the process or choose a card.
The technique guide explains the physical transfer process. The commercial collection compares repeatable constructions that can be ordered online.
TECHNIQUE GUIDE
How hot foil printing works
See the roles of the die, heat, pressure, foil construction, paper and artwork.
ONLINE PRODUCTS
Compare available constructions
Choose black, white, recycled or combined-process cards with visible configuration and pricing.