Hot Foiling Process

The Hot Foiling Process.

Hot foil stamping in many circumstances offers a simple and refined way to decorate and mark plastics, paper, wood, etc

The process is quick, clean and dry and achieves results which are permanent immediately.

The process works using heat, time and pressure which press the foil onto an object. The combination of the above activates the release coat of the foil and is adhered to the object by means of the size coat.

There are various methods of hot foiling.

- Press method.

- Peripheral

- Roll-on

- Special machines.

Hot foiling has many advantages:

- Dry Printing process.

- The ability to apply a shiny metallic finish.

- No pre or post treatment required.

- Secondary processes can be carried out immediately.

- Change of colour is quick.

- Multi-colour designs can be applied using pre-printed transfer(Decals).

Foils are available in many colours metallic, pigment, special effects and multi colour transfers/decals. Special foils are available for exterior use, resistance to UV light and chemicals etc.

Foil make up.

The foil comprises of various layers, on a carrier (commonly polyester). The layers consist of the polyester carrier which has a deposit of a release coat, followed by a protective lacquer, a metallizing or pigment colour and finally a size coat or adhesive coat.

The foil is activated with heat and pressure and this releases the layers from the carrier with the sizing coat giving the adherence to the substrate.

The colour is achieved by changing the protective layer, if the layer is clear a silver effect is achieved, if this layer is transparent amber the foil will be gold in colour. To achieve pigment colours, instead of metallizing the pigment colours are applied during the coating process.