Digital Foiling vs. Block Foiling: What’s the difference?

When you print with Foil at Printed.com, we use a process known as Digital Foiling. But what exactly is it, and how is it different from traditional Block Foiling?

In short, both methods will leave you with shiny, metallic accents, printed onto your design. What’s different is the way that they’re printed, and the finished effect you’ll get from both.

Traditional Block Foiling

Traditional Foil Blocking (or hot foil stamping) involves applying metallic foil to paper or card, using heated plates (or die). This leaves your foiled elements slightly debossed and textured – as the foil is hot pressed onto your card or paper stock. This process works best on uncoated, thicker paper stocks.

What designs can you print with traditional Foiling?

With traditional hot press foiling, you can foil almost any design. Smaller, intricate designs that feature fine details and serif style fonts aren’t ideal for Digital Foiling, so we’d suggest traditional methods if you’re after something precise. However, if you’ve got bolder text, or large areas that need the foil treatment, Digital Foiling is ideal.

So what about Digital Foiling?

Unlike traditional Foil Blocking, Digital Foiling doesn’t require the use of plates – it’s printed directly from a file on the computer. This means that there are no set up costs, making it ideal for short runs and smaller orders.

What designs can you print with Digital Foiling?

Digitally Printed Foil results in a flat print product, without any texture or de-bossing. Once printed, we finish all of our Foiled Print with Velvet Lamination (you can choose either one sided or double sided, but whichever side you choose to add foiling to must be Velvet Laminated). This protects your print with a durable, hardwearing finish.

Digital foiling is available at Printed.com in various colours, including silver, gold, rose gold, copper, red and blue – on Silk, Uncoated and Trucard paper stocks.

If you want to use a luxury paper stock, you’ll need to use traditional Block Foiling. Block Foiling is available via our Bespoke Service. Just fill in our quick form here and we’ll get a quote to you within 24 hours.

Getting set up

Setting up your artwork for Foiling is as easy as creating just two separate print files! Our handy video tutorial will walk you through the entire process. And don’t forget to check out our top five tips to make sure your print comes off the press sparkling!

Got a question about Foiling? Our Customer Service Team are on hand to help. Call them directly on 0800 840 1430. They’re here every weekday from 8.30am ‘til 6.30pm. Or, drop them a line to theteam@printed.com or chat live on our website.

Which Foiling method will you be using for your next print job? Make sure to share your foiled creations with us on social and use the hashtag #ProudlyPrinted.

Shop Digital Foiling