Each month we will be presenting a different design tip or issue. In this issue we would like to address
combining foiling and embossing together. 

 After printing MorningPrint offers many finishing options to add to your card that can help with that ??wow?? factor. There are many complications and possibilities with finishing option combinations.
Foiling and embossing seem to be the two finishing options that work very well together.

Foiling your company logo or name alone will add a shine and elegance to your design but embossing will actually help raised that area a bit more to create not only a texture but give more of a unique look that will really accent the desired area.  

The below sample is from one of our clients, Susan Magdaleno. Susan used both foiling and embossing on her text.

In this next example the company name ??STERLING?? has been foiled & press embossed, while the text ??MEAT COMPANY?? is just foiled. Do note that embossing does effect the opposite side of the card as an impression is left.

Combining foiling and embossing together is actually a more accurate and precise in terms of processing. Because the Foiling and embossing can be done together in one shot so it reduces the margin of error in gang printing. Something we cannot avoid but strive to minimize as much as possible.

In offset gang printing there is an acceptable margin of error that is 1~2mm. This could mean the cut could shift 1-2mm or the finishing options could shift 1-2mm. Why is this? You will understand if you can see the techniques used in the ??gang?? printing industry. 

Gang-run printing describes a printing method in which multiple print projects are placed on a common paper sheet (36 inch X 51 inch) in an effort to reduce printing costs and paper waste. So place your design along with more than 100 other business card designs on one sheet. It is extremely economical, many print jobs share the same print run, which reduces manpower, plates, prep time, and press wash-up labor. It reduces waste, less paper goes unused.

After the printing process, you will have 200 ~ 500 sheets of same printed sheets. The next step is then cutting. The cutting machine will then cut all 200 ~ 500 sheets in a stacked manner.

This cutting process allows us to cut large quantities quickly and more efficiently however due to characteristics of the stock, pressure placed on the product when being cut, as well as outside factors that may affect the printing process such as weather, humidity etc., the paper can shift 1-2mm. A possible shift can effect a few / some / all of the cards in a set.

So if you are looking to stand out from the crowd, go with foiling and embossing. Our foiling options come in a variety of colors: glossy gold, matte gold, glossy silver, matte silver, red, blue, green, black. Please check stock for finishing option availability. Print responsibly!