Premium Print Setup: How to Set Up Files for Foil Stamping
Adding metallic foil stamping to your business cards or presentation folders is the ultimate way to communicate luxury. However, designing for foil is completely different than designing for standard ink. You cannot simply color your logo yellow on your computer screen and expect it to print as shiny gold. It requires highly specific file preparation.
The Mechanics of the Foil Mask
To tell the massive stamping machine exactly where to apply the metal foil, you must provide a specialized file.
- The Mask File: Setting up foil requires a completely separate mask file layer designed entirely in 100% pure black ink (K:100).
- The Indicator: The solid black area on this specific layer indicates exactly where the heated die will strike and apply the metallic foil to the paper. Everything left white will remain unfoiled.
The Raven32 Recommendation
Creating these specialized mask files can be incredibly intimidating for business owners without graphic design experience. As your printing and promotional experts, we take this technical burden off your shoulders entirely. Our dedicated pre-press team will expertly build your foil masks for you to ensure perfectly registered, stunning metallic accents every single time. Contact us today to upgrade your print collateral.