Hot Stamping Foils

Hot stamping foils are thin layers of metallic or pigmented film used in the hot stamping process. This process involves transferring a dry ink or foil onto a surface at high temperatures. The result is a decorative finish that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to various products.

CER has been providing quality hot stamping foils for more than 25 years. We are proud of our reputation as a global industry leader in high-impact, high-performance foils that decorate a wide range of products. In this post, we will look at CER’s market-leading range of decorative foils and our extensive range of foil-related services.

Hot Stamp Foil Composition

Metalized hot stamping foils are designed to transfer a decorative or functional layer onto a substrate using heat and pressure. These foils are composed of multiple layers, each serving a specific purpose in the stamping process. Understanding the composition of these foils is crucial for appreciating their functionality and versatility in various applications.

Layered Structure of Hot Stamp Foils

1. Carrier Layer: The topmost layer of hot stamp foil is the carrier layer, typically made of a thin polyester film. This layer holds all the subsequent layers together and is crucial for the mechanical handling of the foil during the stamping process. Its primary role is to support the foil as it unwinds from a roll and travels through the stamping machine.
2. Release Layer: Beneath the carrier layer is the release layer, which plays a pivotal role during the stamping process. This layer, often made of a wax-like material, allows the other layers of the foil to release from the carrier layer when subjected to heat and pressure. The effectiveness of this layer determines the clarity and precision of the stamped design.
3. Lacquer or Color Layer: This layer provides the color or the aesthetic element of the foil. It can be a transparent or opaque lacquer, metallic layer, or pigmented layer, depending on the desired effect. Metallic foils, for instance, include a thin layer of metal such as aluminum to give a shiny, reflective finish, while pigmented foils use colored lacquers.
4. Metal Layer: In metallic foils, this layer, usually consisting of aluminum, adds the reflective qualities and opacity. It’s this layer that gives the foil its metallic character and contributes to the visual appeal.
5. Adhesive Layer: The bottommost layer is the adhesive layer, which bonds the foil to the substrate. This layer becomes activated by heat and pressure during the stamping process. The composition of the adhesive layer varies depending on the type of substrate it is designed to adhere to, such as paper, plastic, or screen-printing ink.

Types of Hot Stamp Foil

CER´s range of hot stamp foils includes metalized, pigmented, special effect foils, and transfer images.

Metalized Foils

CER’s metalized foils provide high-impact visual performance with a premium, mirrored finish. We offer various colors and finishes, including both glossy and matte.

The appeal of metalized hot stamping foils lies in their ability to elevate the visual impact of a product or item. The metallic finish catches light and eye, making the product stand out. Additionally, these foils are known for their durability and resistance to fading, ensuring that the products retain their premium look over time.

Metalized foils are commonly used on plastic and varnished substrates for multiple products, including cosmetic, personal care, fragrance, automotive, and appliance applications.

Pigmented Foils

CER offers pigmented foils in the full color spectrum, including custom pantone PMS colors. Effects such as high- and semi-gloss are available.

Pigmented hot stamping foils are popular due to their ability to produce crisp, clear, and vibrant colors. They are particularly effective on darker substrates where a strong color contrast is desired. These foils are also valued for their durability and resistance to fading, ensuring that the colors remain vivid over time.

Our pigmented foils are used to decorate a range of applications, including automotive, medical, electronic, household appliances, cosmetic products, and tools.

Special Effect Foils

We offer a wide range of special effect foils, including holographic, brushed effect, second skin, and half mirror foils.

Our holographic silver and gold foils-or tapes-are embossed metalized foils compatible with effects such as chess, ring, marble, rainbow, sand, and zebra finishes. These effects can be applied across our entire line of metalized foils.

Brush effect metalized foils give a luxury brushed look to products with either a matte or glossy finish.

Second surface foils are designed to print decoration on the underside of plastic that is meant to be read from the top or through the part.

Finally, half mirror foils are semi-reflective metalized foils with various percentages of transparency available.

Heat Transfer Labels

As a supplier of a wide array of heat transfer equipment and consumable supplies, CER is intimately familiar with heat transfer labels’ performance and process requirements. We work hand in hand with our partners to source the heat transfer labels best suited to each specific application’s unique design and performance requirements.

Heat transfer labels allow for design flexibility, including the use of vibrant colors and intricate details.

Foil-Related Services

In addition to our extensive range of decorative foils, CER also offers a complete range of foil-related services. These services include expert foil selection, slitting, precision color-matching, and in-house performance testing.