Debossing
Debossing is a printing technique that creates a raised effect on the paper. To achieve debossing, pressure is applied to the paper using a relief plate (cliché). This creates a hollow in the paper, giving an interesting tactile and visual effect. The effect produced is a sunken texture, where the pattern or design is raised from the surface of the paper. This adds dimension and depth to the print, providing an aesthetically appealing finish. When you run your fingers over the debossing, you can feel the difference in level between the raised areas and the flat areas of the paper. This is a technique we commonly use to add character and elegance to our business cards and correspondence cards.
Debossing is achieved simultaneously with printing by applying increased pressure from the cliché, a raised plate used for printing, to the paper. The depth of the indentation depends on the strength of the pressure applied. It is important to note that the debossing is more visible on light-coloured paper, as it is the shadow cast by the hollow on the paper that creates the effect. Therefore, on black or very dark paper, the effect will be less pronounced. In addition, thicker paper offers better results for debossing.
It is perfectly possible to deboss a specific part of the elements, while the others remain flush with the paper. However, this requires a two-stage printing process: one for the debossed elements and another for the elements without debossing. This involves two separate positioning adjustments (makereadies) to achieve the desired result.
The variants
Dent removal with printing: this is a combined operation in which a single printing colour is applied during machine setting. Depending on the quality of the paper used, the debossing may vary in terms of depth, or even be non-existent, being level with the surface of the paper.
Pure debossing: this is carried out without the use of ink, unless the area in question does not need to be particularly legible. However, for fine elements or text in small characters, it is recommended to choose a colour with a light tint. This creates an effect that highlights the fibres of the paper while giving these elements greater visibility. It is important to note that for text, the smaller the font size, the stronger the tint should be to ensure optimum legibility. Pure debossing requires separate registration and cannot be carried out simultaneously with the application of a Pantone colour, for example.
Denting on both sides
When it comes to debossing on both sides, debossing one side without marking the other is not a problem. In some projects, we are able to achieve very discreet fulling. On thick, flexible paper, it’s possible to obtain a correct debossing without affecting the back of the paper.
However, the difficulty arises when you want to deboss both sides of the paper simultaneously. In such cases, we use the technique of paper lamination, in particular using our duplex range. This approach involves using two specific papers for front and back debossing, then gluing them together to achieve the desired result. In this way, front and back debossing can be achieved with precision and quality by combining these two separate papers in a laminating process.
