Embossing
Embossing is a finishing technique used to create relief on a paper surface. It involves the use of a plate in two parts: a male part, called the embossing plate, which pushes the paper onto the reverse side, and a female part, called the counterpart, which receives the relief on the front side. The embossing process begins by making the embossing plate with the desired pattern, which can be subtle or more pronounced depending on the needs of the project.
Once the embossing plate has been created, it is mounted on a press which exerts a precise and controlled pressure to push the paper against the embossing plate, creating a relief according to the pattern on the plate. This action locally deforms the paper, creating the desired relief texture. To achieve this finish, we generally use long-fibre papers, which offer the best resistance and flexibility properties. In the workshop, the embossing process consists of compressing the paper between a metal plate and a flexible polymer, creating a raised area on the front and an inverted recessed area on the reverse. It should be noted that no colour can be printed during the embossing process. As a result, embossing represents a separate stage in terms of production and requires a dedicated machine.
NOTA BENE
It should be noted that embossing can only be applied to one side of the project, the reverse side being affected with a recessed area. However, it is possible to insert additional information as long as it is not opposite the debossed area. The relief of embossing is obtained on relatively thin papers, with a maximum thickness of 300 to 380 grams per square metre.
Dry embossing
Dry embossing, also known as blind embossing, is a technique for creating relief without the addition of ink or gilding. This is a form of embossing where only the texture of the relief is present, creating a subtle, elegant and highly design visual and tactile effect. It is also possible to alternate two types of embossing on the same side of your print, adding texture and volume to your project.
Embossing & gilding
Embossing can be combined with hot foil stamping. This technique, known as curved gilding, involves applying a thin layer of metallic foil to the embossed motif. Curved gilding adds an extra touch of elegance and sophistication to the embossed design.
Duplex & laminating
To solve the problem of through embossing, we generally opt for our laminating technique (see our duplex range). This technique involves doubling the paper, taking care not to superimpose the text or elements to be highlighted. Another possible option is our triplex range, which uses three superimposed layers of paper, offering greater creative freedom for embossing or debossing using an interleaver.
