Silk screen printing and Hot stamp (or foil stamping) are two crucial methods adapted while designing packages for various types of products. The major difference between the two of them is that one provides a glossy image, while the other presents an appealing highlight.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is a process by which an image is imposed onto a specialized mesh creating a stencil. Inks or coatings are pushed through the apertures in the mesh by way of a squeegee under pressure and transferred onto a substrate. Also know as “silk screen” printing, this process can be used on a variety of surfaces with an array of ink types to create unique effects unavailable via other processes.
BEST USES: Overprinting; Large, solid areas floated with opaque colors or translucent coatings; Bringing a hand crafted, human element to printed pieces.
Hot Stamping (Foiling)
This method is more straightforward than its counterpart. Hot stamping involves the treatment of a metallic foil getting heated on the surface of the packaging with the aid of a die. While it is widely used on paper and plastics, this method can be applied to other sources as well.
In hot stamping, the die is mounted and heated, and then the foil is placed above the packaging to be imprinted. With the material below the die, a painted or metallized roll-leaf carrier is positioned between the two of them, and the die pressed down through it. The combination heat, pressure, dwelling and stripping time, control the quality of each stamp. The die can be created from any given artwork, which could include a text or even a logo.
Foil stamping is considered to be environment-friendly since it’s a relatively dry process and doesn’t result in any form of pollution. It doesn’t create any harmful vapors or needs to use solvents or inks.
When using the hot stamp method during the design phase of the packaging, the metallic foil is glossy and contains reflective properties which when caught in the light, produces a shimmering image of the desired artwork.
On the other hand, silk screen printing creates a matte or flat image of the design. Even though the ink used has a metallic base, it still lacks the high shine of that of the foil. Hot stamping provides a profligate sensation to every kind of custom design used in the packaging industry. And since first impressions matter a lot in this regard, products that have been foil stamped can be striking to customers who have high expectations.
Pocssi Cosmetic Packaging can do both Silkscreen Printing and Hot Stamping, so if you are looking to release any products in the near future, feel free to give us a call or email(info@pocssi.com)!
Post time: Feb-01-2023