All Foils Are Not Created Equal

All foils are not created equal, nor will all foils work with just any process. There are several kinds of crafting foils, and to save you money, I am going to help you purchase the right kind for the right foil process. First, let’s look at the different kinds of foils that are available.

Most Popular Types of Foils

• Metallized Foil
• Pigment Foil
• Effects Foil
• Holographic Foil
• Scratch-Off
• Signature Panel

Metallized Foil: This is the best for hot foiling sometimes called foil stamping. Metallic foils provide a bright, shiny metallic look to the finished product.  Although gold and silver are most popular, metallic foils are available in a rainbow of colors, including one called rainbow.

Pigment Foil: Mostly used on plastics and papers. Pigment Foils are mostly a flat, non-metallic colored foil.

Effects Foil: These are the foils you will find with strips, dots, hologram, light refractory, wood grain or even a stone appearance. You will see these used in a thermal (hot) foil process. Be sure it will adhere without a toner reactive process.

Holographic Foil: We’ve all marveled at the holograms found on credit cards, security seals, and ID cards.  Applied with a specialized foil feed system that precisely registers each image, holograms add value by improving both security and cosmetic appeal.

Scratch off: Ever purchased a lottery ticket? Well, you have seen scratch off foil.

Signature Panel: Look on the back of your credit card. Do you see the signature panel? It’s foil.

All foils are not created equal

The 2 main types of foiling processes that you as a crafter will enjoy are thermal foiling and toner reactive foiling. Both are used in craft rooms, but you need the correct systems to make them work for your projects. These are NOT interchangeable, but the finished product will be equal in appearance and in quality.

• Thermal Foiling requires heat and pressure. It is a “hot stamping” foil which is why it works with metal dies and impression plates. This is the least expensive procedure to enjoy adding foils to your project. A thermal foil system requires a hot foil system and metal plates, however, you can use your embossing folders and metal die cuts. You probably already have these supplies in your craft stash making it easier to start enjoying foiling right away.
  • Shop for the Glimmer foil system here.
• Toner Reactive Foiling requires toner (printed imagery and/or toner infused sprays/glues/pastes, etc.). This process may offer a wider variety of foiling, but you will need a computer to design, a jet printer, and a special hot foil machine. These are three large ticket items.

For all my hot foil customers creating their cards and scrapbook pages, look for thermal foil that is on sale through until July 9th.

Never have done stamping foiling? Join our July card class where we will be teaching all the great ways to foil.

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