We can only use one type of foil per order so for example you can not order a foil stamped business card with gold foil on the front and silver foil on the back. Foil job files are set up just like our Spot UV job files.
You must provide a separate Foil mask file: black in the areas you want the foil and white in the areas you do not want the foil. All black areas should be solid 100% K with no other added colors.
If you order a foil stamped job with Spot UV, you'll need to provide separate mask files for the Foil (foil mask) and UV (spot UV mask), in which case you may be required to provide up to 6 files. Please keep in mind, however, that the Foil and UV coating can't overlap, both should be at least 1/16" apart to avoid foil peeling off. Also, avoid using small/fine text or lines for foil objects.
For best results, please make sure that foil coverage is less than 50% of the entire print side. Also, be aware that there may be up to a 1/16" shift on the placement of the foil. Keep this in mind if you are trying to align foil with other printed artwork on the card.
For better quality we recommend creating mask files in vector based programs such as Illustrator or CorelDRAW.
How to set up a Spot UV job:
When creating a Spot UV job, you must include a Spot UV template file along with the regular print file. The Spot UV template file is used to show where the UV coating needs to be applied.
For better quality, we recommend creating mask files in vector-based programs such as Illustrator or CorelDRAW.
Please only use solid 100% K to indicate where you would like the UV. Do not use shadows, glows, or grayscale images. White will indicate no UV.
Remember, if it's white, you can write!
How to set up a Raised Spot UV job:
Raised Spot UV jobs are set up the same way as Spot UV jobs. When creating a Raised Spot UV job, you must include a Raised Spot UV mask file along with the regular print file.
Please note, the mask file must be vector art created in vector-based programs such as Illustrator.
The Raised Spot UV mask file is used to show where the UV coating needs to be applied.
Please only use solid 100% K (C 0%, M 0%, Y 0%, K 100%) to indicate where you would like the UV. Do not use shadows, glows, or grayscale images. White will indicate no UV.
Difference between Spot UV and Raised Spot UV:
Spot UV is a flat finish of a shiny layer that goes on the exact spot where you would like your printed piece to have an area of a high gloss coating.
Raised Spot UV is the same process, except the UV that gets applied stands out from the product, that if you run your fingers over the card you will feel the UV. The depth of the Raised Spot UV is 50 microns.
Smallest size font that can be used in Raised Spot UV artwork:
It is recommended that you do not use a smaller than 8pt font on the Raised Spot UV Artwork. If however, you use fonts with thicker strokes, it is recommended that you do not use a smaller than 10pt font.
How to set up Raised Spot UV Greeting Cards:
When designing a Raised Spot UV greeting card file, please make sure to leave the mask file at least 0.25" away from the scoring line to avoid varnish breakage and allow for easy folding.
How to ensure the best result on Raised Spot UV Cards:
For best results, please make sure that UV coverage is less than 30%. Otherwise, the cards will be stuck together and become a block of cards. Also, The mask file must be a vector art created in a vector-based program such as Illustrator. Otherwise, you won't have sharp edges on the artwork.
Up to 70% coverage is acceptable only with patterns, thin strokes, or small shapes. Ideally, the size of the area, shape, or image covered with raised foil should not exceed 1in x 1in.
Please see the pictures below for reference.