Common Embellishing Techniques applied to Paper and Board include;
- Blind Embossing
- Foil Stamping
- Thermography
- Die Stamping
- Holography
- Form cutting

Blind Embossing
Blind Embossing leaves an image indented or raised on the surface of the sheet. A beautifully embossed job has a feeling of quality and a whole new dimension in its impact.
The ability to accept and retain a deep emboss is dependent on the furnish and finish of the paper or board.
Suitable stocks are text and covers, especially soft textured sheets containing cotton or a high percentage of long fibred pulp.
Some, but not, all cast coated boards and art boards, accept embossing readily. It is recommended to find the most suitable stock before printing. Talk to both your printer and embellisher.
Embossing depth should be limited on film laminated or UV varnished sheets.
Embossing a printed area will greatly increase the chance of scuffing if the ink film is not protected. Foil stamping and embossing can eliminate this concern.

Foil Stamping
Foil stamping uses heat and a heat activated foil to impart an image onto the surface. It may be combined with embossing to produce an enhanced effect on business cards, letterheads and presentation documents.
Foils come in an amazing array of colours, metallics, multicolours, reflective and holographic.
Foils offer the highest opacity and are effective for printing in white over a coloured stock.
The cost of foil stamping is dependent on the area of the print and the layout of any multiple images. Discuss the best use of foils with your printer or embellisher before finalizing design.
Stock selection is important, the finish and texture of the stock will affect the foil's appearance. Ask to see a copy of the Raleigh sample book of Embellishment.
Tips during pre printing, include keeping spray to a minimum, ensure any varnish used on the job is foil compatible. They usually are but checking is recommended, just in case.

Thermography
Thermography uses heat to fuse a tonner to the paper surface to give a raised image.
The raised area should be kept small, letters or a logo is ideal. It does not have the same feel as a blind emboss but is widely substituted to give a tactile effect to business cards. The raised image will remelt during laser printing so the process is not recommended for letterheads or presentation documents that are to be laser printed.
The heat in the process may create curl in the stock so sheets specially formulated for thermography are recommended, (President Ivory Board).


Die stamp Printing, (also known as Intaglio or Engraved printing)
Die stamp Printing produces a logo or typeface of unmatched clarity of fine detail.
It uses a recessed engraved image filled with ink to create the image. Because the ink film can be thick the image has a slightly raised feel further augmenting the quality effect created by this method.
A smooth stock will allow the process to exhibit its advantages. In conjunction with a watermarked cotton or high white smooth letterhead stock, intaglio produces the finest stationery.
The initial cost of the engraved block is high, and changes to the copy entail further cost, but when only the best will do, use intaglio.

Holography
Holography imparts a three dimensional image on the sheet by foil stamp printing.
Holograms can give a striking or mysterious look to a job.
Standard patterns are available, providing an inexpensive effect on a short run job.
A specially designed and produced hologram has a high initial cost but may well be affordable on a long run promotional piece or widely used logo.
Expert foil stamp printers best print holograms, because of the high cost of the foil. If these experts are unknown please contact our nearest office, we will be happy to assist you.

Form cutting
Form cutting allows the finished printed piece to take on a multitude of shapes other than rectangular. The finished job may be round, cut to a pattern, or have holes cut out of covers or following sheets to allow contrast or interest. Form cutting intelligently used can really create a "different" job a minimal expense.
The more intricate the design the greater the cost of the form.
Carton makers are experts in this field; the machinery used can also be used to produce packaging.