Hot stamping is a stamping technique that transfers a metallic or pigmented film onto a material using pressure and temperature. It is used in labels and packaging when metallic or decorative finishes with high definition and good resistance to use are required.
It transfers metallic or pigmented foil using heat and pressure.
It allows glossy, metallic or decorative finishes.
It is applied to labels, packaging and printed materials.
It offers high definition and good resistance to use.
Stamping is a transfer printing method, an art that combines precision and creativity to bring surprising designs to life. This technique, also known as embossing, is used to print detailed and elegant designs on various materials.
At Adhesivas Ibi, as experts in labeling solutions, we know this technique. In this article we tell you how printing offers a unique way of printing and infinite customization possibilities.
What is stamping?
The translation of stamping, literally stamping, is a printing technique widely used in numerous industries. It is a process by which pressure is applied to a matrix or die with the desired design, thus transferring the image or pattern to the printing material. This method is valued for its ability to create precise details and elegant finishes on various materials, from paper to metals and plastics.
What is hot stamping?
Hot stamping is a stamping technique, also known as transfer printing, that applies a decorative film onto a surface using heat and pressure. This makes it possible to reproduce graphics, texts or metallic details with great precision on materials used for labels and packaging. If different visual effects or print combinations are required, there are also other finishes for adhesive labels that can achieve alternative decorative results.
Three elements are directly involved in this process:
Foil
A thin film containing the decorative layer that will be transferred to the material. It can be metallic, pigmented or include special effects.
Die
A metal tool engraved with the design to be applied. The die presses the foil against the material to transfer the exact shape of the graphic or text.
Temperature and pressure
Heat activates the adhesive layer of the decorative film, while the pressure of the die fixes the finish onto the surface of the material.
The combination of these elements makes it possible to apply decorative details with great definition on labels and packaging used across different industrial sectors.
Differences between hot stamping and other stamping methods
Stamping techniques mainly differ according to the type of finish they can apply, the material they work on and the production volume for which they are most suitable.
This table shows the main differences between the most commonly used stamping techniques:
| Technique | Finish | Common materials | Recommended run | Relative cost | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot stamping | Glossy metallic finish and defined details | Paper, cardboard, some plastics | Medium – high | Medium | High |
| Cold stamping / cold foil | Metallic finish integrated into offset or flexographic printing | Paper and synthetic materials | High | Medium | Medium |
| Digital foil / digital stamping | Metallic finishes applied in digital printing | Special papers and compatible materials | Low – medium | Medium-high | Medium |
| Screen printing | Opaque colours and tactile effects | Paper, plastic, glass or metal | Medium | Medium | High |
Reviewing these differences makes it easier to quickly identify which technique best suits the material, the type of finish required and the production volume of the project.
How does the stamping technique work?
Stamping is an ingenious process that combines pressure, heat and precision to create high-quality prints.
Here we explain how this technique is carried out:
Preparation of the die: a die is created with the desired design, which can be embossed or hollow, depending on the effect required.
Material Placement: The material to be printed is placed under the die, which can be paper, cardboard, metal, plastic or other substrates.
Application of pressure and heat: Controlled pressure is applied to the die, which is heated to soften the material and allow the design to transfer.
Design Transfer: Pressure and heat cause the design from the die to transfer to the material, creating a crisp, detailed print.
Cooling and finishing: Once the design is transferred, the material is cooled to set the print. Additional finishes can then be applied as needed, such as laminates or varnishes.
This meticulous and precise process ensures high-quality, long-lasting results on a wide range of products, from labels and cards to packaging and promotional products.
Types of stamping
In a stamping printing press, this procedure can be carried out in several ways; the most appropriate technique will be chosen depending on the needs of the job and the material to be used.
We show you the most common ones:
Cold stamping
Cold stamping, also known as “Cold Stamping”, is ideal for heat-sensitive materials such as paper and cardboard. In this process, pressure is applied to the die without the need to heat the base material. This results in accurate and detailed prints without risk of heat damage.
heat stamping
Heat stamping, known as “Hot Stamping”, is a perfect option for materials such as plastic, metal and leather. In this method, the die is heated and pressure is applied to the base material, allowing for effective transfer of the design. It is especially effective for creating shiny and metallic finishes on products.
Digital stamping
After an evolution of the technique, digital stamping was born. It uses digital technology to create personalized and detailed designs, which are applied directly to the material without the need for physical dies. This allows for greater flexibility in creating unique designs and producing smaller runs of custom products.
The different techniques of this process offer numerous creative and functional possibilities for transfer printing to create unique, high-quality products.
Stamping applications
The versatility of the print allows it to be used in different industries and jobs, thanks to its precision of details it facilitates customization on many objects.
We show you some of the most common:
Labels and packaging: Labels with a shiny or metallic finish, created using this technique, are ideal for high-end and promotional products.
Cards and stationery: Business cards, invitations and corporate stationery look elegant with embossed or gold details obtained using this technique.
Packaging and packaging: packaging for cosmetics, perfumes and luxury products are enhanced with exclusive designs thanks to this technique.
Promotional Products: Pens, keychains and other promotional products stand out with logos and detailed designs made with printing.
Advertising and merchandising: posters, brochures and advertising material in general gain visual impact with raised details, attracting the public’s attention.
Decoration and household items: photo frames, candles and other decorative items acquire a touch of elegance with embossed or metallic designs thanks to this technique.
These applications are just a few examples of the wide spectrum of possibilities that transfer printing offers. From the packaging industry to product promotion, this technique stands out for its ability to provide aesthetic and functional value to a wide variety of products and materials.
At Adhesivas Ibi we have the experience and knowledge to help you with your stamping projects, trust us and get the best results.
FAQs
Stamping adds shine, visual relief and a premium feel to an adhesive label. It is a very useful technique for highlighting logos, brand names, metallic details, quality seals or decorative elements that help differentiate the product on the shelf.
Labels with stamping are recommended for cosmetics, perfumery, wines, oils, gourmet products, premium beverages, candles, luxury packaging and special editions. They also work very well when the brand wants to convey quality, exclusivity or a more refined finish.
The main difference is aesthetic and related to brand positioning. Gold is usually associated with luxury, tradition and elegance; silver conveys modernity, cleanliness and sophistication; and other metallic tones, such as copper, red or blue, make it possible to create more customised and eye-catching designs.
Yes. Stamping can be combined with matte or gloss lamination, selective varnish, embossing, screen printing, special die cuts or textured materials. This combination makes it possible to create more attractive, resistant labels that are aligned with the product’s visual identity.
Before designing a label with stamping, it is important to define which areas will have the metallic finish, avoid details that are too small, check the contrast with the base material and prepare the print file correctly. A well-planned design improves the precision of the finish and helps avoid production issues.
El hot stamping usa calor y presión con matriz: ideal para acabados metalizados de máxima definición y sensación premium. El cold stamping aplica la lámina en frío mediante adhesivo, más ágil en diseños amplios o materiales sensibles al calor. En Adhesivas Ibi te recomendamos la técnica óptima según diseño, material y volumen.
Hot stamping uses heat and pressure with a die: ideal for metallic finishes with maximum definition and a premium feel. Cold stamping applies the foil cold using adhesive, faster for large designs or heat-sensitive materials. At Adhesivas Ibi we recommend the optimal technique based on design, material and run size.
