Question
What exactly is foil printing and how does it differ from metallic ink?
Answer
Foil printing bonds a thin metallic film onto paper using heat and pressure, giving a true reflective, mirror-like shine. Metallic ink only approximates that look with shimmer particles suspended in the ink, so the difference is easy to see side by side.
| Foil printing | Metallic ink | |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Mirror-like, reflective | Soft shimmer |
| Brightness | Sharp and bright, especially in direct light | Muted by comparison |
| Feel | Smooth metallic film on the surface | Flat, like standard ink |
Foil comes in shades like gold, silver, and copper, and it stands out most when it catches the light. Choose foil when you want a genuine metallic pop rather than a hint of sheen.
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