The special effect: labels with embossing
Compared to conventional labels with no finish, embossed labels stand out! This finish is a visual highlight and is considered the queen of finishes for a reason. Embossing is often used for wine labels, cosmetic labels, beverage labels or for labels on other luxury products.
Embossing is characterized by a partial deformation of the label material, which is additionally coated with a film. Elements such as letters, logos, structures or abstract shapes can be applied in relief embossing. Creativity knows no limits here. It is a combination of embossing and hot foil stamping. This creates a 3D effect with a unique charm that gives the custom label that certain something!
Relief embossing, which creates a visual and tactile effect, can be selected in the online calculator. Questions? Contact us at (+31) (0)30 808 05 97 or by email: info@unieketiket.nl.
How does relief embossing work?
When labels are embossed, a deformation is created on the surface of the label in the desired areas. With relief embossing, these areas are also finished with hot foil. This is done using a tool, heat and pressure. At unieketiket.nl, your embossed labels will have a raised shape and thus a tactile contour. A distinction is made between high relief (raised elements) and low relief (lowered elements). Lower embossing cannot be used for labels. The intensity of embossing depends on the type of embossing tool and the thickness of the material. Relief embossing can only be applied to paper and not to film.
Embossed labels: correct printing files
For embossed labels, there are several aspects you need to consider regarding the correct printing data. Of course, our artwork service team will be happy to take care of this for you! Choosing the package tailored to your needs, we will create or adjust your printing data for your embossed label. When planning, please note that the elements and fonts to be printed on your embossed roll labels must have a minimum line width of 0.4 mm, spaces and negative recessed elements a minimum of 0.6 mm.
Become a print data professional
Want to create the printing data for your embossed labels yourself? Then use the following resources as a guide:
Production, embossing intensity and material
Embossing uses a special copper tool, heat and pressure. The same copper tool is used several times to create a deformation and press the film into the desired position.
Production-related fluctuations: In some cases, embossed elements are not placed 100% in the desired position. In addition, the amount of pressure affects the appearance of the embossing on your embossed roll label. Larger elements to be embossed require more pressure than smaller elements. Therefore, the results may differ if an embossing tool contains small and large elements. So, we recommend having multiple tools made in these cases. This way, each element can be embossed with the optimal pressure depending on its size.
Material-dependent fluctuations: Large-scale embossed printing with fine details can cause the film to shrink or tear, especially on certain materials. In addition, colored films are often thinner than other films and therefore not suitable for textured materials, such as cotton paper. The size of the embossed area is also limited: Larger areas can lead to sagging, making the raised effect softer. Of course, we would be happy to advise you on this!
Fancy a test drive?
Upon request, we can produce a small quantity of your embossed labels under the original printing conditions. Contact us by phone (+31) (0)30 808 05 97 or by email: info@unieketiket.nl. Use our proofing service to check possible embossing or variations. You can also test the material, quality and adhesive strength.
Materials & adhesives for embossed labels
In our online calculator you can choose from a variety of materials. Relief embossing, however, can only be applied to paper labels. We have the right paper types for your embossed labels that are tailored to your needs. Will your embossed label be exposed to moisture or extreme cold? Depending on where your labels will be used, you will need the right adhesive. Among other things, we offer
If you want to test the materials and adhesive strength for your embossed label in practice, we recommend our free sample book.
Try before you buy!
Request your free sample book today. There are countless inspiring design ideas and helpful tips waiting for you. It also includes pre-cut labels that you can stick on your product as a test. This way you can easily test different films, papers or adhesive properties with your own eyes. Upon request, we can also create a customized sample folder for you. Please contact us by phone (+31) (0)30 808 05 97 or by e-mail: info@unieketiket.nl
Embossed labels: alternatives, options & extras
When hot foil stamping is combined with blind embossing, the result is relief embossing. The material is formed at the desired point with an embossing and then finished with hot foil.
- Hot foil stamping: If you want to avoid the 3D effect or partial distortion for your custom labels, but want to keep the highlighting with foil, we recommend hot foil stamping.
- Blind embossing: If you are interested in a stylish, minimalist design, blind embossing is ideal, impressing only with a partial distortion of the material, with no foil!
Either way, these finishes create an interesting play of light and shadow, creating an absolute visual highlight. Of course, you can combine the different finishing options on your label.
Metallic labels
Roll labels with embossing and hot foil stamping use foil, which is available in matte or glossy and, depending on your choice, colored or transparent. Hot foil stamping is not the only way to create a special metallic effect. In addition to embossed paper labels or labels with hot foil stamping, we naturally also offer metallic labels. These are a cost-effective alternative to hot foil. Please note that hot foil stamping is not possible with metallic labels.
Special protection for your embossed labels
While film lamination is a special transparent film applied to the label, protective varnish is an initially liquid substance that coats the material surface and dries. Due to the characteristic deformation that embossing causes, it is not possible to apply an additional film lamination.
Relief embossing can therefore not be combined with film lamination, but only with protective varnish. Protective varnish provides a higher quality surface for your label and protects against abrasion. The properties of the protective varnish should be matched to the material of your label. For example, we recommend a corresponding glossy protective varnish for glossy hot foil.
The right design
Don’t have a design for your embossed label yet? We can get you started on your way to the perfect label! Start by getting inspiration from our free sample book. Our design expert Mirsad will also give you some tips on label design. Our design service is also ready to work with you to create the perfect look for your embossed label.
Production, shipping and further processing
Printing custom embossed labels can be time-consuming. But it doesn’t have to be! In addition to our fast production and delivery times, in certain cases you can opt for express production, which means you will receive your embossed labels even faster. Please note that the production time may be delayed by, for example, incorrect printing data or the production of an embossing tool. We also offer several shipping options.
Once your high-quality embossed labels have been produced and delivered, they can be labeled automatically, semi-automatically or manually. Keep in mind that for embossed roll labels, you must specify the correct winding direction in advance for successful labeling.
What happens next?
Learn more about our various finishes on our overview page. In addition to embossing, other finishing options include hot foil or blind embossing and digital spot varnishing. If you cannot find what you need for your roll labels with finishing in the calculator, please contact us. We will support you. You can reach us by phone at (+31) (0)30 808 05 97 or by e-mail: info@unieketiket.nl.
Useful tools and services
Proof
Want to make sure your printed labels look perfect? We print a proof of your label design on original machines and on the material of your choice.
Our free sample book
Are you looking for the right material for your labels? Order a free copy of our sample book and convince yourself of the quality of our printing!
Artwork service
We professionally prepare your print file(s) for you so that they meet all requirements for printing. Order one of our artwork services for this purpose!