Raised Foil products require mask files in addition to your CMYK artwork. These masks should use 100% black (K) to show where the foil is to be applied. All other areas of the mask should be white.
When uploading, please upload one file for your artwork and a separate file for your mask.
Creating a Mask for Your Raised Foil Project
The easiest way to create a mask for your project is to use your print file. Remove all elements from the file that should not have raised foil print on them.
Next, change the color of everything with foil to black (C0 M0 Y0 K100). There should be no other color in your mask file.
Another option is to create a new file the same size as your artwork. Place the elements to be coated in the same positions as in your artwork, and fill them.
Best Practices for Mask Files
When creating masks, alignment is the most critical step. Make sure your artwork and mask files are exactly the same size, and all shared elements are in the same position.
Because foil differs in application from ink and occurs after the printing process, it shouldn’t be extremely small and thin. Avoid delicate graphics or thin/small fonts. The minimum font size is 10pt for regular fonts, 12pt for bold or fonts with thick strokes.
For the best results, your mask file must be submitted as a vector file created in a program such as Illustrator or InDesign. Do not include special effects like gradients or drop shadows on your mask, and only use 100% black to indicate where you want the raised foil to appear.
The maximum coverage area for raised foil is 30%. This can increase to a maximum of 50% if the foil coverage is a pattern rather than a continuous area. Ideally, the size of the area, shape, or image covered with raised foil should not exceed 1" x 1". Anything larger will make the foil wavy.
Please note when creating your artwork files that there is a potential for a 1/16" artwork shift with this product.
We offer Raised Foil on a variety of products: