Emboss or deboss

What is the difference between embossing and debossing?

The basic difference between embossing and debossing is that embossing is raised, whereas debossing is pushed in or imprinted.

We offer both techniques, which involves making a custom metal "plate" or "die" for our press that works with a combination of heat and pressure. For embossing, we need to make a pair of plates (male and female), whereas debossing requires a single plate. For this reason, we do recommend a minimum quantity because of plate set up costs.

Image: Standard debossing plate.

 

How does it work?

To emboss or deboss requires a certain thickness of material in order to retain the impression.  Both methods can be used without any printing which is what we would call blind embossing or debossing - a stunning effect on its own.  For a subtle but highly effective finish, we can also use a transparent film to give a similar result to spot uv varnish with a light sheen on the imprint (see image below).

 

 

Options

Combined with hot foil printing to add colour to the imprint, this is more commonly done with debossing, and produces an amazing finish in a whole spectrum of colours.