How to choose the appropriate hot stamping process for labels?

The hot stamping process is a powerful means to enhance the label decoration effect, adding a high-end and eye-catching texture to the product and helping the brand stand out in the market. Whether choosing alternative options such as cold ironing, hot ironing, or metal texture label materials, the final decision should be based on label design, material characteristics, and brand building goals. In order to enable everyone to quickly choose the appropriate process, this article will discuss the differences between hot and cold ironing processes.

blanch
01
What is hot pressing?
Hot stamping, also known as foil stamping, is a special printing technique that transfers metal or colored foil film onto the surface of a substrate through a hot pressing process. This process can create a durable and high-quality surface effect, especially suitable for luxury packaging, high-end brand shaping, and fine pattern design fields.
02
Working principle of hot pressing
Hot stamping mainly uses heating and pressure to transfer patterns or text to the surface of the material being hot stamped. To complete this process, a hot stamping machine and a hot stamping template engraved with specialized text or patterns (such as zinc plates, copper plates, silicone plates, etc.) are required to heat to the desired temperature, transfer the required pressure, and maintain the corresponding time.

Usually, the gold logo or pattern seen on the label is completed using hot stamping technology. Of course, hot stamping is not limited to the color of gold, and commonly used colors include black gold, platinum, silver, etc.
The characteristic of hot stamping is that there will be a slight depression in the hot stamping area after ironing, similar to the embossing process, but with a little more color on top than the embossing process. Often, this color can give the entire label a finishing touch, capturing the customer's attention and allowing them to quickly read the main information on the packaging box.
cold wave
01
What is cold scalding?
Cold foil, as an innovative surface finishing technique, has gained widespread attention in the labeling industry due to its unique advantages and excellent results. Cold pressing is a printing process that uses adhesive to transfer cold pressed gold foil onto the surface of a substrate.
02
Working principle of cold ironing
Cold pressing is a process in which a layer of adhesive is first applied to the substrate during printing, and then the cold pressed gold foil is bonded to the substrate. The adhesive is cured by pressure and appropriate temperature, thereby firmly attaching the gold foil to the substrate.

Compared with traditional hot stamping technology, cold stamping does not require heating the metal stamping plate, but achieves the transfer of gold foil through chemical reactions of adhesives, thus having lower energy consumption and a wider range of applications.
Cold pressing can achieve a metallic luster and three-dimensional effect similar to hot pressing, making printed materials more exquisite and high-end. At the same time, there is a wide variety of cold pressed gold foil options, including gold, silver, color, and more, which can meet the needs of different customers. In addition, the cold stamping process can be carried out simultaneously with the printing process, without the need for separate stamping equipment and processes, and can achieve high-speed continuous printing, suitable for large-scale production.
Application scenarios
01
Applicable scenarios for hot stamping
(1) Luxury brand: suitable for high-end product labels, wine bottles, and cosmetic packaging, providing texture and visual impact.
(2) Complex and refined design: suitable for fine lines, small decorations, and text, providing high precision and a sense of three dimensionality.
(3) Combining embossing technology: combining hot stamping and embossing to increase the layering and texture of the label.
(4) Texture Material: Excellent performance on textured paper and high-end packaging materials, enhancing visual effects.
02
Applicable scenarios for cold ironing
(1) Large area hot stamping: suitable for bold, fully covered metal designs, providing a striking visual effect.
(2) Thermal sensitive material: suitable for transparent and white BOPP materials to avoid thermal damage.
(3) Vibrant Color Effects: Supports customized foil colors, gradients, and multi tone effects to increase design flexibility.
(4) Efficient production: suitable for high-speed printing and large-scale cost-effective production.
In summary, both cold ironing and hot ironing have unique advantages, and the choice of process depends on the product label design, material, and brand goals. If pursuing fine details, embossed effects, or luxurious finishes, hot stamping may be the best choice; If you prefer to achieve eye-catching, high gloss metallic effects on a wider range of materials, then cold ironing may be your best choice.