Used for special purposes and to cater to specific business, marketing or personalized needs, embossing is a technique of printing stationery which creates a three-dimensional or raised image on paper. A normally printed paper can easily be distinguished from an embossed design, as you can actually feel the embossed image on it. One would agree that no matter how much computers and electronic emails are used today, the importance of a hand written note or letter remains the same, in fact has increased as it tells how much you care to take out the time and effort to do so, when all you have to do is push a few buttons on the keyboard and click “send” with your computer mouse.
To give you a detailed idea of the technology and the process involved, embossing is achieved by applying heat and pressure over the smooth surface of paper, fabric or others. The right blend of heat and pressure raises the level of desired image or design on a surface and later ironing makes it smooth. Printing presses commonly use letterpress machines to accomplish the act. There are several types of embossing techniques used as per the outcome or the desired result in mind.
- Blind Embossing – It is referred to embossing an image or design without any colour. The image or design raised is colourless.
- Colour Register Embossing – Right opposite to blind embossing, this technique involves use of colours while carving the image or design on paper or fabric.
- Combination stamping – Also commonly known as combo stamping, in this technique regular embossing is combined with foil stamping.
To have embossed stationery or personalized letterheads to be precise is no longer just a requirement for businesses as individuals also prefer a sophisticated touch when it comes to personal letters and notes. To send out embossed letterheads, invitation cards, a thank you note, condolence letter or many of such personal communication adds a significant distinction and makes your letter or not stand out.