If you’re keen to create distinctive menus this is simple to do with stamped foil. There are lots of different options when it comes to finish and stamped foil can be applied to most materials, from plastic to paper. Memorable menus are a key marketing tool and the use of stamped foil is one very easy way to make your menus shine and ensure that they contribute positively to the overall experience a customer has of your business.
How does it work?
A heated die is used to press a metallic pigment onto a material such as paper. The heat and pressure that are applied mean that the design on the die is left behind in the metallic pigment. It’s a technique that can be used on its own or can be combined with something like embossing to create a truly distinctive look. Stamped foil works with most menu types and there are lots of different options when it comes to the finish you create, including metallic foils that come in different shades, from gold and silver to metallic pink, purple and green as well as gloss pigment foil that is glossy but not metallic. You can also opt for holographic foil, matte pigment foil and special effects foils that have a finish that looks like marble, wood grain etc.
How do you create a stamped foil menu?
This is a technique that allows you to really delve into your own creativity and produce a design that enhances, and aligns with, your brand. There are a few design features to bear in mind:
- You can use stamped foil on any material for your menu, including paper. However, it’s a good idea to ensure that the surface is smooth so that the foil will sit flat. Rough textures, such as linen, meaning that the design may not be well transferred.
- If you’re using paper for your menu, opt for an 80# paper stock.
- When you’re choosing a font for the design make sure it’s at least 8pt or larger. Anything smaller than this could be a challenge for creating the design in foil and some of the detail may be lost.
- You can use foil stamping anywhere on the menu other than across a fold.
How can you use foil stamping on menus?
- Highlight specialty or premium items on the menu so that customer attention goes straight there.
- Use different foils to emphasise different brand qualities, for example, matte pigment foils to bring a feeling of quality or special texture foils – e.g., wood grain – to demonstrate distinctiveness.
- Use the foil to separate menu categories.
- Make sure that your business name pops off the menu by foiling it.
- Ensure that customers don’t miss key details by including this in foil, such as your social media handles or web address.
- Use a holographic image transferred onto foil if you want to create a point of differentiation that feels high-tech.
These are just some of the ways that you can make your menus shine with stamped foil. Check out our range of hot foil machines, designed and built with British ingenuity