The certain something: labels with an embossed finish
Compared with conventional labels without a finish, labels with relief embossing stand out from the competition! This finish is a visual highlight and is rightly considered the queen of finishes. Relief embossing is often used for wine labels, cosmetics labels, spirits labels or any other luxury product.
Relief embossing is attractive thanks to the partial deformation of the label material, which is additionally covered with a colored foil. So it is a combination of embossing and hot foil stamping. In principle, all kinds of elements can be embossed, such as writing, logos, structures or abstract shapes: there are no limits to creativity. This creates a uniquely charming 3D effect, giving the label that certain something!
How does relief embossing work?
When relief embossing is applied to labels, a deformation is created on the label surface at the desired points. These elements are also finished with hot foil stamping. This works with a tool, heat and pressure.
At labelletiquette.fr, your labels can have a relief embossing, giving them a palpable contour. A distinction is made between positive embossing (raised elements) and negative embossing (recessed elements). Debossing cannot be used for our labels.
The intensity of embossing depends on the type of embossing tool and the thickness of the substrate. Please note that embossing can only be carried out on paper, not film.
Labels with relief embossing: correct print files
For labels with embossing or curved gilding, there are a number of aspects to take into account in order to obtain correct print files. Our team of graphic designers will be happy to take care of this for you! By choosing the premium graphic correction service, your print files for your label with relief embossing will be created or adapted.
When setting up your files, please note that the elements and fonts to be embossed on your roll-fed labels with relief embossing must have a minimum line thickness of 0.4 mm, and a minimum gap of 0.6 mm between elements to achieve a high-quality result.
Become a print data professional
Would you like to create the print files for your embossed labels yourself? Please refer to the following tools:
Production, pressure and support
Relief embossing is achieved using a special brass tool, heat and pressure. The same brass tool is used several times to deform the material to the desired position.
Production-related variations: when using the tool, variations may occur. In some cases, the embossed elements are not placed exactly where you want them. Tool pressure also influences the appearance of the embossing on your label. Larger embossed elements require more pressure than smaller ones. This can lead to different results if an embossing tool contains large and small elements. That’s why we recommend making several tools in such cases. In this way, each element can be embossed with the optimum pressure for its size.
Substrate-related effects: when embossing large surfaces with watermarked recesses, burrs or tears may appear on certain substrates. What’s more, for relief embossing, colored hot foils are often thinner than other metallic foils, making them unsuitable for structured substrates such as Cotton Touch paper. The size of the surface to be embossed is also limited: on large surfaces, sagging can occur, which reduces the relief effect. We’d be delighted to advise you!
Would you like to have a print proof?
On request, we can produce a small quantity of your labels with an embossed finish under actual printing conditions. Please do not hesitate to contact us by telephone on +33 (0)4 81 68 19 73 or by email at info@labelletiquette.fr.
Take advantage of our proofing service to check any characteristics or variations. You can also test the substrate, quality and adhesion, to make sure your label is suitable for your conditions of use.
Materials and adhesives for embossed labels
Our online calculator lets you choose from various materials. However, relief embossing can only be applied to paper labels. We have the right papers for your embossed labels, to suit your needs. For example, we offer various durable solutions for your embossed labels. Of course, you don’t have to compromise on aesthetics or functionality. Depending on the use of your labels, you’ll need the right adhesive. Among others, we offer :
If you’d like to test the substrates and adhesive strength of your embossed label beforehand, we recommend our free sample book.
Test first, then order!
Request your free sample book today. You’ll find lots of design ideas and tips. It also contains pre-cut labels that you can stick onto your product as a test. So you can test the properties of film, paper or glue yourself, and choose the most suitable for your labels.
We can also send you personalized samples on request. Please do not hesitate to contact us by telephone on +33 (0)4 81 68 19 73 or by email at info@labelletiquette.fr.
Embossed labels: alternatives, possibilities and extras
A combination of hot foil stamping and embossing produces relief embossing. The substrate is deformed at the desired point using an embossing tool, then refined with hot foil stamping.
Hot foil stamping: If you want to dispense with the 3D effect or partial deformation for your personalized labels, but want to retain the enhancement provided by a colored foil, we recommend hot foil stamping.
Embossing: if you’re interested in an elegant, minimalist design, embossing is ideal, as it only distorts the substrate partially, without any colored film!
In all cases, the finishes create an interesting play of light and shadow, adding an original visual touch. You can, of course, combine different finishing options on your label.
Metallic labels
For roll labels with relief embossing, we use a metallic foil that can be matte or glossy, and colored or transparent. Metallic foil is not the only element used to achieve a particular metallic effect.
In addition to paper labels with relief embossing or labels with hot foil stamping, we also offer metallic labels. This is an economical alternative to hot foil stamping. Please note that metallic labels cannot be partially deformed, so embossing will not be possible on this type of substrate.
Special protection for your labels with relief embossing
Film lamination and protective varnishing are among the finishes with a protective function. Whereas lamination involves applying a transparent film to the label, protective varnish is a liquid substance that coats the surface of the substrate and dries after application. Due to the characteristic deformation caused by the relief embossing technique, it is not possible to additionally apply a protective film.
Relief embossing cannot be combined with lamination, but only with protective varnish. This gives your label a higher-quality surface and protects it from abrasion. The properties of the protective varnish must be matched to your label material. For example, we recommend a high-gloss protective varnish for high-gloss hot foil stamping.
The right design
Don’t have a design for your embossed label yet? We’ll help you create the perfect label! First, let our free sample book inspire you. What’s more, our graphics expert Mirsad will give you some tips on label design.
Our graphic design department is also at your disposal to help you create your label with relief embossing.
Shipping and labeling
Printing labels with an embossed finish can be time-consuming. But it doesn’t have to be! In addition to our fast production and delivery times, in some cases, you can opt for express production, which means you’ll receive your embossed labels even faster. Please note that production times may be delayed, for example, due to incorrect print files or the manufacture of an embossing tool. We also offer various shipping options.
Once your high-quality relief embossing labels have been produced and delivered, labeling can be carried out automatically, semi-automatically or manually. Please note that for roll-fed labels with relief embossing, you need to specify the correct winding direction in advance, so that the labeling process can run smoothly.
What next?
You can find out more about our different finishes on our overview page. In addition to embossing, other finishing options include hot foil stamping and digital selective varnish. If you can’t find what you need for your finished roll labels in the calculator, please contact us. We’re here to help. You can reach us by phone on +33 (0)4 81 68 19 73 or by email at info@labelletiquette.fr.
Our Services
Sample Book
You can order your free sample book, containing pre-cut labels on our standard materials. This will allow you to explore the materials and finishes available at labelletiquette.fr.
Proofing Service
Choose one of our proofing service options. We will print your label under the same conditions as the final print run. This allows you to check the print result and make sure that your label or substrate is well-suited to your needs.
Artwork Service
Not sure if your print files are correct? Take a look at our artwork service and we will check your files, depending on the package you chose, to correct and prepare them for printing. Your labels will then look exactly as you want them to.