What is blind embossing?
High-quality, personalized labels stand out from the competition. Compared with conventional labels with no special finish, embossed labels stand out not only for their discreet, noble appearance, but also for their distinctive feel.
Embossing is characterized by a partial deforming of the label material. This means it cannot be applied to film and does not require the addition of color. This is why the process is also known as “blind embossing”. Of course, it’s also possible to emboss a color-printed surface for your roll labels. In this case, the minimalist charm and 3D effect of traditional embossing are attenuated. It does, however, create a special new effect which, depending on the particular case, can be quite judicious and aesthetically pleasing.
Embossing allows you to create sophisticated details in an elegant way. The result is a visual and tactile effect. 
How does embossing work?
If labels are to be embossed, a deformation is created on the label surface in the desired places. This works using a tool, heat and pressure.
At labelletiquette.fr, your labels are embossed in relief, giving them a tangible contour. A distinction is made between positive embossing (raised elements) and negative embossing (recessed elements). Debossing cannot be used for labels.
The intensity of embossing depends on the thickness of the substrate and the type of embossing tool. Most of our label materials, whether textured or smooth, can be combined with blind embossing.
Labels with embossing: correct print files
For labels with blind embossing, there are a number of aspects to be taken into account in order to obtain the 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 embossing will be created or adapted.
When setting up your files, please note that the elements and fonts to be embossed on your labels must have a minimum line thickness of 0.4 mm, and a space of at least 0.6 mm between elements to achieve a quality result.
Become a printing pro with our help
Would you like to create the print files for your embossed labels yourself? Please refer to the following tools:
Production, pressure and embossing surface
Embossing is achieved using a special tool, heat and pressure. The same tool is used several times, producing a deformation at the desired point on the label. At labelletiquette.fr, we use a magnesium tool, but you can of course choose between a magnesium tool and a brass tool on request.
When using the tool, production-related 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. For larger elements to be embossed, more pressure is required than for smaller elements. 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 optimum pressure according to its size. The size of the embossing surface is also limited: on large surfaces, the embossed area can sag, attenuating the relief effect.
We’ll be happy to advise you! We also recommend our test print, which you can have made on request. This will ensure that your embossed label will look just as you want it to.
Magnesium or brass?
If you opt for embossed labels, you need to choose the right tool.
A magnesium tool is inexpensive in the short term and produces sharp edges. In comparison, a brass tool is considered a more expensive alternative and is recommended for finer elements to be embossed. In addition, a brass tool is more durable, can be reused more often and is therefore more economical in the long term and more respectful of resources.
Substrates and adhesives for embossed labels
Our online calculator lets you choose from various materials. However, 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 :
- permanent adhesive labels
- removable labels or
- labels for frozen foods
If you’d like to test the materials 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 customized samples on request. Please do not hesitate to contact us by telephone on +33 (0)4 81 68 19 73 or by e-mail at info@labelletiquette.fr.
Complementary hot foil and relief embossing
Of course, your label can have a finish other than embossing, or even several finishes! As explained above, embossing is a partial deformation of the label.
If you opt for hot foil, a foil (without partial deformation) is applied to certain areas using heat, pressure and a tool. You can also embellish your label with relief embossing, which is a combination of blind embossing and hot foil stamping: certain areas of the label are not only deformed, but also covered with a colored foil.
On request, we can produce a small quantity of your labels with embossing under original printing conditions. You can reach us by phone on +33 (0)4 81 68 19 73 or by e-mail at info@labelletiquette.fr. Take advantage of ourproofing service and make sure everything meets your expectations!
Extra protection for your labels
Finishes with protective properties include film lamination and protective varnish. Protective varnish gives your label a higher-quality surface and protects it from abrasion. The properties of the protective varnish must be adapted to the label substrate. In the case of film lamination, on the other hand, a transparent film rather than a varnish is applied to the label.
Due to the characteristic deformation of embossing, it is not possible to apply an additional protective film. Therefore, embossing cannot be combined with lamination. In this case, we recommend protective varnish.
No design yet?
We’ll take care of it! Let our free sample book inspire you. In addition, 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 roll-fed label with embossing.
Labeling
After production and delivery of your high-quality embossed labels, labeling is carried out mechanically, semi-mechanically or manually. Please note that for roll labels with embossing, you need to specify the correct winding direction in advance, so that labeling can proceed correctly.
Any other questions?
You’ll find more information about our different finishings on our overview page. If you can’t find what you need in the calculator, please contact us. We’ll be happy to help. You can reach us by phone on +33 (0)4 81 68 19 73 or by e-mail 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.