Digital print technology has evolved rapidly over the last five years. To the point that you can now create embellishment effects that, previously, could only be produced with offset or letterpress. This opens a whole new world of possibilities for designers when working on short-run print projects. In GSM13, we took a look at some of the latest finishes and print effects that can be achieved using digital print systems.
Specialty Toners & Varnishes
Some digital print systems have the capacity to use toners beyond standard CMYK. Depending on the system, these can include other supplementary colours such as white or specials like silver, gold or neons. Clear toners and varnishes are also available. Other systems have the ability to lay varnishes down in varying thicknesses as you can see on the cover of GSM13.
Lets take a look at some examples…
This promo piece demonstrates the eye popping colour that a neon toner can add to digitally printed artwork.
Print Spec: CMYK + Neon Pink Toner
Paper Colour: White
If you thought that printing white with a digital printer was impossible, think again! White and metallic toners have opened up a new realm of possibilities, especially when it comes to printing on dark or coloured paper stocks.
Print Spec: White Toner + Gold Toner
Paper Colour: Black
Clever use of digital 3D overgloss means you can read these business cards in two alphabets at once – English and Braille! The clear 3D overgloss has a raised surface without obscuring the CMYK printing underneath.
Print Spec: CMYK + 3D Overgloss
Paper Colour: White
Metallic Stocks & Foils
Digital Metallic Stock
The use of foil can be achieved in two ways using digital print. Either use a metallic foil stock and print over the top or print using a digital foil. Digital compatible metallic stocks can produce striking results that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive for short-run printing. Check out Metalik, a one-sided foilcoated paper from BJ Ball. This option is great where you want an all-over metallic foil effect. Let’s take a look…
Digitally printed in black on highly reflective copper card, this sample shows how a simple design can be elevated by using a foil stock.
Print Spec: CMYK Black
Paper Colour: Copper
Stock: BJ Ball Metalik Copper 330gsm
Combining specialty toner with a foil stock can create effective results. Here, the foil stock is overprinted with a clear toner.
Print Spec: CMYK + Clear Toner
Paper Colour: Gold
Stock: BJ Ball Metalik Gold 330gsm
The ‘metallic blue’ in this design is actually a CMYK gradient printed over a silver foil stock. A white toner creates the diamond pattern.
Print Sec: CMYK + White Toner
Paper Colour: Silver
Stock: BJ Ball Metalik Silver 330gsm
In this design a white toner has been laid down first, then over printed CMYK, followed with a holographic film to create the rainbow flaring effect.
Print Spec: CMYK + White + Holo Film
Paper Colour: Copper
Stock: BJ Ball Metalik Copper 330gsm
Digital Foiling
Digital foiling is perfect for when you only want a small part of your design foiled. It uses heat to adhere foil to a specific area—much like traditional hot stamp foiling that is used in large-run print projects. Using this option allows you to lay down one or more foils to small areas on your printed piece.
Traditionally, foiling is done using a custom-made metal die block that is placed onto a stamping machine. This machine presses a heat-activated foil onto the paper or card substrate. This is hot foil stamping. The end result looks amazing—but is not cost-effective for small print runs (under 100 units). This is where digital foiling comes into its own.
The process…
Foiling is a recent development in the digital print world. In digital foiling, there is no block or stamping machine. Instead black toner is printed where the foil is to go, then the foil is essentially melted to the toner using heat rollers. (Those of you who have been in the industry 20+ years may remember the Omnicrom machines. The digital foiling process is similar).
The pros…
Digital foiling offers two main advantages over traditional hot foil stamping. Low set-up costs (because there is no foil block to make)—and the ability to use variable data.
- Low set-up costs means this method is cost effective for small print runs. However, because of the higher cost of consumables, larger quantities remain more cost-efficient using the traditional method.
- Variable data is a popular and effective process in digital printing. It allows customisation of content that can be changed on every impression run. This is great for projects that require personalisation, such as changing the guest names on wedding invitations.
The cons…
There are, unfortunately, some constraints with digital foiling.
- As part of your design, you need to include a clear zone around the foil area as it will fuse to any toner it is laid onto (not just black).
- There is a limited colour range available. Although you can expect this to change as use of the technology becomes more widespread.
- Digital foil is also harder to use on textured stocks, and can be problematic on fine detail. However, you wouldn’t think so from looking at these beautiful prints…
Pinc 
produced and donated these stunning A3 wall art prints for the BJ Ball Cancer Society Charity Art Auction. Produced in both silver and gold, using the latest digital foiling techniques, these stunning art prints clearly show the quality that can be achieved. Almost imperceptible in quality to traditional hot foil stamping.
A Final Word on Digital Print Embellishments
It is important to note that all digital print systems have different capabilities and limitations. If you want to achieve a specific effect, we suggest discussing your concept with your digital print supplier early in the process to learn how to make the most of their system.
GSM would like to acknowledge the assistance of the great teams at Pinc, Fuzed, Ricoh and Xerox in collating the content for this article.
This article was originally published in GSM13. To read this and other great articles purchase this issue here.
