Finishes
Foil stamping on custom packaging
Foil stamping presses a thin layer of foil onto your box, paper bag or label with a heated die, so your logo catches the light in a way ink can’t. Brands use it to make a name stand out on the shelf and in the hand.
Custom dielines · Free 3D mockup before you pay · Free US shipping
- AI-to-print studio includedAI concepts rebuilt onto exact dielines + 3D mockup
- 4–5 day rush specialistsPriority press lanes built for tight launch deadlines
- 3D mockup before you payAnd a digital proof of your design
- Free US shippingTo all 50 states · worldwide DDP shipping available
What is foil stamping?
Foil stamping, also called hot foil stamping or hot stamping, is a dry printing method that uses a heated die and pressure to move foil from a thin carrier film onto paper, board or labels. The heat melts a thin layer of glue on the back of the foil, so it sticks only where the raised die touches. The rest of the foil lifts away with the film, leaving a clean, sharp shape on top of the print.
How it works
How does foil stamping work?
- 01
Your art becomes a die
The foil part of your design is made into a custom die, a raised stamp of your logo or text.
- 02
Heat and pressure
The heated die presses a roll of foil onto the printed sheet. The heat activates the adhesive on the back of the foil.
- 03
The film peels away
The carrier film is pulled off, leaving foil only where the die pressed. Then your boxes, bags or labels are cut and finished.
Is it for you?
When to choose it, and when to skip it
Choose it when
- Your logo or brand name is the main thing on the lid
- Gift, holiday and luxury-style boxes where a metallic touch fits the look
- Bold shapes, short words and simple line art
- A matte or soft-touch box, where shiny foil stands out against the flat surface
Skip it when
- Tiny text or very fine lines, like an ingredient list: print those in ink instead
- Photos or color gradients: use full color (CMYK) printing, or spot UV if you want shine without a metallic look
- Shipping boxes, pouches, mylar bags, poly mailers, inserts, tissue or tape: foil stamping isn’t offered on them, so print the design in ink or add a foil label
How it works
Request a quote with foil stamping
Tell us what you’re packing and how many. The form opens with foil stamping ticked. Your dedicated account manager prepares pricing for each quantity.
- 01
Tell us what you’re packing
Pick your box, bag or label, enter a rough size and up to 3 quantities — or drop in an AI design.
- 02
Compare custom pricing
Your dedicated account manager prepares tailored pricing for each quantity tier you picked.
- 03
Dieline & 3D mockup, free
Our studio prepares print-ready artwork on your exact dieline and sends a 3D mockup. Nothing prints until you approve.
- 04
Printed & shipped free
Produced in 10–14 business days (4–5 day rush available) and delivered free to all 50 US states.
Prefer to talk? or see how ordering works.
Compare
Foil stamping vs spot UV vs embossing
| Finish | What you see | What you feel | Best on | Pairs with | On labels? | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foil stamping | A shiny, metallic logo or text | A smooth, thin foil layer | Logos and a few words | Embossing or soft-touch | Yes | Get a quote |
| Spot UV | Gloss on chosen areas only | Slick patches on a flat surface | Logos and patterns on dark boxes | Matte or soft-touch film | Yes | Get a quote |
| Embossing | A raised logo with soft shadows | A shape that rises from the board | Rigid boxes and thick card | Foil or a Pantone color | No | Get a quote |
Where it works
Which packaging can have foil stamping?
Pick any of these in the quote form. Each button switches the form to that packaging, with the option ticked where the form has it.
- Card / product boxesGet a quote
- Mailer boxesGet a quote
- Rigid boxesGet a quote
- Labels & stickersGet a quote
- Paper bagsGet a quote
- Thank you & insert cardsGet a quote
Ready to order? See custom foil labels.
Ready to add foil stamping?
Send a rough idea: a product, a size and a quantity, and we’ll tailor your quote across up to 3 volume tiers.
Examples
Example designs
AI-made examples for made-up brands, to show the effect.
Ember & Oak candle box with a foil wordmark
A matte charcoal tuck end box on a light gray studio surface, with the Ember & Oak name stamped across the lid in a warm metallic foil.
Northloop tea rigid box with a foiled, embossed crest
A two-piece rigid box lid in soft-touch forest green, its raised crest covered in a cool metallic foil, shot from above on light gray.
Saffron & Co honey jar label with foil lettering
A cream matte label on a glass jar, the brand name foil stamped above full-color artwork, with a small spot UV bee beside it.
Artwork
How to set up your artwork for foil stamping
Not sure? Our free artwork check sets it up for you.
- Send the foil parts as vector art (AI, EPS, SVG or PDF) if you have it, so the edges stay sharp
- Put the foil areas on their own layer, or in a spot color named Foil
- Fill each foil shape with one solid color, with no gradients, shadows or textures
- Keep foil to bold shapes and text, and skip hairlines and very small type
- Not sure how? Tell us which parts get foil and the foil color you want, and our free artwork check and file prep do the rest
Popular on
Packaging often ordered with foil stamping
Get a quote for any of these right here.
Products 8
Custom Cosmetic Boxes
Custom printed cosmetic boxes for makeup tubes, compacts, palettes and jars.
From 1,000Custom Skincare Boxes
Custom printed skincare boxes for serums, jars and cleansers from 1,000 units.
From 1,000Custom Perfume Boxes
Custom printed perfume boxes from 50 rigid cases or 1,000 folding cartons.
From 50Custom Apparel Boxes
Custom printed apparel boxes from 250 mailers, 1,000 cartons or 50 rigid boxes.
From 250Custom PR Boxes
Custom printed PR boxes and media kits with fitted foam or card inserts from 250 mailers.
From 250
Cost
Does foil stamping cost more?
Yes, foil stamping adds cost, and it’s quoted with your order in the price for each quantity. The price depends on the size of the foil area, your quantity and the packaging itself. Common searches we quote include what is foil stamping, foil stamping on boxes, hot foil vs cold foil, foil stamping and embossing, gold and silver foil stamped boxes, rose gold copper holographic foil print, metallic foil logo on custom boxes, combination foil emboss packaging, heated metal die foil transfer, foil stamped rigid and folding cartons, foil stamped labels and hang tags and foil stamping no die or plate fee.
Every quote is free, with tailored pricing for each quantity tier you compare.
Get a quote with foil stampingWays to pay less
- 10% off your first order
- We beat a written US competitor quote for the same specs
- A lower unit price at bigger quantities
Why CubitPack
One account manager, from first question to delivery.
- 1-on-1
Dedicated account manager
Work with one packaging specialist from sizing and dielines through proof approval and delivery.
- Free
AI & custom design studio
Bring print-ready files, a rough logo, or an AI-generated box idea — we rebuild every element onto your exact dieline for free.
- 3D
Approve before you pay
Review a high-detail 3D mockup and flat digital proof of every panel, flap and finish before paying a cent.
- 10–14
Business days to deliver
Counted from proof approval and payment, with free shipping across all 50 states. Rush orders ship in 4–5 days.
Our promises, in writing
- Reprint or refund. If we get it wrong, tell us within 14 days with photos and you choose.
- Pantone guaranteed. If a Pantone color is clearly off, we reprint it.
- Damaged in transit. We reprint the damaged units free and handle the carrier claim.
- Cancel free. Any time before you approve your proof, with a full refund.
At a glance
Foil stamping at a glance
- Works on
- Card / product boxes (folding cartons), mailer boxes, rigid boxes, paper bags, thank-you and insert cards, and labels and stickers.
- Best for
- A logo, brand name or a few words that should catch the light.
- Cost
- Yes, foil stamping adds cost, and it’s quoted with your order in the price for each quantity.
- Pairs with
- Embossing, Soft-touch lamination, Matte lamination, Spot UV, Debossing
- Before you pay
- A digital proof and a 3D mockup
- Account support
- One dedicated account manager from quote to delivery
FAQ
Foil stamping: questions
What is the difference between foil stamping and spot UV?
Foil stamping adds a thin layer of foil with a heated die, so the design shines like metal. Spot UV adds a clear, glossy coating to chosen areas, with no foil at all. You can pair them: foil on the logo, spot UV on a pattern.
Can foil stamping go on labels and stickers?
Yes. Labels and stickers can have foil stamping with a matte or gloss finish, plus spot UV, but not embossing, debossing or soft-touch. If you want the whole label to shine, look at our foil labels, made from a foil label material.
What foil colors can I choose?
Tell us the foil color you want with your quote, and your account manager confirms it. A reference photo of the look you like makes your request clear.
Can foil stamping be combined with embossing?
Yes, on card boxes, mailer boxes, rigid boxes, paper bags and insert cards. Foil and embossing on the same logo give a raised, shiny mark you can see and feel. Labels and stickers can’t be embossed, so they get foil alone or with spot UV.
How do I set up my artwork for foil stamping?
Put the foil parts on their own layer as solid vector shapes, or simply tell us which parts get foil. Our free artwork check catches lines or text too fine to foil. Then a digital proof and a 3D mockup show exactly where the foil goes before you pay.
Does foil stamping cost more?
Yes, foil adds cost, and your quote shows it in the price for each quantity. Bigger quantities bring a lower unit price, and your first order is 10% off.
What is the difference between hot foil and cold foil?
Hot foil is pressed on with a heated die, while cold foil is glued on with no heat or stamping die. Foil stamping is hot foil, and it suits text and bold shapes. For cold foil, glue is printed in the shape of the design and made tacky with UV light, then foil sticks to it; it needs a smooth surface.
Can I request a free digital proof and 3D mockup showing foil stamping on my box?
Yes. Every order with foil stamping includes free design help, a custom dieline, a 2D digital proof, and a 3D mockup before you pay so you can check placement and finishes.
Are there any die or plate charges when adding foil stamping to my custom packaging order?
No. CubitPack charges zero die or printing plate fees on foil stamping, and standard US shipping to all 50 states is included in your written quote.
How fast can I get a custom quote comparing unit prices with and without foil stamping?
Send your product dimensions and up to three quantity tiers in the quote form, and your dedicated account manager replies in 5–7 minutes, 24/7, with side-by-side pricing.
Guides
Guides about foil stamping
Sources
Sources for this page
- Wikipedia: Hot stamping: how foil stamping works: a heated die presses through a foil carrier and the foil detaches only where it presses, with dry materials
- MaterialDistrict: Hot stamping foils: a hot-melt adhesive on the foil is activated by heat and pressure, and the carrier film is pulled off after stamping
- Wikipedia: Cold foil printing: how cold foil differs (a printed adhesive made tacky by UV curing, no stamping die, smooth surface needed) and that hot foil suits text and bold images
Finishes
More finishes
Embossing
Matched dies push your logo up from the board so you can feel it.
Card / product boxes, mailer boxes, rigid boxes, paper shopping bags and thank-you / insert cards.Get a quoteDetails about embossingDebossing
A die presses your logo into the board for a quiet, pressed look.
Card / product boxes, mailer boxes, rigid boxes, paper shopping bags and thank-you / insert cards.Get a quoteDetails about debossingSpot UV
A clear, glossy coating on chosen areas, hardened with UV light.
Card / product boxes, mailer boxes, rigid boxes, labels and stickers, paper shopping bags and thank-you / insert cards.Get a quoteDetails about spot UVMatte lamination
A thin film with a flat, low-glare look that guards against scuffs.
Card / product boxes, mailer boxes, rigid boxes, labels and stickers, paper shopping bags and thank-you / insert cards.Get a quoteDetails about matte laminationGloss lamination
A thin, shiny film that makes colors pop and protects the print.
Card / product boxes, mailer boxes, rigid boxes, labels and stickers, paper shopping bags and thank-you / insert cards.Get a quoteDetails about gloss laminationSoft-touch lamination
A matte film with a velvety feel that also protects the print.
Card / product boxes, rigid boxes, mailer boxes, paper shopping bags and thank-you / insert cards.Get a quoteDetails about soft-touch lamination
Get started
Get a price with foil stamping.
Bring a rough size, a logo, or an AI concept. One dedicated account manager guides your custom packaging from dieline and 3D proof to delivery.