Foil stamping uses heated metal die + metallic foil (gold, silver, copper, holographic) on paper, leather, fabric. Reflective premium accent. Setup $80-300 per die. MOQ 250+ for cost efficiency.
Debossing presses paper/leather to create depressed relief — no ink/foil, pure tactile. Custom die $200-500. MOQ 250+.
Combined (foil + deboss): luxury finish, both visual reflectivity AND tactile feel. Setup $300-700.
Use cases:
- Premium gift card → Foil stamp (gold/silver logo)
- Leather journal → Deboss (subtle name engraving feel)
- Hardcover notebook → Foil + deboss combo
- Premium business cards → Foil for letterforms; deboss for monogram
- Wedding invitations → Foil for elegant lettering
- Executive portfolio → Deboss for monogrammed name
Durability: Both permanent. Foil shows wear at corners. Deboss compresses paper but recovers if uncoated.
Cost differential: Comparable (~$1-3 per piece). Combo costs ~$2-5/piece.