Foil stamping is a popular specialty printing technique used to give book covers a striking, high-end finish. This process uses heat, pressure, and a metal die to apply metallic foil directly onto the surface of a printed book cover. It’s especially popular for titles, logos, or decorative accents that need to stand out and grab attention. We offer over 180 different foil options ranging from classic silver and gold to unique holographic patterns.

The process begins by creating a custom metal die (stamp) based on your unique design. This die is heated and pressed against a roll of foil and the cover of your book at the same time. The heat activates the adhesive on the foil, causing it to bond to your book’s cover in the precise shape of your artwork.

Because foil stamping is a mechanical process that happens after the cover is printed and glued, it produces crisp, clean lines and a unique embellishment that printing alone can’t replicate. It’s most commonly used on hardcover books, but it can also be applied to board books, softcover books, and dust jackets.

While creating your custom metal die does does involve a one-time manufacturing cost, the visual impact that foil stamping adds to your books can be well worth it.

At PufferPrint, we can help you prepare your artwork for foil stamping and guide you through the entire process to make sure your book cover shines—literally!