Labels with relief embossing

The special touch: labels with embossing

Compared to conventional labels with no finish, embossed labels stand out from the crowd. This finish is a real focal point and is known as the queen of finishes for good reason. Relief embossing is often used on wine labels, cosmetic labels, spirits labels and other premium products.

What makes it so special is how it partially deforms the label material, creating volume and texture, and is also be combined with a coloured metallic foil for an even more impactful finish. You can enhance logos, lettering, abstract shapes or any detail you want to highlight it. Here, creativity has no limits. This technique combines blind embossing and hot foil stamping, resulting in an elegant 3D effect that gives each label a unique and distinguished touch. If you are looking to make your product unique at first glance, this finish is for you.

1. Correct creation of print files
2. Production, pressure and material
3. Test and select the material
4. Extra options and alternatives
5. Production, shipping and processing

If you are interested, please contact us by phone at +34 932 71 64 00 or by e-mail at info@etiqueta.es.

How does relief embossing work?

When you choose labels with relief embossing, you are betting on a finish that makes the difference. The label’s surface is selectively deformed in the areas you want to highlight. And to further enhance the effect, these areas are refined with a coloured foil, applying heat and pressure using a special tool. At etiqueta.es, your embossed labels acquire volume that is sensitive to the touch. It’s what gives that distinctive and elegant effect. There are two types: embossing (raised elements) and debossing (recessed elements). However, in the case of labels, only embossing is possible.

The intensity of the relief depends both on the type of tool and the thickness of the material. However, it is important to know that this technique can only be applied on paper, not on polypropylene or with lamination.

Embossed labels: correct print files

If you want embossed labels, there are some important technical details that you need to take into account in order to get your print files right. Don’t worry, our artwork service team will be happy to help you with this. And if you choose the Pro package, we take care of adjusting the print files for you so that your embossed label looks perfect.

When planning, remember that the elements and texts you want to print on your roll labels must have a minimum line thickness of 0.4 mm. In addition, for blank spaces or negative elements, the line must be at least 0.6 mm. This ensures a clean, legible and high-quality result.

Production, pressure and material

A special brass tool is used for embossing, along with heat and pressure. This same tool is used several times to deform the material and apply the foil exactly in the desired area.

Variations due to the production process: You must take into account that, in some cases, the stamped elements may not be 100% in the intended position. In addition, the pressure applied directly influences the visual result of the embossing on your label. For embossing large elements, more pressure is needed than for small ones. Therefore, if the same tool contains elements of different sizes, differences in the final result may occur. In these cases, we recommend making separate tools for each size, which allows you to apply the optimum pressure to each size and achieve a more uniform and precise result.

Marks depending on the type of material: When applying a large embossing or with delicate areas, some materials may show undesirable marks, such as sinking or tearing in the foil. In addition, coloured foils are often thinner than others, which makes them less suitable for highly textured papers, such as cotton paper.
You should also consider that the size of the embossing area is limited: if it is too large, there may be dips that reduce the effect of the embossing. Of course, if you have any doubts about the material or design, we will be happy to advise you to find the best solution for your labels.

 

Would you like to try it?

If you wish, we can produce a short run of your embossed labels, under exactly the same printing conditions as in the final production. This way, you can see the real result before placing a large order. Contact us by phone on +34 932 71 64 00 or by e-mail at info@etiqueta.es. Use our proof print to check possible variations, material behaviour, embossing quality and adhesive strength. This way, you can be sure of the result before taking the next step
.

 

Materials and adhesives for embossed labels

In our online calculator you can choose between different materials. However, embossing can only be applied to paper labels. We have the right papers for your embossed labels, tailored to your needs. Will your embossed label be exposed to moisture or extreme cold? Depending on the environment in which you are going to use your labels, it is essential to choose the right adhesive. At etiqueta.es, we offer you different options to suit every need, among them:

• Labels with permanent adhesive
• Removable labels
• Freezer-grade labels

If you want to test the materials and adhesive strength, we recommend that you request our free sample book.

Request sample book

Try before you buy!

Order your free sample book today. You’ll discover a wealth of inspiring design ideas and practical tips. Plus, it includes pre-cut labels that you can stick directly onto your product to test how different materials perform. You can see for yourself the properties of films, papers and adhesives. If you prefer, we can also prepare a customised sample folder, adapted to your needs. Call us at +34 932 71 64 00 or email us at info@etiqueta.es and we will be happy to help you.

Embossed labels: alternatives and options

When hot foil stamping is combined with blind embossing, you get relief embossing. The material is deformed at the desired location with the help of an embossing tool and then a coloured foil is added.

Hot foil stamping: If you want to dispense with the 3D effect or material deformation on your labels, but are looking to maintain the visual enhancement offered by a metallic foil, hot foil stamping is your best option.

Blind embossing: Do you prefer a more elegant and minimalist design? Then blind embossing is ideal for you. It provides relief through a slight deformation of the material, but without foil, generating a subtle play of light and shadow that captures the attention in a discreet but effective way.

You can combine different finishes on the same label for an even more impressive result.
You can order labels with these finishes in our online calculator. If you want a relief embossing or blind embossing and still have doubts, please contact us and we will be happy to help you.

 

Metallized labels

For blind embossed and hot stamped roll labels, foil is used, which can be matte or glossy, and depending on your preference, colored or transparent. It’s not just the metallic finish that catches the eye: the visual effect created by the hot foil adds a unique and elegant touch. In addition to embossed or hot-stamped paper labels, you can also opt for our metallic labels, a more economical alternative to hot stamping. Please note, however, that this type of label does not allow blind embossing.

 

Special protection for your embossed labels

Film lamination and protective varnish are finishes with a protective function. While film lamination is a special transparent foil that is applied to the label, protective varnish is an initially liquid substance that coats the surface of the material and dries. Due to the deformation that happens with embossing, it is not possible to apply a film lamination, only protective varnish.

This varnish improves the surface quality of your label and protects it from wear and tear or scratches. It is important that the type of varnish matches the material of your label. For example, if you choose a glossy hot foil stamping, we recommend that you also apply a glossy protective varnish to achieve a uniform, high-quality finish.

The right design

Still don’t have a design for your embossed label? We’ll help you get the perfect label! Start by getting inspired with our free sample book, where you’ll find a wide variety of materials, finishes and styles. If you like, you can always depend on our design service, which will help you create your embossed label and make the most of every detail.

Production, shipping and processing

Printing embossed labels can be time-consuming… but it doesn’t have to be!
Thanks to our fast production and delivery times, you can have your labels ready in less time than you think. And if you need it even more urgently, in some cases, you can choose our express production option, which speeds up the process even more. Please note, however, that production time may be affected if the print files contain errors or if a customised embossing tool needs to be manufactured. In addition, we offer different shipping options for you to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Once you receive your embossed labels, you can proceed with the labelling of your product: automatically, semi-automatically or manually. And don’t forget: in the case of embossed roll labels, it is essential to indicate the winding direction to ensure smooth labelling.

Do you have any questions?

On our website, you will find information about our different finishes. In addition to relief embossing, you can also choose from other options such as hot foil stamping or blind embossing and digital spot varnish. If the online calculator does not show the finish you need for your labels, don’t worry: contact us and we will help you through the process. You can call us at +34 932 71 64 00 or email us at info@etiqueta.es.

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