Special Coatings/Enhancements: Value-Added Touch of Class

"The cost for hot stamping with multiple colors of foil would be tremendous, because you have multiple passes on the foil stamping and the registration becomes an issue. With in-line foil, you can do some pretty tricky things."

Marrs Printing & Packaging serves markets including pharmaceutical, cosmetic, skin care, automotive and food, among others. Scott Marrs estimates that about 75 percent of the company's work is packaging on SBS board, though occasionally the company will use foil on booklets and brochures. The cold foil process didn't present any learning curve issues: instead of using a foiling die, the foiled area is imaged onto the printing plate. Instead of using ink, the operator adds adhesive.