Surface Finishing
Cold Foil Printing
Adhesive-transferred foil that creates metallic effects across large areas with fine detail and full-color interplay.
What it is
Cold foil is transferred with adhesive and pressure rather than heat, which lets metallic effects cover large areas and interlock with printed color more freely than hot foil. It suits expansive metallic graphics, patterns and fine detail. Because the method depends on substrate and adhesive interaction, feasibility is confirmed per project with samples.
How it looks
Metallic surfaces that can be overprinted with color for tinted or partial-metal effects.
How it feels
Smooth, flat metallic surface with little or no raised edge.
Verified media pending
A media slot—not a fabricated factory image.
Add ZKPACKS sample close-ups, before/after comparisons or verified production media when source and process attribution are confirmed.
Suitable materials
- Coated SBS paperboard
- Art paper
- Coated CCNB
- Film and label stocks
Suitable packaging types
- Folding cartons
- Cosmetic packaging
- Labels and sleeves
- Paper cards
Recommended combinations
- Cold foil with overprinted brand colors
- Cold foil with spot UV highlights
- Cold foil on large metallic graphic panels
Artwork requirements
- Foil areas in a separate vector layer
- Overprint colors defined where tinted effects are wanted
- Bleed through any foil area reaching the trim edge
- Sample approval before production
Limitations
- — Surface flatness and detail sharpness differ from hot foil on small text
- — Substrate and adhesive compatibility must be reviewed per project
- — Cost advantage depends on coverage area and run length
Production risks
- — Adhesion failure on some stocks or heavy ink areas
- — Foil ghosting or incomplete transfer on textured surfaces
- — Interplay between adhesive and ink laydown needs sample confirmation
Sustainability considerations
Cold foil adds a thin metallic layer, so recyclability is subject to material specification, local collection infrastructure and the foil coverage applied.
FAQ
Buying questions
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