The short answer
Foil stamping uses heat and pressure to press a thin metallic or coloured foil onto the surface, leaving a shiny, crisp finish. We offer foil in black, white, gold, silver and rose gold on gift bags and rigid boxes, and foil on paperboard. Foil on paperboard and gift bags takes 3–4 weeks express or 6–8 weeks standard. Rigid boxes take 15–20 business days express or 6–8 weeks standard.
How foil stamping works
A metal die is made in the shape of your logo or design. The heated die presses a roll of foil against the box or bag, and the foil sticks only where the die touches. The result is a sharp, slightly pressed-in design. Gold, silver and rose gold give a metallic shine; black and white foils give a solid, crisp colour rather than a metallic one.
Because a die is made for your design, foil suits logos, names and simple graphics rather than photos or fine gradients.
Where foil works best
- Rigid gift boxes, where a gold, silver or rose gold logo on a dark or textured box looks premium.
- Premium gift bags, for a logo that catches the light at events and in-store.
- Paperboard boxes, to highlight a logo or name on a printed carton.
- Simple logos and wordmarks. Clean, bold shapes stamp best.
Foil at PackQueen
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Foil colours | Black, white, gold, silver, rose gold |
| Available on | Gift bags, rigid boxes and paperboard |
| Foil on paperboard and gift bags | Express 3–4 weeks, standard 6–8 weeks |
| Rigid boxes | Express 15–20 business days, standard 6–8 weeks |
| Custom collapsible magnetic boxes | 4–6 weeks, foil available as an add-on |
| Rigid and magnetic box minimum | 250 units |
| Premium gift bag minimum | 250 units |
| Foil on paperboard minimum | Confirmed with your quote |
Designing for foil
Keep it simple
Foil works best on logos and text with clear, solid shapes. Avoid hairline strokes and tiny text, which can fill in.
Choose contrast
Gold on black, silver on navy and rose gold on white or blush all stand out. Foil on a similar colour can look subtle, which can be lovely, but check it suits your brand.
Send vector artwork
Supply your logo as a vector file, with the foil areas set as one solid colour, so the die can be made accurately.
What it means for you
The same question, answered for where your business is today.
Choose your stage at the top of the page to open the advice for you.
Start-up · under 100 units
Foil starts from 250 units on rigid boxes and premium gift bags, so it suits a product or event you're confident in. Until then, a custom sticker on a quality stock box is a good start.
Ask for colour swatches to see the foil colours in person.
Growing · 100 to 2,499 units
Foil on your gift bags or rigid boxes is a simple way to lift a premium range. Plan around the lead times, especially before Christmas.
Try this: one foil logo on a quality box often looks more premium than lots of printed colour.
Enterprise · 2,500 units and more
Specify the foil colour and position for every product, and order early for peak seasons. Express options suit urgent runs; standard suits planned orders.
Keep your foil die artwork on file so reorders match.
Common mistakes
- 1Leaving it too late. Foil takes weeks, not days. Order well before Christmas, events and launches.
- 2Fine detail. Thin lines and tiny text can fill in. Simplify your logo for foil.
- 3Low contrast. Foil on a similar colour can disappear in some light. Check colour swatches.
- 4Sending a photo of the logo. The die needs a clean vector file.
Foil stamping questions
What foil colours do you offer?
What can you foil stamp?
How long does foil take?
What's the minimum order for foil?
Can you foil a detailed design?
Keep reading
Foil-ready packaging
Adding foil to your packaging?
Send us your logo, the product and when you need it. Our Melbourne team will confirm the lead time and options, usually within 1 business day.