Embossing is a popular printing technique that creates a raised design or image on paper. This effect is achieved by pressing the paper against a die that is etched with the design, which creates a three-dimensional effect.

However, the level of detail that can be achieved through embossing depends heavily on the type of paper stock being used. Thinner uncoated paper stocks are ideal for holding fine detail, while thicker rigid or coated paper stocks do not hold fine detail as well. At Jukebox, we offer a wide range of paper stocks, each of which may affect the way your embossed detail turns out.

If you are considering an embossed order, we do not recommend placing a "run-as-is" order unless it is a repeat order. Instead, we encourage you to choose the "online PDF proof" option before production so that our Prepress Team can review your files and make recommendations to change your design to better suit your chosen paper stock. If you are ordering a custom job, be sure to upload your files with your quote request so that our Estimators can let you know if the chosen paper stock will not be suitable.

This 20pt cotton card showcases both the fine detail of blind embossing and the elegance of registered gold embossing.

To achieve optimal results and maximize the embossed detail, we highly recommend using our 20pt soft cotton paper. Its soft fibers allow for a greater impression and make it easier for the emboss effect to form.

If your design is to be blind embossed (not registered to ink printing), it is highly recommended to use a thicker line weight since the effect of a blind emboss is much more subtle. Small embossed text registered to ink printing can still be readable while the same text created in a blind emboss may not be legible. Spacing between printed elements should also be kept at a minimum of 1pt. If you're using negative space for your artwork, the minimum recommended line weight is increased to 2pt.

The finer the detail in your artwork, the less precise the registration of ink printing to embossing will be. For registered embossed designs, a line weight of 2pt or higher generally has better results. Keep in mind that the larger you can make details in the artwork for embossing, the more impact it will have, so we do not recommend a large amount of fine detail.