What is Embossing and Debossing in Packaging?

Do you know why some products are more attractive and sell quickly? Mostly, it is due to their presentation. In the retail sector, the way you display your products matters a lot. Brands use different techniques to draw buyers through their product’s packaging. Among them, embossing and debossing are the most famous options. These two helps boost the perceived value of inner content and make their businesses the star of the show.

Whether you want to go with cardboard packaging, corrugated boxes, or kraft paper, these premium techniques are the best bet for all. Besides boosting the box’s visual appeal, these high-end printing methods offer a unique tactile experience to customers that is hard to ignore. The bumps and recesses are no less than a charming experience. Let’s explore the nitty-gritty of these deluxe printing methods that can make your brand a front-runner.

Embossing: What is it?

You might be familiar with this term. It’s often applied on greeting cards to add an extra grace to the branding details. Technically, embossing is a process in which custom box manufacturers create a raised image, design, or text on the packaging material.

Usually, they prefer paper material as substrates. The texture obtained as a result of this deluxe method is phenomenal. Olga Direktorenko, the famous and talented designer, declared embossing one of the best methods to fill up empty spaces on packaging boxes.

Embossing Across Different Materials

Do you know what makes embossing a top pick of brands? It’s versatility. You don’t need to worry whether you want folding cartons, mailer boxes, or rigid packaging; embossing is a go-to choice for all. Well, here is a simple yet effective tip: while picking embossing for your packaging, prefer the materials with moderate thickness. Don’t go with too light or too heavy options. It can affect the results and don’t give the exact luxurious look that you seek. In the case of paper-based packaging, the following materials stand out for embossing:

• 300-400gsm Cardstock
• Corrugated materials
• 1000gsm + chipboard

Cardstock Material

If you seek a material that is neither too thick nor too thin, then 300 to 400gsm cardstock is the ideal option. The best thing about this material is that no advanced machinery is required to emboss your brand’s logos, names, and other details. However, for bulk orders, custom box manufacturers always use machines.

Corrugated Material

You might have come across a unique box type featuring a fluted cardboard layer sandwiched between two flat layers. It is the durable and versatile corrugated box. Unlike simple cardstock, embossing of corrugated material is a daunting task due to its layered structure.

Rigid Material

Have you ever noticed that high-end items often have a special type of packaging? Mostly premium goods are packed in custom rigid boxes. These packaging solutions are also widely used as gift boxes. Rigid material comprises very thick chipboard covered with a substrate layer. So, how can it be embossed? There are two methods for it. You can either go with deep or light embossing. In the former, both chipboard and glued substrate are embossed. In the latter method, light embossing is done just on the substrate.

Top 2 Methods Used to Create an Embossed Effect on Custom Packaging Boxes

Die-cutting and heat embossing are the most famous methods used for creating amazing embossed patterns on the custom boxes. Let’s check out these techniques:

1-      Die-Cut Embossing

Here is how this method works:

• First, a design is created that needs to be embossed. It can be anything, such as your brand’s logo, text, or any graphical illustration.
• Then a custom die is prepared with metals. This unique die comprises of two parts, called embossing and counter dies. The former raises the selected design element, whereas, whereas the latter is used to create a recessed design on the backside of the paper.
• Next, the embossing and counter dies are set into the die-cutting machine. The material is placed between these two dies. Pressure is applied to press the dies together and create an embossed design on the material.
• After embossing, thorough quality checks are done to ensure the design's accuracy. The process is repeated if there are any imperfections.

2-      Heat Embossing

It is one of the best processes to create raised, glossy designs on paper and other surfaces. For this, suppliers need to be prepared with an embossing ink pad, powder, heat guns, and stamps. The following steps show how this process creates fascinating embossed prints:

• First, the suppliers take out the embossing ink pad and use it to stamp your chosen design onto the paper.
• Then they sprinkle embossing powder over the stamped image. They make sure that it covers the whole design and tap off any excess powder.
• After that, they use the heat gun to melt the powder. They ensure the gun is 2 to 3 inches away from the paper. This heating will melt the powder and convert it into a raised and glossy design.
• Finally, they let the design cool. Once it is cooled, boxes are ready. They also do the quality checks to make sure everything is done perfectly.

Debossing: Everything You Need to Know About It

Now, as you are familiar with embossing, let’s jump to another famous printing method that can make your packaging look luxurious. It’s debossing, the complete opposite of embossing. Unlike embossed patterns, the debossed images or textual details are sunken in the box to create a depressed effect.

Cosmetic and other high-end industries usually prefer debossing to enhance the perceived value of their products. No doubt, debossed prints are one of the greatest additions in the realm of packaging. They not just look stunning but also give a unique tactile experience that can stun your buyers.

Ideal Materials for Applying Debossing

Which material was best for embossing? The one with less thickness, right? And do you know what is ideally considered for creating debossed prints? The thicker box materials. Yes, it is another major difference between these two top-quality printing methods. You might be wondering why debossing is best for thick materials. Because unlike embossing, it requires more pressure to create indented designs. Therefore, sturdiest materials are preferred that can easily withstand this high-intensity pressure. Here are some materials on which you can apply debossing:

• Rigid material
• Corrugated cardboard
• Thick cardstock, usually of 216gsm or more.

Common Methods to Create a Debossed Effect

Blind and foil debossing methods are commonly used in the printing industry for creating visually stunning and amazing to feel custom boxes. Let’s give a thorough read to these methods and explore how they work:

1-      Blind Debossing

Would you believe that this refined method doesn’t require ink or foil to create fabulous recessed designs on the materials? It’s true! Here is a quick overview of this amazing method:

• First, the experts create a high-quality design on any online software. They check out the clarity and precision of the design before starting the process.
• Then they create the debossing plate, which is usually made from any durable material, such as copper or brass. The die is crafted on the plate with the help of electronic or chemical etching.
• After that, they mount the die onto the machine and check out if the material is perfectly aligned or not.
• Then pressure is applied to press the material. This creates a recessed image of the design. The intensity of pressure and time depends upon the type of material and complexity of the design.
• Once the debossing is done, suppliers trim, fold, and assemble the material to create a perfect design.

Foil Debossing

• The first step is the creation of a digital design on any graphic design software. Suppliers choose foil colors in the design and make sure that the area to be debossed is clearly mentioned.
• Then a metal plate is created, and the design is transferred to it.
• After that, custom box manufacturers chose the most appropriate foils. They either go with gold, silver, or any other such option.
• Then they roll the foil roll on the stamping machine.
• Suppliers then select the material and perfectly align it with the foil in the machine.
• Finally, the machine is turned on to heat the die, which presses the foil against the material. This transfers the foil onto the material and results in your desired debossed effect.

To sum up, both embossing and debossing add a deluxe appeal to the custom printed boxes and make them the star of the show. At CPP Boxes, we offer you a wide variety of embossed or debossed materials at cheap prices. Request a quote from us to get these amazing boxes with free shipping.