Important Note: This article will employ certain print design terminology. If you are unfamiliar with some of these terms, you can enhance your understanding by referring to my guide on preparing your designs for print.Embossing and debossing are similar processes that yield distinct outcomes. Both techniques involve creating a metal plate and a counter, which are then used to stamp paper between them. This application of pressure forces the paper stock into the plate, forming the desired impression. Embossing results in a raised impression on the paper stock, whereas debossing produces a sunken impression. When designing for embossing/debossing, keep the following in mind:
Be aware that embossing is a mechanical process that alters the paper stock, thereby affecting your design.
Allocate more space between letters than usual. Proximity can cause merging and loss of definition post-embossing, as embossing can make design elements appear smaller and reduce the clarity of finer details.
There are two methods for embossing at home: dry embossing and heat embossing. Dry embossing, also known as relief embossing, is achieved by tracing a stencil with a stylus, which then creates a raised effect on the paper. Heat embossing, also referred to as stamp and heat embossing, involves stamping an image, applying powder, and then heating it to activate the powder.
Image courtesy of Amanda Woodward on Flickr. 
Image from tasteofinkstudios.com 
Image from tasteofinkstudios.comSilk lamination offers a soft, silk-like texture that is water-resistant and tear-resistant, complementing rich colors. Typically printed in full color, like standard business cards, an additional silk laminate finish is applied to the cardstock to achieve the unique texture. Lamination can be a liquid that dries into a glossy or matte finish, or it can be a film that adheres to the surface for protection and sheen, with options ranging from glossy to matte to satin.
A varnish is a liquid coating that can be applied to a printed surface to achieve a glossy, matte, satin, or neutral finish.Here are the various types of varnishes:
Varnish Type
Description
Gloss Varnishing
Results in a glossy, shiny appearance on the printed surface.
Matte Varnishing
Provides a non-glossy, smooth look to the printed surface.
Silk or Satin Varnishing
Creates a finish that lies between glossy and matte, offering a middle ground appearance.
UV Varnishing
Is a process that yields an even more striking coating on printed materials.
All-over UV Varnishing
Is a UV seal applied uniformly across the entire printed surface.
Spot UV Varnish
Is applied to specific areas of a printed piece to highlight and draw attention to those areas.
Image from tasteofinkstudios.com 
Image from tasteofinkstudios.comGold or silver stamping involves affixing a foil layer to a material through a heating process. The process is straightforward, and preparing the files is similar to UV-spot printing. Refer to my guide on preparing print files for more information and consult with your printer on file preparation. Foil printing typically requires vector images and/or outlined fonts for the desired stamped effect.
Image from tasteofinkstudios.com 
Image from tasteofinkstudios.com 
Image from tasteofinkstudios.comThermography produces raised printing that resembles engraving but employs a different technique to achieve the effect.In thermography, a special powder is mixed with the ink for printing. The printed item is then heated, causing the powder and ink to dry and form a raised texture on the paper.
Image from Demetrio ManciniDie cutting involves cutting irregular shapes into paper or paperboard using a die.Dies can be used in printing for various purposes, such as cutting, scoring, stamping, embossing, and debossing. While dies are usually custom-made, your printer may have standard dies available (like rounded corners) to reduce costs. Consult with your printer to explore your options.
Image from tasteofinkstudios.com 
Image from tasteofinkstudios.comLetterpress is the oldest printing method.This technique involves inking a surface with raised letters and pressing it onto the printing substrate to create an image in reverse. Historically, metal type has been used, but wood or stone blocks can also be employed. Most commonly used for wedding invitations, letterpress can also produce distinctive business cards and other custom printed items.
Image from iglooletterpress.com 
Image from tasteofinkstudios.comScreen printing is a printing technique that utilizes a woven mesh to support an ink-blocking stencil. The stencil creates open areas in the mesh, allowing ink to pass through and onto the material. A roller or squeegee moves across the stencil, forcing ink through the open areas of the mesh.
Image from PataPri 
Image from PataPri 
Image from PataPriThis guide covers the eight printing techniques discussed above.
Printing Technique
Description
Embossing/Debossing
Embossing creates a raised impression on stock, debossing creates a depressed impression on stock.
Silk Lamination/Lamination
Silk lamination provides a soft, silk-like finish, is water-resistant, is tear-resistant, and complements vibrant colors. The effect could be glossy, dull, or satin.
Varnish
A varnish is a liquid coating applied to a printed surface to add a clear glossy, matte, satin, or neutral finish.
Foil
A foil layer is affixed to a certain material by a heating process.
Thermography
Thermography produces raised printing similar in appearance to engraving.
Die Cut
Die cut involves cutting irregular shapes in paper or paperboard using a die.
Letterpress
A surface with raised letters is inked and pressed to the surface of the printing substrate to reproduce an image in reverse.
Silk Screening
A printing technique that uses a woven mesh to support an ink-blocking stencil. The attached stencil forms open areas of mesh that allows ink to transfer onto the material.
