Whether in fashion, automobiles, or interior decor, black and metallic contrast is striking yet beautiful. So why not extend this unique contrast to your business cards too? Our premium black business card with metallic foils gives you that dramatic contrast. Ideal for high-end businesses like fine dining restaurants, spas, or travel agents, this type of business card exudes wealth, richness, and luxury.
Step By Step Process
Using a unique black, suede-like paper stock, and three metallic foil colors, our team crafts dramatic, luxurious, and beautiful business cards. We'll use a 1960 Heidelberg Platen Press to create this ambitious business card. Join us as we break down the process from beginning to end.
For this process, we'll be using the following printing methods and techniques:
- Foil stamping of three foil colors - metallic copper, gloss black and metallic silver.
- Front and backside printing
- Creating a custom die cut
- Producing a gilded foil edge
The Printing Press
The 1960 Heildleberg GT Platen Press used to create this business card is equipped with a heated base and a foil puller for running hot foil stamping.
The combination of metallic foil colors and a thick black paper stock produce a business card with unparalleled quality.
Preparation
To prepare for this intricate print process, we turn the heat for our base to 250 degrees. Most foils work best at this temperature.
Secure Magnesium Hot Stamping Dies
Remove the chase from the print press and secure the magnesium hot stamping dyes using bunter posts. These posts are screwed into the chase and tightened against the die. It is essential to adjust the die till it is perfectly straight. Reattach the chase to the printing press so it can heat up. Ensure that the die, chase, and heating element make contact so the die can reach the correct temperature.
Adjustments & Paper Sizing
Before we begin, we lay down a spot sheet that will be used at a later stage to make adjustments to the overall impression. Additionally, add a durable piece of epoxy glass board that will be used to stamp against. Using the gloss black foil, we make a print onto the spot sheet to determine where the die will be landing. Adjustments can now be made to the printer and paper to ensure the print is perfect.
Preparing The Paper
Run a single sheet of paper through the press to ensure the print is perfectly straight. This single print allows us to take measurements and determine the actual sheet size we need. Now that we know what size of paper is required, it's time to cut down the paper stock this business card will be printed. We will use a 24pt black stock with a suede finish — soft and silky to the touch yet durable. Once cut to size, the paper is placed in the press, and adjustments are made to accommodate the paper size and thickness.
Ready To Print
Before running the print for the back of the card in its entirety, we do a few tests to ensure we're getting the impressions we want and that everything is properly aligned and centered. If we're satisfied, we can run the rest till the back of the card is complete.
Printing The Front
Unlike the back of the business card, the front has three dies. We need to repeat step two, ensuring that the die is placed in the exact place and the previous one. Set up the next foil and flip over the sheets, so it is ready to print the other side. Like before, run a single sheet through the press to ensure a perfect print and adjust accordingly. Once prepared, we run the print in its entirety. We repeat this process for all the dies changing foils as we go.
Die Cut The Business Card
Secure the type high steel rule die in a custom shape — 2-inch square with a 1/2 inch radius rounded corners — into the chase with wooden furniture. Run a single sheet through the press and make adjustments accordingly before cutting the rest.
Adding The Copper Foil Edges
The final step is adding copper foil edges to the black business cards using a gilded press. It is truly the perfect touch to finish the card.
With three colors of foil, a custom die cut shape, and a gilded metallic edge, these cards have it all. Watch the entire process from start to finish here!
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