Embossing
All our embossing is done using traditional processes, whereby the foil is pressed into the book (or other object) while hot.
There are two types of embossing: blocking and tooling, and both can be done with a colour foil of your choice or without foil, which is called blind embossing. There are key differences between the two methods which are explained below.
Embossing explained:
The terminology around embossing can be confusing and people use different names to describe the same thing. When we say ’embossing’, we mean a process which pushes into a surface and leaves behind an indented impression. Some people will describe this as ‘de-bossing’.
There are different methods for embossing a book or other surface (such as a leather wallet). Both of our methods use a heat transfer process, which allows for the addition of coloured foil.
Blocking
This method of embossing uses a block (a metal plate) which has your design etched into it, which is then mounted into a blocking press.
The block can be made from a digital file as long as it’s black & white (no grey or colour) such as a logo or text.
There is an initial cost in making the block, but once it has been made it can be a very efficient way to emboss multiple books.
However it only works on thin, flat surfaces, so is no good when embossing curved spines or leather wallets/bags – for this you would have to use the tooling method.
Most of our books are embossed using this method.
Please see the gallery below for examples…
Tooling
This method of embossing uses tools (handheld tools with individual letters mounted on to wooden handles).
This is a slower process compared to blocking, but more adaptable, because the tools are used one at a time and the pressure is applied by hand so any unevenness in the book/wallet/bag/etc can be compensated for.
We have a range of typefaces (fonts) and sizes available, but you are limited to these and aren’t able to use digital typefaces or images (for this you would have to use the blocking method).
We also have a wide variety of ornate tools that we use when restoring antiquarian books.
Please see the gallery below for examples…
Blocking
Below is a typical metal plate used for blocking. Each plate is custom made from a digital file, so you can use any typeface or image/logo (as long as it’s black and white – no grey or colour):
Here are some examples of book covers with blocking:
Tooling
Below is a font of bookbinding tools used for tooling. This is one of our larger sizes of sans-serif type, but we also have other typefaces with a serif, in a range of sizes.
Here are some examples of book covers with tooling:
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