Wedding Stationery · Print & Finish
The Art of Hot Foil Press
A traditional craft at Polina Perri — where artistry meets technical precision, one sheet at a time.
At Polina Perri, we believe that true luxury is found in the details. In the weight of the paper, the precision of a gold letter, the softness of velvet, and the subtle impression left by a traditional printing process.
Our wedding invitations are created using hot foil stamping — an old-school technique cherished by fine stationers and printmakers for generations. We do not simply print a design. We carefully prepare, press, and finish every piece.
A Traditional Printing Process
Hot foil stamping is a process in which metallic foil is transferred onto a surface through the combination of heat, pressure, and a custom-made metal die, known as a cliché. Unlike digital printing, this is a physical process — the artwork must be translated into a metal form, the press carefully prepared, and the material tested to achieve the desired result.
Every bespoke design begins with carefully prepared artwork. We have developed extensive knowledge of how lettering, fine lines, and intricate details behave when translated into a metal die.
We work with a specialist company that produces our custom metallic clichés — translating designs into precise brass dies. Not every design that looks beautiful on screen will produce a beautiful foil impression.
The positioning of the die, the alignment of the artwork, the pressure of the impression, and the characteristics of the chosen material must all be considered. Setup can be a lengthy process.
Finding the correct balance between heat, pressure, and time. Every material responds differently. We carefully adjust press settings and carry out tests until the foil transfers cleanly.
Every sheet is checked by hand under raking light before it leaves the press. Too much heat can affect delicate materials. Too little may result in an incomplete transfer.
The finished piece — where artistry meets technical precision. A physical connection between design and material, transforming an invitation into something that can be held, admired, and kept.
Hot Foil Stamping Across Materials
Over the years, we have developed a deep understanding of how hot foil stamping behaves across a wide range of materials used in luxury wedding stationery. From traditional cotton papers to unconventional surfaces, we approach every project with the same attention to detail.
A timeless choice for wedding invitations. Its soft texture and natural character create an elegant foundation for metallic foil. We work with the material to achieve a crisp, refined impression while preserving the beauty of its surface.
Vellum introduces a delicate, translucent quality to an invitation suite. Its fine surface requires careful handling and precise press settings. We understand how to approach this material to create beautiful foil details without compromising its character.
One of the most distinctive materials we work with. Its plush surface and rich texture create a luxurious foundation for bespoke stationery boxes and invitation details. Foiling on velvet requires particular care — our experience allows us to create a finish that complements its softness and depth.
Clear acrylic offers a contemporary alternative to traditional paper invitations. When paired with metallic foil, it creates a striking contrast between transparency and gold. Working with acrylic requires a different approach — we carefully consider the material, the design, and the press settings.
Our experience extends to PVC and a wide variety of designer papers, each with its own surface, texture, and technical characteristics. The ability to work across different surfaces allows us to create invitation suites that are not only beautiful, but truly individual.
The beauty of a foil-stamped invitation is not only in the metallic finish. It is in the precision of the lettering, the quality of the impression, the choice of material, and the care taken throughout the process.
The Knowledge Behind the Design
One of the most valuable parts of our work is the knowledge we have developed around preparing artwork for hot foil stamping. We understand the relationship between a digital design and its physical result.
A delicate serif, a fine line, a small inscription, or an intricate monogram may require careful consideration before it can be transformed into a metal cliché. Sometimes a design needs to be simplified. Sometimes the spacing needs to be adjusted. These decisions are not limitations of creativity — they are part of the craft.
Hot foil stamping brings a sense of depth and permanence to wedding stationery. For us, this traditional technique is more than a printing method. It is a craft that we continue to develop through experience, experimentation, and an unwavering attention to detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hot foil stamping?
Metallic foil is transferred onto paper, velvet or acrylic using heat, pressure and a custom metal die (a cliché). Unlike digital printing, it is a physical process — the result is a crisp metallic finish with a slight impression you can feel.
What is a foil stamping cliché?
A custom brass die made from your artwork by our specialist partner. Fine lines and small lettering are checked before the die is made, because not every on-screen detail transfers cleanly into foil.
Which materials can be foil stamped?
Cotton paper, vellum, velvet, clear acrylic, PVC and a wide range of designer papers — each needs its own heat, pressure and timing, which we test before every run.
How much does extra foil stamping cost?
Every invitation already includes the foil shown in its design. For foil on something extra — an insert, a belly band or an envelope liner — use the estimator below for an indicative price; we confirm the exact cost in your quote.
Which foil colours are available?
Gold, silver, copper, rose gold, white gold and pearl.
How long does foil stamping take?
It is part of production: from 3 weeks after proof approval, or from 4 weeks for velvet folio and boxed suites.
Foil Stamp Cost Estimator
For foil-stamped items outside the standard package — inserts, belly bands, envelope liners — enter the foil area dimensions for an indicative figure.