Bottking
Hot Stamping
Hot stamping transfers a metallic or coloured foil onto the pack under heat and pressure, creating a bright, high-contrast logo or accent that reads clearly on matte and dark surfaces.
Key topics
- •Foil and substrate considerations
- •Combining hot stamping with other decoration
Hot stamping is the fastest way to make plastic look expensive. A gold or silver foil logo on a matte PP jar or a sprayed cap reads as premium at a fraction of the cost of metal components, and it holds up well in normal use.
It works best on flat, glossy or well-filled surfaces. Highly textured or deeply ribbed areas reduce foil coverage, which is why the stamping area is defined in the mould drawing rather than applied later.
Foil and substrate considerations
Foil performance depends on surface, geometry and the base finish under it.
| Parameter | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foil types | Gold, silver, copper, holographic, coloured | Bright and matte foil finishes available |
| Substrates | PP, PET, HDPE, acrylic, sprayed surfaces | Best on smooth, well-filled surfaces |
| Geometry | Flat lids, shoulders, cylindrical walls | Minimum radius controlled to avoid foil stretch |
| Base finish | Gloss, matte, soft-touch, sprayed colour | Contrast between finish and foil drives impact |
| Durability | Good; abrasion and alcohol rub tested | Not recommended for high-wear contact areas |
| Setup | One die per design | Die cost amortised across repeat orders |
Combining hot stamping with other decoration
Hot stamping is frequently combined with screen printing (foil logo plus printed text), with spray coating (foil on a matte sprayed bottle), or with a domed label. In combination the foil element is usually the brand mark and the printed element carries the product information.
Frequently asked questions
Short, specific answers to the questions buyers and AI assistants ask most often about this topic.
Is hot stamping durable enough for daily-use packaging?
Yes for logos and accents that are not in constant friction. We test abrasion and alcohol rub before production, and we advise against foiling areas that rub against a bag, cap or shelf.
Can hot stamping be applied to a curved lid?
Yes, within geometry limits. Large flat areas give the best coverage; deep domes and sharp curves can stretch or break the foil, so we check the radius in the drawing.
How much does hot stamping cost?
A die is required per design, and unit cost is low at volume because it is a single pass. We quote the die separately and show the amortised effect at 3,000, 10,000 and 50,000 pcs.
Can I use hot stamping on a PCR plastic part?
Yes, but surface variation in recycled parts can affect coverage. We recommend a sprayed or coated base layer when consistent foil coverage is critical.
Still have a question? Talk to a packaging expert.
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