Hot stamping (or foil stamping) transfers a thin metallic or colored foil onto surfaces using heat and pressure. Unlike screen printing, it creates a shiny effect that doesn’t fade or peel easily.
How It Works (brief Explanation)
- A metal die (custom design) is heated.
- Foil film is pressed between the die and the product.
- The heat makes the foil stick only where needed.
- Excess foil is removed, leaving a perfect metallic imprint.
✅ Best for: Bottles, luxury boxes, cosmetic packaging.
In this article, we’ll explain:
✓ Hot stamping vs screen printing (which is better?)
✓ Where it’s used (best for bottles, labels, boxes)
✓ How it works (machines & materials needed)
✓ Top foil colors (gold, silver, holographic & more)
Hot Stamping vs Screen Printing: Which Is Better?
| Feature | Hot Stamping | Screen Printing | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Shiny, metallic | Flat, matte | Hot Stamping |
| Durability | Scratch-resistant | Prone to fading | Hot Stamping |
| Cost | Higher for small batches | Cheaper for simple designs | Screen Printing |
| Best For | Luxury brands, bottles | Paper labels, simple logos | Depends |
Why Hot Stamping Wins for Bottles?
✔ Looks more premium (gold/silver shines under light)
✔ Lasts longer (won’t crack on curved glass)
✔ Feels luxurious (customers associate it with high-end brands)
3. Where Is Hot Stamping Used? (Top Industries)
A. Glass Bottles (Perfume, Liquor, Cosmetics)
- Perfume bottles (Chanel, Dior use hot stamping for logos)
- Liquor bottles (whiskey, wine brands love gold foil)
- Cosmetic jars (serum bottles, compacts)
Why?
- Enhances perceived value
- Resists alcohol/liquid damage
B. Plastic Bottles (Skincare, Pharma)
- Serum dropper bottles
- Lotion pumps
- Pharmaceutical packaging
Why?
- Makes plastic look expensive
- Doesn’t peel like printing
C. Other Uses
✔ Luxury gift boxes (watch, jewelry packaging)
✔ Electronics (premium device branding)
✔ Automotive (interior trim details)
4. How Does Hot Stamping Work? (Step-by-Step Process)
Machines & Materials Needed
- Hot stamping machine (manual or automatic)
- Metal dies (custom-made for each design)
- Foil rolls (gold, silver, holographic, etc.)
- Substrate (glass, plastic, paper, leather)
The 5-Step Process
- Design Preparation
- Create a metal die (like a stamp) of your logo/artwork.
- Machine Setup
- Heat the die to 100-150°C (varies by foil type).
- Foil Application
- Place foil between the die and the product.
- Pressing
- Apply pressure (2-5 seconds) to transfer the foil.
- Finishing
- Peel off excess foil → glossy metallic design remains.
Watch the Process: Gold Foil Magic: See How Luxury Packaging is Madehttps://youtube.com/shorts/MHKtGkPCCAA?feature=share
5. Best Hot Stamping Foil Colors & Finishes
| Foil Type | Best For | Popular Brands Using It |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Luxury perfumes, liquor | Chanel, Dior |
| Silver | Tech, cosmetics | Apple (gift boxes) |
| Holographic | Trendy makeup | Fenty Beauty |
| Matte | Minimalist brands | Aesop |
| Red/Blue | Limited editions | Supreme |
Pro Tip:
- Gold foil = the most popular choice for alcohol, perfume, cosmetic and skincare brands.
- Holographic foil = Growing trend in cosmetics.
6. Hot Stamping Cost & Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
| Factor | Approx. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Die | $100-$500 | One-time fee |
| Foil Rolls | $50-$200/roll | Depends on material |
| MOQ | 5,000-10,000pcs | Cheaper for bulk |
How to Reduce Costs?
✔ Use standard dies (not custom)
✔ Choose common foil colors (gold/silver/rose gold)
✔ Order larger quantities (lower per-unit cost)
7. Conclusion: Should You Use Hot Stamping?
✔ YES if:
- You sell luxury/premium products
- Your packaging is glass or plastic bottles
- You want long-lasting, scratch-proof branding
✖ NO if:
- You need ultra-cheap packaging
- Your design is too detailed (small text may not stamp well)
Next Steps:
- Request samples to test foil colors.
- Consult a hot stamping supplier for custom dies.
- Compare pricing for bulk orders.
Need Help? [Contact Us] – We specialize in hot stamping for bottles!
