The Process of Hot Die Stamping

This is a process where a solid area of pigment is applied to a roll of polyester film. This roll is then inserted between an etched copper plate bearing the copy and the surface to be decorated.

Tips for Better Hot Stamp Art

1. Place extra letter space between characters on all hot stamp copy or the copy will not be readable when stamped.
2. Set copy in small point sizes in all upper case letters.
3. Use clear, sharp type that does not contain broken or fuzzy characters.
4. Keep designs and logos big and open. Hot stamp has a tendency to spread, and cause fill-in of intricate and detailed designs.
5. Use punctuation that is slightly bolder than the letters and numerals.
6. Avoid hot stamping large solids.
7. Limit hot stamp designs to 90 degrees of the circumference on a cylinder bottle.

Many packagers of cosmetics or similar products will combine hot die stamping with silk screen printing to produce dramatic effects.