In binding and finishing, a finishing operation in which a design or other image is pressed onto a substrate. In foil stamping, a heated die containing a relief (raised) image presses down on a roll of foil passing above the substrate to be decorated. As the die hits the foil, it is transferred to the substrate. Many paperback books, hardcover book jackets, and various types of packaging are foil stamped. Foil is available in many different colors, patterns, finishes, textures, etc. Foil stamping replaced an earlier process known as bronzing. Foil stamping that occurs in tandem with embossing is known as foil embossing.
See also Die and Binding and Finishing.