Folding carton board is the reference substrate every other material is compared against. Because it is forgiving, defects on coated board almost always point at the die, the press or a coating on top of the board rather than at the foil itself.
Starting parameters
| Parameter | Range | Adjust when |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 110–130 °C | Lower for fine type, higher over varnish |
| Dwell | 0.2–0.3 s | Extend on heavy solids and thick board |
| Pressure | Moderate | Increase only after temperature is optimised |
| Die | Magnesium (short run), brass (long run) | Brass above ~30,000 impressions |
| Foil grade | General paper / carton grade | Lamination grade over matte film |
The three defects you will actually see
Stamping over aqueous coating is usually fine; stamping over UV varnish is a specification question you should raise with both your coating and foil supplier before the run. Where a design allows it, leaving a knock-out in the varnish under the foil area removes the problem entirely.
- Tailing (a smear off the trailing edge) — nearly always too much heat or dwell. Drop 5 °C at a time before touching pressure.
- Filled counters on small type — die too deep or pressure too high; a shallower etch with sharper shoulders fixes it.
- Poor adhesion over UV varnish — the varnish, not the board, is the surface. Use a varnish-compatible foil grade and keep the stamp area free of silicone-containing coatings.
Which foil to order
For plain and aqueous-coated carton board, order a general paper-grade metallic or pigment foil. For matte, soft-touch or gloss-laminated cartons, order a lamination-grade foil and expect to run 10–15 °C hotter. Always request adhesion results at 24 hours, since the bond measured off press overstates the final result.
MOQ and lead time by product
Minimum order quantity and production lead time for the products used in this industry. Each row links straight to the product page with full specifications.
| Product | MOQ | Lead time |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Metallic Gold Hot Stamping Foil | 50 kg | 15–20 days |
| Matte Silver Hot Stamping Foil | 50 kg | 15–20 days |
| XG1080G Hot Stamping Machine | 1 set | 45–60 days |
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should I use for foil stamping on carton board?
- Start at 110–130 °C with 0.2–0.3 s dwell and moderate pressure, then tune with temperature first. Fine type prefers the lower end of the range; stamping over a varnish or a laminate usually needs the upper end or slightly above.
Can you hot stamp over UV varnish?
- Yes, with a foil grade specified for UV-varnished surfaces. The foil is bonding to the varnish, not the board, so adhesion depends on the varnish chemistry — silicone-containing or heavily slip-modified coatings are the usual cause of failure.
Why is my foil tailing on the trailing edge?
- Too much heat or dwell. Reduce temperature in 5 °C steps until the tail disappears, then restore density with a small pressure increase. Increasing pressure first is the common mistake and it makes tailing worse.
Magnesium or brass dies for carton work?
- Magnesium is cheaper and fine for short runs and simple shapes. Brass holds detail and heat far better and is the right choice above roughly 30,000 impressions, for fine serif type, and for combination foil-and-emboss work.
Which foil grade should I order for folding cartons?
- A general paper or carton grade metallic or pigment foil for plain and aqueous-coated board, and a lamination-compatible grade for matte, gloss or soft-touch laminated cartons. Send us a sheet of the actual board and we will match the grade to it.