If you have been in the printing industry, then you understand how popular these two printing techniques are. They dare to sand out where others would not. They are the elegant eye catchers in many book covers, business cards, invite cards and other print masterpieces that call out for you each time you catch a glance at them. But what set the two apart? What separates embossed and debossed print? We are here to tell you that and more.

The difference between embossed and debossed printing

With embossing, you press into paper or card stock from underneath. This makes the design stand out from the paper and gives it a 3D effect. Debossing on the other hand, is made through depression by the imprinted design onto the material leaving a depressed (debossed) imprint of the image on the paper or card. 

They both use the same technical aspects; heat and pressure, a metal plate that has the desired design, text or pattern that is to be pressed into the stock to form a raised or depressed image.

There is no technique between the two that is an ultimate winner in printing, they are both popular and give printed pieces a fresh and modern feel. But to give you a perspective to make an informed decision, read on.

Embossed printing           

Embossing makes use of a die to create the 3D effect on your print piece. This embossed effect helps bring emphasis to the area on your print stock that you want your audience to focus the most on. Embossing is done using two dies; on the front and another on the back such that they sandwich the paper to create the 3D effect. The most effective pieces use a detailed die and a heavy paper or card stock for highlighting the depth and detailing on the embossed graphic or image.

While embossing works to make the focus area stand out by raising the image, it affects the back of the print so you should be aware of it at all times. This however is not to mean that you have limited options. It rather gives you a bit more freedom to add some eye-catching visuals to the piece so that the back stands out as well.

Debossed printing

Debossing is the exact opposite of the embossing technique. In debossing, your image, logo or text is imprinted on to your print to create an indentation/depressed effect.

The metal plate is stamped to the front of the stock to create indentation effect. This printing technique brings out one of the most significant between the two printing techniques. While embossing interferes with both the front and the back, debossing only interferes with the front – which is the focus area. This then gives you two sides to work with, which isn’t the case with embossing.

How to use embossing and debossing in your print projects

While there are outstanding embossing and debossing differences, the technique you use is mostly based on your taste, preference and purpose. They can both give you pleasing work when used correctly. Here are some tips to get your print attractive and stand out:

Draw out the most important information

In design, you want your audience noticing the most important information first and when making your print. Therefore, you should ensure your technique will focus the audience’s eyes and attention to what you want to highlight the most. Just the rest of art, you should give emphasis to the focal point of your print. 

·         Highlight your logos or text

If you have a company logo or it comes in the form of text, ensure it is well highlighted to add a professional touch to your print. It could the font or a little touch of color to make it stand out. 

·         Ensure the texture is rich

A rich texture is what gives your print a captivating effect that will make every one looking at it want to touch and run their fingers through it. Unique textures feel good in your reader’s fingers, which is something they don’t get to feel every day. A little texture adds a pulling effect both to the eye and fingers of potential audience and that is how you achieve your objective. 

·         The perception of value

Adding embossing or debossing as a finishing touch to your print gives it a higher quality and value to your customers. Throw in a little and not too obvious perception your print. 

Take Away

Well, you now know what separates embossing and debossing, right? You also know to use each to achieve an artistry effect. Make the right choice today based on your printing needs and the information you want to communicate.