Embossing

Often used in combination with foil stamping, embossing alters the surface of paper stock or other substrates by providing a three-dimensional or raised effect on selected areas.

The procedure requires the use of two dies: one that is raised and one that is recessed.

The dies fit into each other so that when the paper is pressed between them, the raised die forces the stock into the recessed die and creates the embossed impression.

A specific level of pressure is applied to the dies in order to squeeze the fibers of the paper, which results in a permanently raised area in the paper.

Debossing

“Debossing” is similar to embossing, but recesses the design rather than raising it.

Rather than the paper being raised in specific areas, it is indented.