Thermography in Design

How to Use Thermography in Design

Using thermography (raised printing) effectively in design is limited only by your imagination. Thermography can be used with any ink colors, as well as four-color process designs. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with lithography, letterpress, foil stamping, embossing or silk screen to create unique design effects. Thermography can provide a contrast between two parts of a design by adding dimension and shine. For example, a header or image can stand out from the rest of a piece. By using thermography on sections of the same color in a design you will create a gloss or matte effect. Another unique effect can be created by thermographing line art over a flat background. Check out the thermographic processes outlined below to see how you can add pizzazz and dimension to any printed piece.

Thermography Processes

• Glitter thermography: Glitter adds instant recognition to any piece. Now that glitter powders are available in a wide variety of colors, many popular greeting card manufacturers are adding glitter as an eye-catching design element.
• Pearlescent thermography: The translucent effect of pearlescent powders are especially popular with designers. This is a relatively new thermographic application which creates a unique special effect.
• Tinted varnish thermography: Used frequently to showcase tone-on-tone colors, this process increases the dimension of the thermographed piece.
• Matte thermography: This process produces a subtle, elegant look by adding texture to a piece without shine, which simulates engraving.
• Sand thermography: Mixing sand with the thermographic powder creates a tactile piece that feels like sandpaper.
• Flourescent thermography: The fluorescent look is created by combining ultra bright colors with a high gloss finish. Methods include using a clear powder and fluorescent ink or a fluorescent powder with a clear base.
• Clear thermal overprinting - This process utilizes a clear overprint to create the look of a tile.
• Glass finish thermography - a clear gloss powder will create a reflective look similar to glass.

Do's and Dont's

Thermography is an exciting specialty printing process. Just follow these "tips from the experts" to help you make the most out of thermography.

• Do choose thermography when you want your design, or a specific piece of your design, to stand out. Line art or detailed drawing that looks like etching works especially well with thermography. Any color can be thermographed. Both pastels and bright and bold colors look especially striking when thermographed.
• Do not combine large flat design with finer elements. Thermography powders come in different particle sizes and using a medium grade powder may affect the entire piece. Also, since more heat will be necessary to process the large design - the precise area may smudge.
• For a unique look, outline the edges of a flat design with thermography.
• Do account for the folds in your design. Folded thermography may crack.
• It is most effective to design your piece using thermography on one side of the paper only. Thermography applied to the second side of the paper will require a second pass under the heat and may compromise the first side.
• Use thermography to add shine to any design - but be careful. Too much coverage can look dappled.
• Experiment with thermographed textures - tiny dots or grids can become very tactile when thermographed.
• Thermography may crack when trimmed so try not to add bleed edges to your design.
• Always request blister inks so that your ink color will not change during the heat process.
• All types of paper stock can be used for thermography but, for the best results, use an uncoated paper with a smooth, hard-finished surface. Paper weights can range from 20lb text to 100lb cover.