What to know about foiling
I must say that, as a cardmaker, it took me a long time to get into foiling. I started with hot foiling, so it was another machine to buy and hot foil plates and, of course, the foil!
Did I really want to make that investment for something that I wasn’t even sure I would like? Anyway, I bought ‘all the stuff’ and I do really enjoy it. And now that you can use press plates to foil…well…but that’s another story! Anyway, my foiling journey ultimately brought me to another technique for foiling, using the Gina K Designs Fuse Foiling System. (You could also use a MINC machine or a laminator with multiple heat settings.) Now, for me, this is a game-changer as I find it quick and easy and it gives me excellent results.
So let’s look at both systems.
Hot foiling system
This requires a hot foiling machine such as the Go Press and Foil (the one I use here in Australia) or, alternatively, something like the Glimmer system commonly used in the United States. You also need to purchase specific hot foil plates in order to achieve a foiled design on your card front. A number of companies manufacture these now and there is a wide selection from which to choose. However, the price point for these plates can be high. You will also need to purchase foil that is suitable for hot foiling and is compatible with your machine, also available in a variety of colours and finishes. And, of course, there is the initial cost of the foiling machine itself. However, the finished foiling results are gorgeous.
Hot tip: When foiling, the pretty side of the foil needs to face the pretty side of the plate.
Fuse Foiling System by Gina K Designs
This method of foiling uses toner sheets or Poly-Glaze foiling sheets with foil on top, sandwiched in a carrier sheet and passed through the Fuse machine (kind of like laminating but different). Poly-Glaze foiling sheets are a Gina K Designs product but they are sold through a number of retailers. They are available in different designs including sentiments as well as images. It’s important to note, however, that you cannot use the same type of foil used with the hot foiling method. I use Fancy Foils (also by Gina K Designs) which come in a variety of colours and finishes. Both the Poly-Glaze foiling sheets and the Fancy Foils have an excellent price point so, for me, it’s a more cost-effective method of foiling. The main cost investment of this method is the actual Fuse machine. Again, the foiling results are lovely. It’s worth noting that you can also laminate with the Fuse Foiling system (although I haven’t tried it yet).
Hot tip: When foiling, the pretty side of the foil needs to face up.
So, if foiling is your jam, you may have, or want, both systems at your disposal. If you only want to foil occasionally, you might only select one method. Of course, the decision is yours.
