We use cookies to provide you with a better service. Carry on browsing if you’re happy with this, or find out how to manage cookies.
Your shopping cart is empty!
Feel free to reach out to us at contact@vintageprints.co.uk or give us a call on 07950 00 00 60 — we’re always happy to help!
Introducing our brand-new range of Luxury Wedding Invitations with traditional hand-pressed hot foil/letterpress. Available in various sizes on quality card stock and all fully customisable.
This is undeniably one of the most luxurious effects that can be applied to paper and card, it provides attention-grabbing elegance and glamour and adds a luxurious, formal feel to any wedding stationery. It’s an incredibly satisfying art form that provides precision and sharpness in the detail. The slightly debossed finish ensures the foil reflects and catches the light as it’s moved.
Hot foiling by hand using traditional machines and techniques is a process that hasn’t changed much over time as there really is nothing like this artisan process. It’s timeless and elegant and will ensure your stationery stands out.
Not sure where to start or what’s possible? Just email us and we’ll be happy to advise you. Our listings only show a small selection of what is possible so get in touch and let us know what you’re looking for.
Don’t know how to explain it in an email? If you would rather have a chat with us then just click here to book a consultation with one of us and we will be happy to help! Email: contact@vintageprints.co.uk Tel: 07950 000 060
Foil Blocking, Hot Foiling, or Hot Foil Stamping all refer to the same traditional, beautifully tactile printing method. Unlike digital foiling, this hands-on process creates a unique, high-end finish—perfect for luxurious wedding stationery.
Each card is individually hand-fed into a traditional foil press machine using specialist equipment. The result is a beautifully debossed, shiny metallic imprint with depth and texture. Historically used in the 19th century for book decoration, the technique remains beloved today for its elegant effect.
We use a custom metal die with a reverse image of your design. This die is heated and pressed through a thin foil film onto your card. Heat activates the adhesive on the foil, while pressure bonds it to the surface—leaving a stunning, shiny imprint with a slight indentation.
This method works best on bold elements and is not ideal for delicate lines or large foil-filled areas.
Advantages:
Luxurious Finish with depth and texture
Works on Dark Card due to the opaque foil
Wide Range of Card Stocks and thicknesses
No White Edges, as foil is pressed directly onto coloured card
Timeless Style that never goes out of fashion
Disadvantages:
Higher Cost due to custom die setup
Labour-Intensive process
Not Editable once the block is created
We use Colorplan card by G.F. Smith, one of the most respected paper makers in the world. Choose from 55 coloursand 10 thicknesses, all made in the UK with sustainable practices. The texture and depth of Colorplan make it ideal for both hot foil pressing and letterpress printing.
We also have our own duplexing machine, which allows us to bond two sheets of card together to create an ultra-thick, luxurious finish. This option gives your invitations extra weight and zero flop—perfect for a truly premium feel.
Yes! If you've created your own wedding invitations using Canva or any other design tool and would love to elevate them with traditional hot foil pressing, we can help. Simply send us your design, and we’ll check that it’s suitable for foil stamping. We’ll work with you to make sure everything is set up correctly and then foil it onto your chosen professional card stock—so your DIY design still has that professional finish.
Yes! We offer hot foil invitation samples so you can experience the finish firsthand. Samples are not customised—click the listing link or ask us directly.
Absolutely. If you have a design in mind or something you’ve seen elsewhere, we’re happy to advise and bring it to life with hot foiling.
Yes. Once your custom die is made, it can typically be used again. Contact us for reprint options.
Not quite. Embossing uses two custom plates to press the design into the card—without foil. Block foiling uses one metal die with heat and foil to create a shiny, indented finish.
Letterpress uses a custom die and ink (not foil). The result is an inked, slightly textured impression. This is not something we currently offer at Vintage Prints.
A design is printed in black toner, then passed through a foil machine where the foil adheres to the toner. The result is flat and sits on the surface—no indentation or block needed.
Budget-Friendly and quicker to produce
No Die Costs
Great for Short Runs & Personalisation
Available on Smooth Card Stocks
Flat Finish without tactile depth
Limited Card Options (only smooth stocks)
Not Ideal for Fine Detail or Solid Colours
If you want that luxurious, tactile finish, hot foil pressing is truly unmatched—especially for larger quantities. If you're working with a tighter budget but still want a touch of shine, digital foiling is a brilliant alternative.
Still unsure which is right for you? Just get in touch—we’re happy to help!
