Forum > Papercrafting > Topic

Hot Foiling vs Foiling with a laminator, what are the differences?

Jun '22 CAQ

I have been reading about this hot foiling(?) and I am confused why that would be better than laminating with foil and a machine like a Heidi Swapp laminator? Is the result different? If not, why the added work of the hot foiling with its special dies you have to heat up, and I think a special die cutter?

I think I have info overload. Can anyone explain this without info overload and the differences an pros and cons?

Thanks. In the meantime, I am doing more investigating.
Aug '22 CAQ

Ok, so I know a little more about hot foiling. Apparently, you need a hot foil heater, like a flat iron, to heat up the dies?

I also read that they are two companies that make them, but there is some compatibility you have to have. Does that mean one brand will work specific dies or a specific brand of die cutter, ie Sizzix, Spellbinders, etc?

I believe that rather than the foil being attached to the top of the cardstock, with hotfoiling, the foil is indented i to the die cut lines, ie text is indented, or inlaid. Correct?

Is it worth it? I don't think you can use regular dies, right? You have to buy expensive special dies, and if you think you will want to used the die without hotfoiling, you need to buy the regular die, also, correct?

Thank you for clearing the above up and any i formation on your experience and comparison to using a Heidi Swapp type laminator.