Often used in combination with foil stamping, embossing is a process that applies pressure to the backside of a material to alter the surface, giving it a three dimensional or raised effect.
The procedure involves the use of two dies, one fitting into the other so that the raised die forces the stock into the recessed die to create the embossed impression.
A die maker engraves the desired image, or copy, into several metal plates, which are the embossing dies for use on an embossing press.
Debossing
Debossing is the term used to describe the opposite process or effect, which involves applying pressure to the front side of a stock forcing the material away or down from the paper surface.
Although it is not as commonly used as embossing, debossing is occasionally used to provide a different effect or appearance that fits a particular theme.
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