How to Hot Foil With a Laminator or Heidi Swapp
Hot foiling is a craft that can create beautiful designs using heat transfer foil. It may seem intimidating at first, but it's actually quite easy once you understand the process. In this article, we will walk through the basics of hot foiling using a laminator or the Heidi Swapp Mink foiling machine. Whether you want to make cards, gift tags, or home decor, hot foiling can add a touch of elegance to your projects.
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What is Hot Foiling?
Hot foiling requires three elements to create the desired designs: heat, pressure, and laser jet toner ink. The heat transfer foil is activated by the heat from a laminator or foiling machine. The pressure from the machine helps smush the foil onto the design, and the toner ink grips onto the foil to create the final result.
Materials
Heat transfer foil: Make sure to purchase foil specifically designed for heat transfer. It usually comes in rolls, which are more economical than buying sheets.
Laminator or foiling machine: You can use a regular laminator or invest in a specifically designed foiling machine like the Heidi Swapp Mink machine.
Laminating sheets: Get high-quality laminating sheets, such as the ones from Scotch, to protect your design during the foiling process.
Laser jet printer: You'll need a laser jet printer with black toner ink. This type of ink adheres to the foil.
Copy (printer) paper: Use regular copy paper for your design. Make sure it's not too thick to run through your printer.
Scissors: You'll need scissors to cut the foil and open the laminating pouch.
Surface for your design: Choose any type of paper or cardstock that is not too thick to run through your printer.
Design: Select a design that works well with foiling. Simple shapes, lines, and letters are ideal. Make sure your design is black and white, with deep black tones for the best foiling results. Download the NYC typography, pictured above, for free.
Optional: Frame, so you can display your masterpiece!
Preparing Your Design
To prepare your design, follow these steps:
Find a design that you like. In this article, we'll use a New York typography image, which you can access here.
Download the NYC image. Upload it to canva.com. If you’re using your own image, skip the next three steps and head to the next section, “Printing Your Design”
Make any necessary tweaks to the design in Canva. Ensure that the image remains black and white, with deep black tones.
Resize the design to fit your desired frame size, if needed.
Once you're satisfied with the design, click "Share" in the upper right-hand corner of Canva and select "Download PNG."
Printing Your Design
Now that your design is ready, it's time to print:
1 . Connect your laser jet printer to your computer and open the design file.
2. Double check you’re using the correct printer from the options, especially if you have multiple printers!
3. Adjust the print settings as needed, such as paper size and orientation.
5. Click "Print" and wait for the design to print.
Creating a “Foil Sandwich”
With your printed design in hand, it's time to create what I call the “foil sandwich”:
Place a piece of regular copy paper on your work surface.
Place your black and white printed design over the copy paper, design side facing up.
Lay the foil over your design, shiny side facing up, ensuring that it covers the entire design with about a 1/4 inch extra on all sides.
Use scissors to cut the foil to size, making sure it fully covers the design.
Place another piece of copy paper on top of the foil and design.
Double-check that the foil hasn't shifted, and use painter's tape if necessary to secure it in place.
Your foil sandwich should now consist of two pieces of copy paper with the foil and design in between.
Running the Foil Sandwich Through the Machine
Now it's time to run the foil sandwich through your laminator or foiling machine:
Open a laminating pouch and locate the line of demarcation that shows where it folds.
Place your foil sandwich inside the laminating pouch by lifting the top part of your pouch up.
Close the top portion of the laminating pouch over your foil sandwich.
If you're using the Heidi Swapp Mink machine, follow these steps:
Turn on the machine using the power switch at the back.
Press the gold button in the center four times to set the heat level to three, which is a standard setting for most materials.
Wait for the machine to heat up. It will blink red and then turn green once it's ready.
Insert the foil sandwich into the machine, making sure the machine pulls it in.
Allow the machine to do its work, applying heat and pressure to transfer the foil onto the design.
If you're using a regular laminator, follow these steps:
Turn on the laminator and set it to a medium or high heat setting, depending on your machine's capabilities.
Wait for the laminator to heat up.
Insert the foil sandwich into the laminator.
Allow the laminator to do its work, applying heat and pressure to transfer the foil onto the design.
Revealing the Foiled Design
Once the laminator or foiling machine has finished its job, it's time to reveal the final foiled creation:
Carefully cut along the end or side of the laminating pouch to create an opening, ensuring you’re not accidentally slicing into your printed sheet nestled between your copy paper.
Peel the laminating pouch away from the foil sandwich.
Remove your printed design piece from the foil sandwich.
Allow foil to cool. Then, slowly peel back the foil to reveal your beautiful foiled design.
Optional: Insert your finished design into a photo frame, like this one, and hang your work for all to admire!
Conclusion
Hot foiling is a fun and creative way to add elegance to your craft projects. With just a few materials and a laminator or foiling machine, you can create stunning designs. Remember to choose a design that works well with foiling, use high-quality materials, and follow the steps carefully for the best results. Happy foiling!
