Overview & Specifications
What Are Foil Stamped Sleeves?
A foil stamped sleeve is a Box Sleeve with foil pressed onto the board in selected areas. Foil is a finish, not a structure: the sleeve fits and works the same way, and the box underneath gives the protection.
Foil Stamped Sleeves sit in the Custom Sleeves range and under Retail Packaging.
What it has to do
What Foil on a Sleeve Has to Get Right
Foil on a sleeve has to sit clear of folds and seams, register with any printing, suit the stock and stay decorative. Each need below is matched to the option that meets it.
01
Clear
Clear of Folds and Seams
Foil can crack on a fold. Placement is set on the dieline away from scores and the seam.02
Registered
Registered With Printing
Where foil meets printed artwork, registration and stock decide how close they can sit.03
Stock
A Stock That Takes Foil
Paperboard and specialty stocks are chosen to hold the foil cleanly.04
Decoration
Decoration, Not Protection
Foil adds shine and contrast. It is not a barrier and does not waterproof the sleeve.
Foil Stamping vs Printed Color on Sleeves
Choose foil stamping for a true metallic or pigmented finish on selected areas and printed color for full-coverage artwork. The table compares the two.
| Attribute | Foil Stamping | Printed Color |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Metallic or pigmented foil | Ink on board |
| Coverage | Selected areas | Full artwork |
| Placement limits | Clear of folds and seams | Fewer limits |
| Combine with | Printing, emboss, Spot UV | Lamination, Spot UV |
Foil Stamped Sleeves Specifications
Foil Stamped Sleeves are specified around the package, the board and the sleeve format. Review the specifications below to plan the sleeve.
| Specification | Available Configuration |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Box sleeve with foil-stamped finish |
| Category | Custom Sleeves |
| Structure | Full sleeve (Box Sleeve) with foil stamping |
| Dimensions | Based on the finished package dimensions |
| Board | White SBS, kraft or recycled paperboard; E/F-flute corrugated; metallic, holographic, pearlescent or textured cardstock. Paperboard from about 14 pt to 28 pt |
| Add-ons | Die-cut window (open or with clear PET film), tear strip, tongue lock |
| Foil Placement | Subject to fold, seam, registration and stock limits |
| Protection | Foil is decorative, not a barrier |
| Print Coverage | Exterior only, or exterior and interior |
| Print Methods | Offset, digital, UV or screen printing; CMYK and Pantone spot colors |
| Coatings and Finishes | Foil stamping (metallic, pigmented or other foil by supplier capability), emboss/deboss, Spot UV, matte or gloss lamination |
| Starting Price | From $0.45 / unit; final price depends on size, board, print, finishes and quantity |
| Minimum Order | 500 units |
| Standard Production | 7 days from approved proof |
| Rush Production | Available on request |
| Shipping | Ships flat, USA and worldwide |
How Do You Plan Foil on a Sleeve?
Size the sleeve to the finished package first, then mark the foil areas away from folds and the seam. Foil areas are set on the approved dieline.
| Measurement | What to Record |
|---|---|
| Package | Outside size |
| Foil areas | Logo, name or pattern |
| Foil color | Metallic or pigmented |
| Other finishes | Emboss, Spot UV |
Check Foil on a Folded Sample
Fold and close a foiled sample. Check the foil edges at every fold and the seam.
What to Check Before Bulk Production
Review a foiled sample folded and fitted on the package before approval. Record the approved foil areas, foil color and stock on the signed-off sample.
| If the sample shows | Review before approval |
|---|---|
| Foil cracks on a fold | Move foil off the fold |
| Foil misaligned with print | Review registration on the proof |
| Fine detail fills in | Enlarge the detail |
| Foil flakes | Review stock on a sample |
Seven days covers standard production from approved proof once the specification is confirmed; delivery timing is confirmed separately.
