What is the difference between thermography and embossing?

Both thermography and embossing are ways to create raised designs on printed products like folders, business cards, and hang tags.

Thermography, also called raised printing or raised ink, uses special inks and powders to create a raised design. Thermography is done by, first, printing your image. Then a colored powder is spread across the design while still wet. Then high heat is applied to the ink and powder. This causes a reaction that makes the ink and powder bond to form a slightly raised, shimmery design. Thermography does not affect the back of the paper at all. While it is less expensive than embossing, thermography cannot achieve the same crisp, detailed results as embossing. Thermography is also unable to recreate the subtle look of blind embossing (raised images with no ink). Greenerprinter does not offer thermography at this time.

Greenerprinter creates raised images on printed products through embossing. Embossing is a complex process that has been around for hundreds of years. Embossing is done with a custom metal die (mold) made from custom artwork. The paper is squeezed between the two parts of the die to create a raised embossed image on the front and a sunken debossed image on the back. Embossing can create extremely crisp, detailed images. It can be done on printed paper to enhance a printed design or on unprinted paper for a subtle, elegant blind embossed look, as shown in the image of the pocket folder above. Embossing adds a high-quality, premium feel to printed goods. We offer custom embossing on all paper products, including booklet covers, packaging, and belly bands.