Embossed vs Debossed Labels: What’s Better for Your Product?

One of the biggest trends over the past few years in product packaging is the use of texture.

The most popular way to add texture to labels is to change the actual shape of the printed materials. Usually, this is done with embossing or debossing.  Both printing methods make an impression on the paper stock, but there are a few differences.

If you’re making the choice between embossed vs debossed labels, you need to consider the printing process for both and know what kind of paper stock you need.

 

Benefits of Embossed and Debossed Images

One of the major reasons embossed and debossed designs are popular is the look. Changing the surface of labels helps graphic designs pop and creates an eye-catching design.

We’re also seeing these processes used to make products more inclusive. As the visually impaired population increases, beauty brands are embracing braille labeling to help buyers purchase and use their products.

Key Differences Between Embossing and Debossing

Look

Embossed Images

An embossed image has a raised design. You can get single-level or multi-level embossing, with each level creating a greater three-dimensional effect.

Debossed Images

Debossing is the opposite of embossing, creating a depressed design in the card stock.

The depth you can get with a debossed image is limited by the thickness of the paper you’re using. This limits debossed designs in comparison to embossed images.

Printing Method

The Embossing Process

Embossed designs are created by pressing the paper between two metal dies that are custom-cut for your print project. The female die sits on top of the paper stock, and the male, counter-die the bottom.

As the stock is pressed between the die, it creates a raised area. It doesn’t only change the shape of the face of the paper, however. It also forms the back of the printed piece.

The Debossing Process

When it comes to deboss designs, you only have one cut die. The paper is pressed between this and a flat, metal plate. This leaves indentations on the front of the paper but doesn’t change the shape of the back of the print job at all.

Since the back of the paper stays flat, it makes this method the better option for double-sided labels.

Cost

Since you need two cut dies for an embossed image, it costs more than a debossed image.

Embossing and Debossing Design Tips

Which Types of Label Stock Should You Use?

The heavier the label stock is, the better it will handle deformation. This both decreases tearing and warping while increasing the crispness of the final embossing or debossing. For the most part, plastic labels don’t handle deformation well. It’s only possible with the heaviest plastic face stock, which is usually reserved for durable labels on outdoor products and safety labels.

Adding Color

Blind embossing and blind debossing refer to an impression that is colorless – this is popular on letterheads and business cards, but not the greatest option when it comes to labels.

Adding color to these designs after the process is finished is difficult. You want to make sure you’re using a combination emboss/deboss process.

During a combination process, metallic foil or ink is added to the process itself. Ink works best for debossed labels, whereas foil stamping works best for embossed areas.

Use Vector Images

Vector images are a must for designing these labels. Unlike pixel images, vector images are drawn using a mathematical formula. These lines are easy to convert into CNC instructions for carving dies. It also makes designs easy to scale. Often, problems with tearing and warping during the pressing process can be solved by shrinking the press area.

Use Simple Designs

Shading and highly colored prints soften the appearance of embossed and debossed areas. For the greatest visual pop, stick to monochrome or simplified palettes near the edges of the imprint. More color can be added as you move away from raised and lowered areas.

Keep Mandated Information Legible

FDA guidelines encourage the use of flat labels to avoid problems with legibility. For products with debossed or embossed labels that may be used for medical purposes, they recommend overwrapping the textured label with a flat label. This new label should include all the FDA-mandated information about the product.

Other Label Design Options

No clear winner in the embossing vs debossing battle? Two alternative processes can deliver the 3D look you want.

Inks and Powders

Embossing inks and powders don’t change the shape of the paper. Instead, they form a three-dimensional layer as they dry. These printing techniques are common on business cards, adding texture and drawing attention to text.

While this doesn’t give the same depth as embossing or debossing, it also doesn’t require custom dies. This makes raised ink printing more cost-effective for small production runs and works with a wide range of face stocks. The overall effect is similar to inking or applying foil with a shallow embossing die.

Top Coats

While top coats are usually applied across the entire label, they can also be applied selectively. Combining contrasting gloss and matte finishes gives the label the illusion of depth.

UV spot printing allows precise control of top coat application, letting you create complex patterns on labels that would be expensive or impractical with embossing. However, since the print has a uniform thickness, there’s no way to get the intricate patterns that are possible with an embossed label.

Get the Equipment You Need for Fast, Effective Labeling

Whichever you choose when it comes to embossed vs debossed designs, CTM Labeling Systems has an applicator that can apply both embossed and debossed labels onto your product.

Not sure where to start? Request our free guide to custom labelers, then when you have an idea of what you need, contact us. We’ll put you in touch with your nearest distributor. They’ll help you find a solution that fits your production system, including requirements for speed, container shape, available floor space, and operating conditions. We make a wide range of equipment from semi-automatic tabletop labelers to specialist equipment for glass bottles.