What To Look For In A Foiling Printer
• Uses Toner – Inkjet printers won’t work for foil; you’ll need a laser printer with toner-based output
• High Resolution – The cleaner your print, the crisper the foil appears
• Strong Black Toner Density – Essential for full foil coverage and clean transfer
• Manual Feed Support – useful when working with thick paper or speciality cardstock
• Straight Paper Path – Minimises bending and creasing for more consistent foil results
If you’re working on product packaging or branding, a foil label printer makes it easy to produce eye-catching metallic labels. Unsure where to start? Check out our guide about the best printer for foiling
Explore our full range of laser printers & all-in-ones, or browse mono black and white laser printers for the most foil-friendly options.
How Foil Printing Works
Foil printing is a simple, heat-based process that turns laser toner into an adhesive for foil. This technique works brilliantly on light and dark paper, as long as the foil is placed on top of toner, not ink. Here’s a quick overview of how laser foil printing works:
1. Create your artwork (any area printed in black will receive foil)
2. Print using a foil laser printer on smooth paper or cardstock
3. Place toner-reactive foil over the printed design
4. Run the sheet through a laminator or foiling machine
5. Peel the foil to reveal the finished metallic areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Any Laser Printer Be Used For Foiling?
Technically, yes, but for the best results, use a mono laser printer with a high toner density and straight paper path. Avoid inkjet models – they don’t use heat-reactive toner and won’t bond with foil.
What Kind Of Toner Works Best For Foil Printing?
Standard black toner works best. Look for printers that produce dense, even coverage to ensure a clean foil transfer.
What Paper Types Are Suitable For Foil Printing?
Smooth paper or coated cardstock works best, usually 160-300gsm. Always check your printer's maximum GSM support before foiling.
What Materials Can Be Foiled?
Foiling works best on paper and cardstock. Avoid textured media, as uneven surfaces can prevent proper foil adhesion.
Do I Need A Special Machine For Foiling?
A foiling printing machine, or laminator, is used to reheat the toner and bond the foil. Dedicated foiling machines generally give better results than basic laminators.
How Is Foiling Done?
Print your design in black using a laser printer, place the foil shiny side up, run it through a foiling machine and gently peel. The printed area of your page will now be covered by foil.
Can Foiling Be Combined With Other Printing Techniques?
Yes, it can! Use a colour inkjet printer for background elements, then add foil with your laser printer to print partially foiled designs to complement a colour background or image.
Does Foiling Work On Dark Paper?
Yes, foil printing does work on dark or coloured backgrounds as long as these colours aren’t created using toner
How Durable Is Foil Printing?
Foil prints are long-lasting but can wear with moisture or repeated handling. For extra protection, consider laminating your final product.
Why Do You Need A Laser For Foiling?
Laser printers use heat to melt and apply toner powder onto the page, which is then reheated when using the foiling machine – this acts as an adhesive that the foil can stick to. Inkjet printers can’t be used for foil printing, as they rely on liquid ink rather than heat, leaving nothing adhesive for the foil to stick to. That said, you can print background colours or image elements with an inkjet, then layer the design with foil using a laser printer.
Can I have Two Elements And Only Foil One Of Them?
Yes, this is the advantage of using an inkjet printer in your foiling setup. Print your colour artwork with an inkjet, then print the foil design using a laser printer. The foil will only stick to the laser-printed sections without affecting the rest of your design
