How sleeking works in 30 seconds
Sleeking, also called digital foil transfer, is one of the easiest ways to apply foil to your prints. It uses heat and pressure to stick foil to toner, creating eye-catching effects.
The basic sleeking process is:
- Print: Use 100% black toner (K) to print the areas you want foiled
- Sleek: Run the sheet through a SLEEKpro-equipped machine (check out our range of specialty laminators) to apply the digital foil
At Skandacor, we offer more than just standard, colored foils. We also provide holographic foils that reflect a spectrum of colors. We carry standard gloss and matte, all the way up to patterns like mosaic, crystal, and hyper plaid. But they're not all equal. There are two types of foils: transfers and casts.
Transfers
A transfer permanently applies (transfers) its finish onto the toner using adhesive.
Why choose a transfer?
- Bold, eye-catching effect: The foil is transferred from the roll to your print, so it stands out. The result is a bold, professional look that's hard to miss.
- Heat-resistant and flexible: Handles heat, so you can add more finishes without worry
- Durable: Won't rub off or fade. Ideal for high-touch items like membership cards, loyalty cards, or event passes that are handled daily.
- Lower cost (compared to casts): Less expensive to produce than casts, so your cost is lower.
Before
After
Casts
A cast foil (C) is laser-etched and embosses the toner to create a holographic effect. So there's no foil left on the sheet.
Why choose a cast?
- Translucent effect: Embosses the toner and offers a more understated effect, letting your design and colors remain the focus
- Reusable: Use each roll up to 3 times. More value, less waste
- Lower cost per sheet: Each cast roll can be used up to 3 times, reducing your cost per sheet by up to 30% on large print runs
- Less inventory needed: Fewer rolls to order and store
Before
After
Note: With cast foils, the security effect from your digital press may be more visible on the finished prints. Find out why.
Side-by-side comparison
Feature | Transfer Holographic Film | Cast Holographic Film |
How it works | Lays down a foil layer onto the toner | Embosses the toner; no foil material is left on the sheet |
Roll appearance | Translucent, almost hazy appearance because of the adhesive | Transparent |
Finished product appearance | Much bolder, really stands out. Material is transferred. | Subtle, very transparent. Toner clarity is higher |
Durability | Won't rub off | Can be removed with heat and pressure. Can be scratched |
Workflow / Heat Sensitivity | Heat does not affect it. Use at any stage | Heat sensitive. Must be the last step |
Reusability | Single-use | Up to 3 uses per roll |
Cost per roll | Lower | Higher |
Cost per sheet | Higher cost (single-use) | Lower (multiple uses) |
Inventory | May need more rolls for multiple jobs or applications | Not as much inventory needed because you're not ordering as many rolls per job/application |
Purpose | For bold, standout prints | For subtle effects or when toner color matters |
When to choose a transfer
Go with a transfer foil when:
- You want a bold, noticeable effect
- Your workflow needs more heat processes after foiling
- The finished piece will be handled frequently (such as membership cards)
Trail Pass
For example, we used a transfer holographic foil on this trail pass that would be used all summer. So durability was key.
When to choose a cast?
Choose a cast when:
- You want a subtle holographic effect that lets your design shine through
- Foiling is the last step in production (since casts are heat-sensitive and can be damaged by further processing)
- A less durable effect is effect (like for single-use VIP passes, promotional tickets, or security features)
VIP Pass
For example, a VIP pass used for a one-day event is perfect for a cast foil.
Workflow Checklist: 5 Quick Pre-press questions
Here are 5 quick questions to help you decide if to use a cast or a transfer:
- How durable does this piece need to be? The answer helps you choose the foil that will last as long as your project needs.
- Will there be more heat processes after foiling? If so, transfer foil is the way to go since it can handle extra heat
- Are there any specific visual or branding requirements? Your choice of foil can help you match brand colors or achieve a specific look
- Is cost per sheet or inventory a big concern? Cast foils can help you save on larger print runs, while transfer foils are great for smaller, high-impact jobs
Check out our line of transfer and cast holographic foils.
Not sure which foil is best for your project? Our team is happy to help you choose the best option. Reach out to us at sales@skandacor.com.