Gold Foil
Silver Foil
Copper Foil
Raised FoilThe 10-second answer
Want a shiny metallic logo — gold, silver, rose gold, copper? That's foil. Want a specific area (logo, name) to have a clear, glossy shine against a matte card, but stay flat and smooth? That's spot UV. Want that same glossy accent to be raised and tactile so people feel it? That's raised spot UV. All three make a premium card — they just create the "wow" in different ways.
Foil vs spot UV vs raised spot UV, side by side
| Foil | Spot UV | Raised Spot UV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effect | Shiny metallic color | Clear glossy accent | Clear glossy accent, raised |
| Color | Metallic (gold, silver, etc.) | No color — just shine | No color — just shine |
| Texture | Flat & smooth | Flat & smooth | Raised — you can feel it |
| Looks best on | Any stock; pops on dark or suede | Matte / soft-touch cards | Matte / soft-touch cards |
| Vibe | Luxury, glamorous, festive | Sleek, modern, subtle | Modern with a tactile hook |
Foil adds a metal color. Spot UV adds a shine. Raised spot UV adds a shine you can feel. Pick the sense you want to trigger: sight, or touch.
Foil: shiny metallic color
Foil stamping presses a thin metallic film onto the card, giving you a reflective, metal-colored logo or accent in gold, silver, rose gold, copper, and more. It reads as luxurious and celebratory, which is why you see it on high-end business cards, wedding invitations, and premium packaging. Foil pops especially hard on dark or soft-touch stocks where the metal shine contrasts the matte background.
Spot UV: a flat clear-gloss accent
Spot UV applies a clear, glossy coating to specific ("spot") areas of an otherwise matte card. There's no color added — just a sleek shine that catches the light when the card tilts. Because it stays flat and smooth, it's subtle and modern: your logo quietly gleams against the matte finish. Great when you want understated polish rather than bling.
Raised Spot UV: gloss you can feel
Raised spot UV is spot UV with dimension. The clear gloss is built up so the accent sits slightly above the surface — you can run a finger over your logo and feel it. That tactile hook makes people handle the card longer, which is exactly what you want. It's our go-to for a premium card that's modern and memorable. (We have a whole Raised Spot UV product page if you want to see it.)
Combining effects (the pro move)
The most striking cards often stack effects: a soft-touch suede card with foil on the logo and raised spot UV on a pattern, for example. Combos cost more but create a genuinely luxury object. If you're not sure how far to take it, start with one hero effect on your logo and build from there.
How to choose
Every i Can Print That order includes a free professional file check, and specialty finishes need a separate "spot" layer in your file — we'll help you set it up so the effect lands exactly where you want.
Make a card people can't put down.
Pick your stock and finish, see your price instantly, and it ships to your door.
Design Premium Cards âš¡ See Raised Spot UVFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between foil, spot UV, and raised spot UV?
Foil presses a shiny metallic film (like gold or silver) onto the card, adding metallic color. Spot UV applies a clear, glossy coating to specific areas for a flat shine with no added color. Raised spot UV is the same clear gloss built up so the accent is raised and can be felt.
Is spot UV the same as raised spot UV?
No. Standard spot UV is flat and smooth — a glossy clear accent you can see but not feel. Raised spot UV builds the gloss up so the accent is raised and tactile.
What stock works best for spot UV and foil?
Spot UV and raised spot UV look best on matte or soft-touch (suede) cards, where the shiny accent contrasts the flat background. Foil pops on almost any stock and is especially striking on dark or soft-touch cards.
Can I combine foil and spot UV on one card?
Yes. Combining effects — for example foil on the logo and raised spot UV on a pattern over a soft-touch card — creates a premium, luxury result. It costs more but makes a memorable card.
Do specialty finishes need special files?
Yes. Foil and spot UV require a separate spot layer in your artwork that marks exactly where the effect goes. i Can Print That includes a free file check and will help you set up that layer correctly.