The Iowa Foil Printer (IFP) allows artists and printmakers to control and execute the entire process of creating foil-stamping prints or other art works from beginning to end. The IFP performs as a safe, non-intimidating device that allows one artist, working alone, to execute the entire hot foil stamping process from beginning to end. A specially designed wooden frame provides support for large sheets of paper beyond the dimension of the hot plate. Heat for both the hot plate and the printer roller may be precisely controlled.

The IFP allows the artist exclusive control over the three basic principles of foil stamping. These principles are heat, pressure, and dwell time. Most varieties of foil available for use on paper substrates may be stamped and adhered at 200 degrees Fahrenheit or less using the IFP. The Iowa Foil Printer gives to artists the ability to create fine art with an extraordinary palette of roll leaf foil.

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The Hot Stamped Foil Imaging Process

Foil imaging is a revolutionary printmaking technique developed at the University of Iowa by Professor Virginia A. Myers. Hot-stamped foil is a process of applying foil or roll-leaf using a combination of heat, pressure,and dwell time to adhere the foil to a wide variety of substrates, including but not limited to paper, metal, leather, or plastics. The foil or roll leaf is adhered to a plastic film which is then transferred to the substrate during the printing process. The foil is manufactured in a rainbow of metallics, pigments, pearl-escents, tin-foils, and specialty products including holograms.