Metallic foils add a gleam to fabrics (and paper too). Smooth fabrics take the foil with the most coverage, but I have had good results with fabrics ranging from sheer organza to linen to felt. I like the foils best when they are slightly imperfect.
Foil Adhesive:
A special adhesive can be used to apply foils, directly on fabric with a brush and with silk screens, rubber stamps, stencils or in fine tip squeeze bottle. Apply an even layer of foil adhesive with sponge brush to a rubber stamp, with a silk screen. The adhesive must be dry before applying the foil. Wash screens, stamps, brushes with cool water when done. Do NOT allow the adhesive to dry on a silk screen, it can clog it.
Screen printing --- use the adhesive in the same way you would use textile paint or dye discharge. I find that silk screening gives the best control of the amount of glue over other methods.
Use a medium-hot dry iron. Foil is positioned SHINY SIDE UP over the image to be foiled. Press burnishing with the side edge of the iron. Experiment with how much time and pressure to use Watch for 'strike through' when the image shows on the foil surface. If the foil melts, the iron is too hot.
Allow fabric and foil to cool before removing the foil. Experiment with layering colors. If the foil does not cover completely, reposition the foil and try again.
Metallic Foil for Custom Labels
I'm putting labels in my hand made clothing silk using a silk screened image with metallic foil. It is fast, does not show or bleed through on the right side of the fabric and makes a cool design statement. Sometimes I do this after the garment is finished, sometimes while it is in process---doesn't matter. I like the combo of the kimono label and my name on a silk screen. This is a two stage process. First I screen the foil adhesive in the kimono label motif, let it dry and foil it with one color. Then I foil it with the name on top and foil it in another contrasting color. (might do silver and copper for instance) Or just do one image. You must let the adhesive dry, but this takes a short time. It is a great look with the new hologram foils too.
If you want a silk screen with your name in another font or in your signature, simply scan and e-mail us the image. Let us know how large you want the signature. We use a small size screen, (3 3/4” x 5), and the image can be positioned in the center of the screen or about 1" from horizontal edge, so you can then position the label close to the neck seam on a finished garment.
