Cracks in an emboss or a deboss

Embossing cracks when the surface cannot stretch as far as the die pushes it. Brittle ink, a heavy coating, or a dry sheet fails first.

Checks

1. Emboss a sheet with the real ink and coating on it. A blank board hides the crack.
2. If the crack follows the ink only, the ink or coating is too brittle. If the fiber splits, the board is dry or the relief is too deep.
3. Lower the relief before you change materials. A deep single-level emboss cracks more than a shallow one.
4. Heat can soften a coating enough to stretch. Use it only when the coating is specified to take it.

Materials in the directory

Compare paperboard, coatings, laminating films.