Custom Embossed Stickers

Choosing Shape, Size and Edge

Round seals are the most traditional and work well for crests and logos with a circular outline. Starburst and serrated edges look like classic notary seals and suit diplomas, while a plain round seal is closer to our printed circle stickers. Square, oval, shield and custom die-cut shapes follow the outline of your logo or create a distinctive mark.

Size depends on the use. Seals for envelopes and invitations are usually between 25 and 40 mm across. Award seals are often 50 mm or larger so they are noticed on an A4 page. Packaging seals vary with the product, from small 20 mm seals on jars to wider seals across the join of a box lid. Keep fine text and detail large enough to emboss clearly; very small lettering may lose definition.

Foil Colours and Materials

Gold is the most popular foil, followed by silver. Rose gold, copper and a range of coloured foils, such as red, blue and green, are also available; for a shimmering effect without foil, see the holographic sticker range. Matt foils give a softer, satin look, while bright foils are mirror-like and catch the light more. A foil seal on a contrasting paper, such as gold on navy or silver on black, gives a rich, two-tone effect.

Seals can also be blind embossed, with no foil at all, for a subtle, tone-on-tone look on white, cream or kraft paper. For outdoor or product use, durable materials help seals survive handling and moisture better than paper. We will suggest a material based on where the seal will be stuck and how long it needs to last.

Think about the surface the seal will go on. A seal on a smooth, coated envelope sticks and shows off its foil differently from one on a textured or uncoated card, where the adhesive has less contact. If your stationery is heavily textured, or your packaging is curved, tell us so we can recommend an adhesive and a size that will hold firmly.

Preparing Artwork for Embossing

Embossing works best with clean, solid shapes. Logos with clear lines, crests with defined areas and bold lettering emboss beautifully, and the same file can be used for embossed product labels later. Very fine lines, gradients and photographs do not translate into raised relief, so simplify your design if needed. We can advise on which parts of your logo will emboss well and suggest small adjustments.

Send your artwork as a vector file if possible, which keeps edges sharp. A border around the design, such as a ring or a rope edge, frames the seal and gives a finished look. Our proof shows the design, size and foil colour so you can check everything before production.

If you are unsure how your crest will look raised, ask us to show the embossed areas in a different shade on the proof, so you can see which parts lift and which stay flat. It is a simple way to spot detail that might be lost before anything is made.

Who Orders Embossed Seals

Training providers, schools, universities and professional bodies order them for diplomas and awards. Wedding stationers and couples order seals with monograms and dates for invitations, often alongside printed thank-you stickers for the favour boxes. Solicitors, estate agents and financial firms use them on documents and folders to add a formal touch.

Premium food and drink producers, chocolatiers, candle makers and cosmetic brands use them on packaging. Gift shops, florists and boutiques use them to seal tissue and bags. Clubs, societies and associations use them on membership packs and letters.

Sports clubs and martial arts schools use them on grading diplomas, and charities add them to thank-you letters for major donors.

Print Your Logo at the Finished Size Before You Approve the Emboss

Embossed seals are small, and detail that looks fine on a screen disappears at 30 mm. So print the artwork at the actual seal size and see what survives: thin serifs, fine crest lines and small text usually need thickening or dropping. Choose the edge next, a plain circle for a modern monogram, a starburst for a diploma, and decide whether the seals come on sheets for hand application or on rolls for a dispenser. Order a few spares, since a seal placed off-centre is easier to replace than to restick.

Send the artwork, the finished size and shape, the foil shade and the paper, and say sheets or rolls; a custom quote comes by email within one working day, with the minimum set per job once we know the seal and the foil. A free design proof shows the raised areas and the foil. Embossing and foiling take 4 to 7 working days after approval and free tracked courier delivery reaches UK mainland addresses in 2 to 3 working days. Stationers who want a flat version for everyday post often add printed logo stickers to the same order.