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Decoration Technique
Metallic Printing
Real metal foil — gold, silver, copper, holographic — heat-pressed onto apparel. The premium finish for retail, event merch, and statement designs.
Best For
Premium retail, statement designs, special events
Fabric
Cotton, polyester, performance blends — most fabric types
MOQ
50 pieces per design
Durability
Good for screen print foil, 30+ washes
Cost
$$$ — premium specialty finish
Lead Time
15–25 days
About Metallic
Metallic foil printing uses a thin layer of actual metal foil — gold, silver, copper, rose gold, holographic, and more — applied to the garment via screen print adhesive or heat transfer. The result is a mirror-like, eye-catching finish that screams premium quality.
At SublimApparel, we stock 30+ metallic foil colors including classic gold and silver, rose gold, copper, holographic, and custom color matching. We can apply foil via screen print (most durable) or heat transfer (most flexible, suitable for small runs).
Metallic foil works best on solid-color designs, logos, and statement pieces. It is most popular in premium retail, special event merch, awards, and high-end corporate apparel.
Why Choose Metallic
- Mirror-like metallic finish that catches light
- 30+ foil colors including gold, silver, rose gold, holographic
- Premium retail and event-ready look
- Can be combined with screen print for multi-color designs
- Custom foil colors available for large runs
Best Use Cases
Premium retail collections and limited dropsEvent merchandise for special occasionsAwards and recognition apparelLuxury corporate gifts and premium giveawaysBridal and bridesmaid party apparelStatement streetwear and hype drops
How Metallic Works
- 1
Design adaptation
Design is adapted for foil application. Foil works best on solid shapes, not fine details or small text.
- 2
Adhesive screen print
For screen-print foil, a special adhesive is printed in the design shape and partially cured.
- 3
Foil application
Foil sheet is placed over the adhesive and heat-pressed at 160°C, fusing the foil only to the adhesive areas.
- 4
Peel and inspect
Foil sheet is peeled, leaving metallic finish only on the design. Excess foil is recycled.
- 5
QC & pack
Each piece is inspected for foil adhesion, coverage, and finish consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between foil and metallic ink?
Foil is actual metal that reflects light like a mirror. Metallic ink contains metal particles in a binder — it has a metallic look but doesn't reflect like real foil.
How long does metallic foil last?
With proper care (wash inside out, no harsh detergents), screen-print foil lasts 30+ washes. Heat-transfer foil is slightly less durable.
Can you do rose gold and holographic?
Yes. We stock 30+ foil colors including rose gold, copper, holographic, rainbow, and custom colors for large runs.
Is there a minimum?
50 pieces per design. For smaller runs, heat-transfer foil is more economical but less durable.
Related Techniques
Glitter Printing
Sparkle, shimmer, and shine. Glitter printing adds a high-impact decorative finish perfect for performance, party, and statement apparel.
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Silicone Heat Transfer Printing
3D rubber finish with soft, flexible, durable feel. Silicone transfers give designs a premium raised look that screen printing can't match.
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Rhinestone Heat Press
Pre-arranged rhinestones heat-pressed onto apparel. Eye-catching sparkle for dance, cheer, pageant, performance, and statement streetwear.
View detailsGet a quote
Tell us your product, quantity and deadline.
You will have a landed, duty-paid price within one business day. If your deadline is not achievable, we will say so in the same reply rather than take the order and manage the problem later.
- Reply within 1 business day
- Team hours overlap US Pacific and UK
- Yiwu factory + Fontana, CA warehouse