Embossing is the art form where raised images are created on paper or any other material. This gives the material a textured feel and appearance. One of the most popular products of embossing right now is embossed 3D badges.
Badges are used in many ways, but theyâre mainly used to identify an individual or to award him because of a feat he accomplished. Badges are used by the government, the police, students, and even in some advertising companies. Badges date back to the medieval ages, when knights rode around with their coat of arms on their shields to proclaim which house they represent or owe their loyalty. Badges can be typically made from materials such as plastic, leather, metal, and textiles. Nowadays, many embossed 3D badges are made of metal or plastic.
How Embossing Works
To emboss a badge to give it its raised, textured appearance, the artist needs two dies. Both dies have the design imprinted on them, the difference being that one of the dies has it raised, while the other has it recessed. When the badge material is put between the two dies, the dies press together with enough force and the design is imprinted. In order to make the design clear, the craftsperson needs to monitor the pressure heâs applying, the amount of heat that the two dies generate, and how deep the design is engraved on the dies.
Aside from embossing the design, color and details could be added using three techniques. The first is Pastelling, which is using a combination of embossing and foil stamping, giving the badge an antiqued look. Next is Glazing, which is done to give the design a glossy finish. Scorching is like glazing, but instead of giving the badge a shinier finish, itâs used to make it look more dated or shaded (or more antique looking than Pastelling).
With the amount of dies that could be made at the request of a client, embossed 3D badges could not only be mass produced but could be of any design with varying degrees of detail. Some of the most well-known embossed badges belong to those who have received military honors or those who work for the police. Some people also have taken up badge collecting and are constantly looking for new designs to add to their collection. The most collectible of these are button badges, which could come in sizes ranging from 1 inch to around 4.7 inches.
