Foil printing is done conventionally using UV formulated transparent inks. Transparent inks are used to allow the reflective quality of the foil and the embossing effect to be appreciated. Any color or number of colors can be specified.

The embossing process imparts the three dimensional or "illusion of movement" effect and is carried out from plates made to interact with the printed image. The plates are designed after careful study of the printed image in order to capture the natural reflective phenomena of the real object. It is this that creates the almost holographic appearance of the printed image. Further treatment of the surrounding background area can enhance the three dimensional effect or create the "Illusion of Movement".