Foil stamping applies a thin layer of metallic or pigmented foil (gold, silver, copper and others) to specific elements of a design using heat and pressure, rather than standard ink.
It's commonly used to highlight a logo or key detail against a matte or uncoated background, creating a tactile, reflective contrast that reads as considered and premium — a common pairing with spot UV for cards that want one deliberate standout element rather than an all-over metallic finish.
Because it requires a custom die and a separate production step, foil stamping costs more and takes longer than standard printing, which is why it's typically reserved for premium-positioned brands or limited runs.