Sample System for Labels & Packaging
Cold Foil Sample Kit & Swatch Book
Compare metallic shades, finishes and test pathways before production. Order swatches, printed test cards or a production-grade trial roll for adhesion, release, overprintability and shelf-impact checks.
- Shade swatch set
- Printed test cards
- Press qualification roll
- Substrate review
- Adhesion & overprint checks
What Is Included in a Cold Foil Sample Kit?
The evaluation package is modular. Depending on project stage and application, it can include shade swatches, finish cards, printed test cards, application examples, recommended trial roll options and a substrate review checklist. Contents vary by project — the goal is to give you the right evidence for the decision in front of you.
Metallic shade swatches
Gold, silver, holographic, champagne, rose gold, matte black, pearl and copper references for early shade selection.
Metallic finish cards
Reference cards showing bright, satin, holographic and iridescent finishes on coated stock.
Printed test cards
Foil-decorated label or carton pulls with typical overprint patterns for buyer and shelf-impact review.
Trial roll options
Production-grade rolls recommended for press qualification once the project is ready to trial.
Substrate & artwork checklist
Guidance on which face stock, board and adhesive information to share so we can recommend the correct foil grade.
Documentation guidance
Which certificates (REACH, RoHS, EU 10/2011, FDA 21 CFR 175.105, Prop 65) to request for your market and application.
Choose the Right Sample Format
Different formats answer different questions. Use this table to match your stage — shade decision, buyer presentation, or press qualification — with the right sample pathway.
| Sample Type | Best For | What It Helps You Check | Recommended Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shade swatches | Early shade and finish selection | Gold, silver, holographic, champagne, rose gold, matte black, pearl, copper | Shortlist 2–3 shades |
| Printed test cards | Visual review and buyer presentation | Shelf impact, overprint effect, application fit | Request substrate-specific advice |
| Trial roll | Press trial and production qualification | Adhesion, release, register, overprintability | Run trial on actual press |
| Substrate review | BOPP, PET, coated paper, wine label paper, carton board | Surface fit, adhesive direction, risk points | Send material data |
When Should You Request the Evaluation Package Instead of a Trial Roll?
Choose the evaluation package when you are still working through shade, finish or application fit — or when you need physical references for internal review and customer presentation.
Choose a trial roll when you are ready for press qualification and want to test adhesion, release and overprintability on real equipment and real substrate. Trial rolls are production-grade and shipped on a standard 76 mm (3") core.
Cold Foil Sample Options by Application
Different markets prioritize different shades and test criteria. Use this reference to pre-select the shades most relevant to your category before requesting the evaluation package.
| Application | Recommended Samples | Common Buyer Concern | Related Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics & beauty | Rose gold, bright gold, holographic, pearl | Shade matching and luxury finish | View |
| Wine & spirits | Champagne, pale gold, silver | Condensation and premium shelf impact | View |
| Pharmaceutical | Silver, holographic | Security and clean finish | View |
| FMCG | Bright gold, silver | Cost and high-volume repeatability | View |
| Folding cartons | Gold, copper, matte black | Board compatibility and overprint | View |
| BOPP labels | Silver, holographic, gold | Adhesion and surface energy | View |
What Information Should You Send?
A clear brief lets us match the right foil grade, adhesive direction and sample pathway on the first request — usually within one business day.
- Application industry
- Substrate type
- Face stock or board supplier
- Printing process
- Press type
- Target foil shade
- Artwork coverage %
- Overprint or varnish plan
- Expected run speed
- Destination market
- Required documents (REACH / FDA / EU 10/2011)
- Whether you need swatches, test cards or a trial roll
Also see our full cold stamping foil quote checklist for a printable version.
From Request to Production Trial
Share your brief
Send application, substrate and target finish along with any artwork or coverage detail.
CFS recommends
We suggest suitable shades and the right pathway — swatch set, printed test cards or a press qualification roll.
Review evaluation pack
Assess shade references and printed test cards, or run a production-grade roll on your press.
Confirm & scale
Sign off shade, adhesion, release and overprintability before bulk order release.
Need help choosing the right pathway?
Send your application, substrate and target shade. We will recommend whether you should start with swatches, printed test cards or a production-grade trial roll.
Sample Kit vs Sample Roll
Both formats exist to reduce risk before mass production — they answer different questions at different stages of shade selection and press qualification.
| Criteria | Sample Kit | Trial Roll |
|---|---|---|
| Best stage | Shade, finish and buyer evaluation | Press qualification and pre-production run |
| Main use | Compare shades, finishes and application fit | Check adhesion, release, register and overprint |
| Physical format | Swatch set, finish cards and printed test cards | Production-grade material on 76 mm (3") core |
| Buyer goal | Design decision, customer presentation | Engineering sign-off before mass production |
| Press testing | Not required | Yes — run on actual press |
| Best CTA | Request the evaluation pack | Request a press qualification roll |
Related Cold Foil Products to Sample
Browse individual shades to review technical detail, or open the finder and comparison tools to shortlist across the full range.
FAQ
Ready to test cold foil on press?
If you already know your substrate and target finish, request a production-grade trial roll for adhesion, release and overprint testing.