What is foil print on fabric? How is it different from metallic fabric?

Foil printing is a technique where metallic foil (a thin reflective sheet — gold, silver, holographic) is heat-transferred onto a fabric surface using adhesive and a heat press, creating shiny, mirror-like patterns on otherwise matte fabric.

Foil print vs Metallic fabric:

• Foil print: Pattern of metallic foil applied on top of regular fabric — only the printed area is metallic/shiny. The base fabric remains non-metallic.
• Metallic fabric (lamé, tissue): Metallic threads woven throughout the entire fabric — shiny throughout, not just in the printed area.

Durability: Foil printing can peel or crack with washing — especially if low-quality adhesive is used. Hand wash cold and do not iron directly over foil areas. High-quality foil prints last many washes; budget foil prints may peel after 5–10 washes.

Wholesale price impact: Foil print on kurti or saree adds ₹50–₹200 per piece. Used mainly in party wear and festive casual garments.