The thermographic process can't happen until the stock has been heated to at least 250 degrees. Lightweight stocks, such as 20-pound bond and onion skin will not be able to take the temperature. Heavy board can't be heated to the temperature needed to melt the resin. Proper art is a must when you design a thermographed piece. Don't design a piece that has large solids and small type on the same page unless you price the job for two runs through the press.
Large solids require a large-grain resin that is unsatisfactory for small type.
Thermography should be seen as a process to make an order distinctive and unique. Let's look at how you can make your customer's printing eye-catching by adding thermography. When you show them the dramatic effect thermography can have on their printing, many will pay extra to have their piece stand. Metallic resin, when melted, takes on a metallic sheen. The resin contains metallic pigment.