Foil stamping is the application of pigment or metallic foil, often gold or silver , but can also be various patterns or what is known as pastel foil which is a flat opaque color or white special film-backed material, to paper where a heated die is stamped onto the foil, making it adhere to the surface leaving the design of the die on the paper. There are different types of foil, some appropriate for line work; others are better suited for covering large areas. Foil stamping can be combined with embosing to create a more striking 3D image.