Embossing involves raising areas of a stamps surface above the level of the rest. The stamp on the right Dia ‘B’ has been embossed. The Queens head and the border stand out from the rest of the stamp. This has been produced through the use a special embossing tool which presses the outline of the Queens head and border in the paper stamp. This process adds cost to the printing process but gives the card a 3D effect and feel.

Embossing a stamp is one technique that ensures that the visually impaired can read a stamp's value / class easily.

A special embossing tool has been made with the shape of the stamp engraved on its base. The embossing tool is aligned with the printed stamp and the mallet is then used to strongly tap the embossing tool. The material underneath the stamp is rubber so that the ‘blow’ from the mallet / embossing tool is absorbed and yet allows the embossed area of the stamp to stand out from the rest of the surface.

If many copies of the same embossed stamp is needed, automatic printing machines can be used. These will print the stamp and any text and then emboss the specified area. Thousands of copies can be produced accurately.

QUESTIONS:
1. Find an example of embossing and describe how the process was carried out.
2. Describe how embossing could be applied to the package, designed for commemorative stamps.
3. How would embossing a stamp be of benefit to the visually impaired?