What does it mean to emboss a material?

Embossing a material refers to the process of creating a raised design or pattern on its surface. This is done by using heat and pressure to form the desired three-dimensional effect, which distinguishes embossed designs from simply printed or engraved ones. The embossed area usually stands out in relief, giving a tactile quality to the material, which can enhance its visual appeal and provide textural contrast.

The other options, while related to altering surfaces, do not accurately capture the essence of embossing. Coloring the surface involves the application of color, engraving patterns creates grooves or indents, and applying a coating refers to layering a material over the surface rather than altering its depth through relief. Thus, the choice that best describes embossing is the creation of a raised relief from the surface.