A method of marking a fiber-based product includes providing a heat stamp apparatus including a heating element thermally coupled to a stamping block and a temperature sensor thermally coupled to the stamping block. The system further includes a platen bearing an embossed pattern. Marking is accomplished by heating the stamping element to a predetermined temperature via the heating element and information acquired from the temperature sensor, then bringing the embossed pattern in relation to the surface of the fiber-based product (e.g., via direct contact and compression or simply very close to the surface) to form at least one of a corresponding three-dimensional contour and charred surface region.