There are a few things you should take into consideration when pairing foils with particular substrates. One of the key points you should take into account is paper structure.
If the substrate you are foiling is textured or uncoated, then a stamping foil with a thicker adhesive is required. An adhesive is the final layer of a foil which serves to bond the foil to the substrate when stamped.
Using a thicker adhesive will allow the foil to work into the uneven surface texture of the substrate you have selected.
You should also bear in mind that foil is so incredibly thin, that it will take the form of the landscape of the paper/substrate that you are foiling on to.