Finishes
Packaging Finishes
Finishes change how a box looks and feels in the hand. Compare lamination, foil blocking, embossing and debossing, spot UV and window patching, and where each one works best.
Finishes
Coatings and varnishes
Coatings and varnishes are liquid finishes applied on the printing press over the ink. Aqueous coating is a fast-drying water-based coating in gloss or matt; UV coating…
Read the guideEmbossing and debossing
Embossing uses a matched pair of dies to push part of the board upwards into a raised design; debossing presses the design down into the surface. Both are used for logos,…
Read the guideFoil blocking
Foil blocking (hot foil stamping) uses a heated metal die to transfer foil from a carrier film onto the surface of a box under pressure. It is used for logos, type and…
Read the guideLamination
Lamination bonds a thin plastic film, typically around 15–30 microns, over printed packaging to protect it and set the finish. Matt lamination is low-glare and…
Read the guideSpot UV
Spot UV is a clear varnish applied to selected areas of printed packaging and cured with ultraviolet light, giving a glossy, slightly raised finish against the…
Read the guideWindow patching
Window patching is the process of gluing a clear film patch to the inside of a die-cut opening in a carton, so the product is visible but enclosed. It is used on folding…
Read the guide
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