The Most Popular Finishing Effect

It is needless to say that differentiating your product and brand amid a crowded marketplace of comparable alternatives is one of the most challenging tasks ever. While creating an impact on your product packaging or print solution requires a lot of research, planning, and execution, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success. This may be accomplished by using high-quality substrates, coating and finishing effect.

The finishing effects of printed packaging are the cherry on top when it comes to brand management. They may either distinguish a product or make a statement about inventiveness and quality. Attracting clients visually is only half of the issue. We can quantify a package’s effect on a consumer after engaging with it, which is critical in the purchase decision. Let’s look at some of the most popular finishing effects available today, as well as why they are applied.

1. Die-cutting Effect

The die-cutting effect is similar to pastry cutting in that the printer creates a bespoke die or uses a standardized one for common cutting shapes like rounded corners and attaches it to a die-cutting machine. The printed object is fed into the machine, where the die is crushed against it, resulting in a cut-out shape.

die-cut effect die-cutting

Because the expense of making a bespoke die can be completely high, die-cutting should be utilized for operations that require a certain cut-out shape to be repeated throughout a big batch of objects. You can use this print effect for business cards with rounded edges, exclusive mooncake boxes or eye-catching gift boxes for special occasions.

2. Embossing / Debossing

Embossing and debossing are two procedures that both use a metal plate and a counter to make. Embossing gives the design a three-dimensional appearance by creating a raised impression on the paper. On the other hand, debossing presses the paper down and causes a depression in the stock. These effects can be used alone or in combination with other embellishments to create a more dramatic effect. To emphasize the textured image or logo, you can use spot UV coating or foil with embossing or debossing.

embossing debossing

Embossing and debossing may be done in a variety of ways. They can be on book covers, whether for hardbacks or special editions and provide an old-fashioned depth to books that are less “look-at-me” than foil or varnish. They can also be used for DVDs/Blu-Ray Discs, cosmetic packaging, and consumer electronics goods that are handled frequently before purchase.

3. Foil stamping

Foil stamping is the process of putting a metallic or colourful foil on your printed object. It employs the use of a stamping machine to apply heat and pressure to produce a reflecting, slightly elevated pattern that stands out from the rest of the package. From standard metallic, colourful metallic foils to the trendy holographic foil that changes colours depending on the angle it’s viewed from, there are various hot foil options for you to choose from.

foil stamping

Foil stamping can create a bright, shiny metallic finish that you may utilize to emphasize your brand or image, as well as to create patterns and outlines. It also works best in tiny doses; therefore, you should choose a single or pair of elements that you’d like to highlight in foil.

4. Metalized Effect

Metalized finishing is a comprehensive term that describes the process of adding a metal coating to the surface of a metallic object, also known as a substrate. It might also entail putting in place a procedure for cleaning, polishing, or otherwise enhancing a surface. Metalized layers are stable, fadeless, and do not alter colour over time and can be a coating that protects the package from external variables.

metalized

Metalized package designs spark a sense of luxury and draw attention to the specific brand image. Packaging ideas for beauty & cosmetics, chocolate, coffee, tobacco, and personal care items frequently use metal effects.

5. UV Coating

UV coating is a bonded and cured liquid that preserves a sheet of paper’s printing. It can provide a wide range of effects, including gloss, matte, and pearlescent effects and may also be used to create a raised texture or pattern by layering it in varying thicknesses. UV coating’s visual and tactile effects invite customers to touch and interact with your package.

UV coating

UV coating gives your marketing materials a gorgeous glossy finish that makes them stand out. For example, a UV coating on business cards will make them more appealing than uncoated business cards. It is one of the many surface treatments used to create visually appealing printed items such as brochures, postcards, folders, packaging and highlight specific areas of a page, like logos and slogans.

The Bottom Line

First and foremost, you need to understand your brand, goal, and budget clearly. From there, you can get a better idea of the total package, including the finishing effects that are appropriate for your packing!

Starprint always offers one-of-a-kind finishing effects such as colour effects and specialized varnishes. Our state-of-the-art technologies bring movement to printed images. From die-cut to pearlescent coating, they are all eye-catching and feature stunning effects. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you in creating packaging that will wow your customers.

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