Do you know how to choose the printing finish that aligns with your brand positioning, how much each printing finish will cost, and what problems each one may present?
In the article, Matrix will explain 16 common printing finishes, their features, costs, and problems, and then show how to choose the best printing finish for your gift bags, gift boxes, and wrapping paper.
Types of Printing Finishes & Comparison
You’ll understand 16 common printing finishes as follows:
CMYK printing
It’s the process of achieving the desired colors by using Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black in a multi-printing technique. In a word, it involves using different CMYK combinations to achieve the desired colors. Any color with a gradient is finished through CMYK printing.
Spot color printing
1. Process description
Spot color printing is the process of achieving the original file’s colors by using inks other than CMYK. In the gift packaging industry, it’s used to print large-area base colors. Spot color printing is a solid color without a gradient; you can’t see the printing dots with a magnifying lens because the pattern is on a solid background. Also, since the spot colors are single colors, the process of blending and superimposing the CMYK colors is omitted. Therefore, there will be a lower likelihood of ghosting problems occurring when printing large areas of dark colors.
2. When should spot color printing be used?
2.1 Monochrome or two-color books
If it is only monochrome or two-color, it can be printed by a monochrome or two-color printing machine to reduce the printing cost.
2.2 Good effect for printing large areas
CMYK printing uses superimposed dots, but printing a large area with a spot color can make the color more standard and create a better pattern against a solid background.
2.3 Requirements strictly for the printing colors
If it’s the enterprise standard color, the design can give Pantone color #. There will be a little printing color deviation if your products are from different batches by CMYK printing, but Pantone color # is used worldwide, and its printing ink is blended professionally by the factory, so the deviation can be minimized to the greatest extent.
2.4 Requires special printing ink
For special gold ink, silver, and fluorescent ink, they’re not blended with CMYK printing ink, so they need to be printed with Pantone color #.
Embossing / Debossing
1. Process description
Embossing: The embossing mold exerts pressure to imprint a three-dimensional mold pattern onto the surface of the printed item.
Debossing: The debossing mold exerts pressure to impress an indented appearance pattern onto the surface of the printed item.
2. Feature
Embossing: Local bulge on the printed item, making it a three-dimensional pattern, creating a visual impact.
Debossing: Local concave on the printed item, making it a three-dimensional pattern, creating a visual impact.
Spot UV
1. Process description
UV can be divided into full UV and spot UV. Full UV belongs to the surface process, and spot UV belongs to the decorating process.
Spot UV is a process where a light coating is applied locally to the substrate and then cured with ultraviolet rays, resulting in a localized shiny effect.
2. Feature
The printed item through spot UV has a more three-dimensional and textured feel, highlighting the visual effect of local bright light.
Reverse UV
1. Process description
UV reverse printing is what we often refer to as reverse overprinting; the printing effect is achieved by mixing face oil and base oil as media, through UV light, producing a frosted effect. It enables the same printed product to simultaneously feature both the high-contrast mirror-like bright effect and the non-bright effect of matte or textured surfaces. This creates a stronger contrast in brightness, thereby achieving a better gloss effect.
2. Feature
2.1 It can achieve high-contrast local text and graphic highlighting, and the accuracy of the glazing and overprinting is the key to the glazing process.
2.2 Enhance the light resistance of the ink, increase the heat and moisture resistance of the ink, beautify the products, and enable processing with two different gloss levels.
Reverse polishing
1. Process description
The reverse polishing process is a new type of printing technology that has emerged in recent years. This process involves printing the printed matter in the normal color sequence. After the ink has completely dried or solidified, a special primer is printed in a continuous printing line in the non-high-contrast areas of the print without emphasizing the high brightness. Then, after the primer has fully dried, UV varnish is evenly applied to the entire surface of the printed matter.
In this way, in the area where the UV varnish and the base oil come into contact, an internal reaction occurs, forming small granular ink films, which create a matte or frosted surface. While in the UV varnishing area without a printed base oil, a highly glossy mirror-like surface is formed. Ultimately, local areas with high gloss and local areas with matte, low gloss are formed on the surface of the printed product.
2. Feature
It has a polishing effect, enabling your printed product to print better, more exquisitely.
Laminating
Process description
Coating is also known as gluing. It involves applying a layer of adhesive onto a plastic film and then bonding it to a paper-based printed product through processes such as heating, pressure application, and cooling. This results in a transparent plastic film covering the surface of the printed product, creating a post-printing processing technology that integrates paper and plastic.
There is matte, gloss, hologram, dry, anti-scratch, soft touch, and biodegradable lamination.
Varnishing
1. Process description
The process of varnishing is to apply a layer of varnish on the surface of the pattern, which serves to achieve waterproofing, scratch resistance, and a high-gloss effect. It is relatively wear-resistant and anti-pollution, and can prevent the ink on the surface from being easily wiped off. The raw materials used in the varnishing include oily varnish, water-based varnish, and UV varnish. Varnish mainly includes glossy varnish and matte varnish.
2. Difference
The difference between glossy varnish and matte varnish is the brightness.
After the glossy varnish treatment, the printing quality becomes smooth and has a glossy appearance. The glossy varnish enhances the brightness of the printed materials and increases the reflective effect. Matte varnish can make printed materials look more upscale.
Trimming
1. Process description
Trimming is a post-printing process that involves processing the sides or edges of printed materials (such as the cutouts on books). It is commonly used for thicker paper and business cards.
2. Feature
This process targets the side edges of the paper for processing, highlighting the overall decorative effect of the printed matter. It can significantly enhance the refinement of the printed items and increase the value perception of the products.
3. Types
3.1 Rolling the gold edge means applying various colors through hot foil stamping on the side.
3.2 Spray colors.
3.3 Screen printing.
Hot foil stamping
1. Process description
The scientific name is thermal transfer printing, which is abbreviated as thermal transfer printing. It is also commonly known as gold hot foil stamping or silver hot foil stamping. This method involves applying certain pressure and temperature to transfer the metal foil onto the printed material. There is also a cold transfer printing method.
2. Feature
It has a metallic luster, with clear and beautiful patterns, bright and eye-catching colors, excellent wear resistance, and a high-class appearance, creating a strong contrast in the printed image.
Laser imprinting
1. Process description
After applying UV varnish on the surface of the printed product and entering the pressing system, the printed product is combined with the laser transfer film. Then, it is exposed to UV light for instant curing. Finally, the printed product and the laser transfer film are separated, transferring the laser pattern on the surface of the laser transfer film to the printed product.
2. Feature
This material enables printed products to have a dazzling and eye-catching visual effect, which can significantly enhance the quality of packaging. Moreover, it has the characteristics of being biodegradable, recyclable, and easy to handle, making it a green and environmentally friendly high-end printing material for anti-counterfeiting and environmental protection.
Die cutting
1. Process description
The die-cutting technology makes specialized die-cutting tools based on the design requirements of the printed material and then uses pressure to shape the printed material or other substrates into the desired shapes or cuts.
2. Feature
Die-cutting and creasing processes change the printed products’ single straight lines or plate form, making different printed packaging present in three dimensions and curves, creating different kinds of shapes and forms.
Foaming
1. Process description
The foaming process involves using microsphere foaming ink, which is printed on the substrate through screen printing. After heating, it results in the formation of raised graphics. This is a new printing technique that combines printing with art.
2. Feature
It can create a good effect of a convex and concave three-dimensional form.
Flocking
1. Process description
The position where it needs to flock is glued (water-based adhesive, acrylic adhesive, PU adhesive) by screen printing first. Then, short fibers (length is 0.5-1.0 mm) are electrostatically attached vertically onto the substrate coated with adhesive. And, the paper with flocking finish will be dried and cured by infrared light. Finally, unfixed fibers on the surface will be cleaned out.
2. Feature
Strong three-dimensional feel, bright-colored, soft touch, luxurious, gorgeous and warm, vivid.
Screen printing
1. Process description
Screen printing is a printing process where ink is pressed through the screen onto the substrate, which is suitable for textured or special effect patterns. It’s one of the most important forms of realizing artistic creation at present.
2. Feature
The size and shape of the printing substrate do not limit it. The printing pressure is small, and the ink layer has strong coverage ability. It is suitable for various types of inks, has strong light resistance, and the printing methods are flexible and diverse. The plate making is convenient, the price is low, the technology is easy to master, the adhesion is strong, it can be printed by hand or machine, and it is suitable for long-term display. The outdoor advertisement is very expressive.
Glitter
1. Process description
It’s a process in which the glue is pressed through the screen onto the pattern you’d like to be with glitter, then the different colors of powder will be dusted directly, and finally dried.
2. Feature
It has a three-dimensional feel, is shiny and attractive, and has a strong festive sense, which is suitable for parties, festivals, and business activities.
How to Choose The Right Printing Finish?
Your design decision is important, but choosing the right printing finish is even more so, as it directly affects your brand positioning/image, production costs, lead times, packaging durability, eco-friendliness, and the customer unboxing experience. Not only select based on appearance alone, but also evaluate from a procurement perspective.
Step 1. Check your brand positioning
CMYK and spot color printing are suitable for any brand and product, and other printing finishes are used based on your different requirements.
| Brand Position | Recommended Finishes | Applications |
| Tech. & Elec. Brands | matte + hot foil stamping + embossing | e-watch, cellphone |
| Promotional Brands | Varnishing | Shopping, giveaways |
| Mass Market Brands | matte/gloss + hot foil stamping | Gift, retail |
| Children’s & Youth Brands | gloss/hologram + glitter | Toys, stationery, holiday gifts |
| Business & B2B Brands | matte + hot foil stamping + embossing | Business gifts, conference |
| Eco-Friendly Brands | Soy-ink, varnish | Food packaging, recyclable products |
| Modern & Fashion Brands | matte/gloss + hot foil stamping + embossing/debossing + spot UV + reverse UV + flocking + screen printing | Apparel, lifestyle |
| Premium Brands | Anti-scratch/soft touch/dry + reverse polishing + hot foil stamping + screen printing | Cosmetics, perfume, skincare, wine |
| Luxury Brands | Soft touch/anti-scratch + embossing + reverse polishing + hot foil stamping + laser imprinting + foaming | Jewelry, watch, high-end cellphone, luxury |
Step 2. Consider your gift packaging type
Different kinds of products match different printing finishes.
You can laminate it with anti-scratch, soft-touch, dry, matte, gloss, hologram, and biodegradable lamination after CMYK or spot color printing, then finish with hot foil stamping, glitter, varnish, flocking, embossing/debossing, spot UV, and foaming, etc.
Matte, gloss, and dry lamination can be used for mounting paper, then finish with hot foil stamping, glitter, laser imprinting, reverse polishing, reverse UV, spot UV, embossing, etc.
CMYK or spot color printing can be done with hot foil stamping, glitter, and foaming.
Step 3. Match the printing finish to your budget
Different printing finishes have different costs; you should match your request within your budget.
| Printing Finish | Relative Cost |
| CMYK printing | $ |
| Spot color printing | $ |
| Embossing/Debossing | $ |
| Spot UV | $$ |
| Reverse UV | $$$ |
| Reverse polishing | $$$$ |
| Laminating | $ |
| Varnishing | $ |
| Trimming | $ |
| Hot foil stamping | $$$ |
| Laser imprinting | $$$$ |
| Die cutting | $ |
| Foaming | $$$$ |
| Flocking | $$$$ |
| Screen printing | $$ |
| Glitter | $$ |
Step 4. Think about the shipping and durability
Whether your order is shipped by ocean, air, or train, you should think about its shipping and durability. If you’d like to prevent high humidity, pls do the varnishing; if you’d like to prevent scratches, pls do the anti-scratch lamination; if you’d like to prevent moisture, pls do the matte or gloss lamination; if your product is heavy, pls do the matte lamination.
Common Printing Finish Problems & Solutions
The printing finish may cause quality problems during production or shipment. You can know the possible causes and solutions through the chart below.
| Printing Finish | Common Quality Problems | Solutions |
| CMYK printing | Color deviation between the original file and mass production; ghosting; poor image quality. | Use ICC color management; control paper moisture; approve PPS before mass production. |
| Spot color printing (Pantone) | Mismatch; uneven solid area. | Mix ink according to PMS; use X-Rite Exact Spectrophotometer and Eye-One color measuring instrument. |
| Hot foil stamping | Foil peeling; deviation; pinholes. | Match the foil type to the paper; optimize pressure and temperature. |
| Embossing/Debossing | Weak emboss depth; paper cracking; deviation. | Choose thicker paper; test pressure; register dies accurately. |
| Spot UV | Cracking; uneven; pinholes; poor adhesion. | Optimize coating thickness; keep paper clean. |
| Reverse UV | Poor matte/gloss contrast; deviation; contamination. | Improve registration accuracy; separate properly. |
| Gloss lamination | Air bubbles; edge lifting. | Control paper moisture in 6-8%; optimize laminating pressure and speed. |
| Matte lamination | Scratches; fingerprint marks. | Use anti-scratch film; improve the quality of glue; wear gloves during the process and packing; optimize laminating pressure and speed. |
| Soft touch lamination | Fingerprints; scratches. | Select anti-scratch soft touch film; wear gloves during the process and packing. |
| Varnishing (Gloss/Matte) | Uneven coating; pinholes; streaks. | Adjust varnish viscosity; control coating thickness. |
| Reverse polishing | Poor gloss contrast; dull polishing effect; inconsistent texture. | Adjust polishing pressure; maintain polishing blanket regularly. |
| Die cutting | Burrs; rough edges; cracking; dimensional deviation. | Optimize die-cutting mold correctly; adjust die-cutting pressure; adjust paper grain direction; use imported tapes. |
| Screen printing | Uneven ink thickness; pinholes; rough edges. | Select proper & delicate mesh; control ink viscosity; maintain screen tension. |
| Laser imprinting | Uneven holographic effect; blurred laser pattern; pattern misalignment; incomplete holographic transfer, etc. | Adjust embossing pressure regularly; keep uniform and standard roller temperature; control production speed; install automatic control system, etc. |
| Trimming | Uneven edges; fiber tearing; angle deviation. | Use sharp blades; calibrate cutting equipment; stack paper regularly. |
| Foaming | Uneven foaming texture; bubbles; cracking; poor adhesion. | Optimize foaming formulation; control curing temperature; test compatibility with paper stock. |
| Flocking | Flock shedding; uneven flock density; weak adhesion. | Use premium flock fiber; extend curing time; adjust glue density. |
| Glitter | Glitter shedding; uneven distribution; contamination. | Use high-strength glue; control glitter quantity; use protective top coating; clean screen machine. |
FAQs
How Do Printing Finishes Affect Gift Packaging Cost?
Printing finishes can significantly affect the total cost, but they’re not a direct and important factor; you should evaluate printing finishes based on order quantity, material cost, packing method, shipment method, and waste rate.
Can Labels Be Sticked for Foaming Finish?
Yes, labels should be made of PVC or PE material, because the foaming finish contains oil.
Can Hot Foil Stamping and Embossing Be Combined?
Yes, sure. They can make your product and brand high-end & luxury.
Can Spot UV Crack on Folding Areas?
Yes, a little. But we can avoid Spot UV across the creasing lines and adjust UV curing.
Conclusion
The best printing finish is not necessarily the most expensive one. You should choose the right printing finish based on your product/brand positioning, budget, eco-friendly goals, and packing & shipment method.
Are you looking for custom gift bags, gift boxes, or wrapping paper with the right & premium printing finishes? Matrix can help you choose suitable printing finishes based on your product, brand requirements, and budget.
