31/10/2024
In the modern packaging industry, surface effects play a pivotal role in creating a powerful first impression on consumers. From glossy UV coatings and refined sand-textured finishes to luxurious metallic foils and intricate embossing details, each effect delivers a unique visual and tactile experience that enhances the product’s appeal.
Beyond aesthetics, these finishing techniques also serve practical purposes — protecting printed ink layers, improving durability, and reinforcing brand prestige.
At Newlifepack, we invite you to explore the most popular surface finishing effects in packaging printing and discover how they help elevate your product presentation, making it stand out and captivate attention in the marketplace.
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Thermal Lamination (Cán màng / 贴膜) is one of the most widely used surface finishing techniques in paper packaging printing. This process applies a thin plastic film — typically BOPP, PET, or Nylon — that is pre-coated with a hot melt adhesive on one side, and then bonded to the printed surface under heat and high pressure.
The laminated film serves multiple purposes: it protects the printed surface from scratches, moisture, and dust, enhances mechanical strength and durability, and elevates the overall appearance and tactile quality of the packaging.
| Material | Key Characteristics | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) | Most common and cost-effective option; offers adjustable gloss or matte finishes, good moisture resistance, and lightweight properties. | Lower heat resistance compared to PET; may deform under high temperatures. |
| PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) | Excellent strength, heat resistance, dimensional stability, and rigidity — ideal for packaging requiring high precision. | Higher cost; more difficult to process, especially with thicker films. |
| Nylon (PA / Polyamide) | Superior abrasion resistance, flexibility, and tensile strength; suitable for packaging that demands impact resistance. | Higher production cost and more complex processing compared to BOPP and PET. |
| Specialty Films | Multi-layer constructions designed to improve barrier properties, scratch resistance, or provide decorative effects. | Complex structure; requires precise control of lamination temperature and pressure. |
| Effect | Characteristics | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gloss Bóng 亮光 / 高光 | High-gloss, mirror-like surface with strong light reflection; enhances color depth, saturation, and delivers a luxurious, modern look. | Prone to fingerprints and minor scratches; not ideal for natural or minimalist design styles. |
| Matte Mờ 哑光 / 无光 | Non-reflective surface that reduces glare, improves text legibility, and conveys a refined, premium feel. | Slightly reduces contrast and color vibrancy; may show silvering if adhesive or paper surface is uneven. |
| Satin / Silky Satanh / Lụa 丝光 / 缎面 | Smooth, silky surface with soft and even light reflection — a balanced effect between gloss and matte. | Can cause “blotchy shine” if laminated at excessive temperature; proper control of pressure and heat is required for uniform smoothness. |
| Anti-Scratch Trống trầy 耐刮涂层 / 防刮涂层 | Hard-coated surface that resists scratches during processing, transport, and storage; ideal for premium packaging requiring high durability. | May reduce natural gloss or matte appearance; limited compatibility with post-lamination processes like hot stamping or embossing. |
| Anti-Fingerprint Chống vân tay 防指纹涂层 | Nano-coated surface that repels oil and fingerprints, maintaining a clean and consistent look over time. | Effectiveness may decrease with mechanical wear; higher cost compared to standard films. |
| Soft-Touch / Velvet Nhung 柔触涂层 / 天鹅绒质感 | Smooth, warm, and velvety texture that offers a luxurious tactile experience; widely used for premium gift boxes, cosmetics, and spirits packaging. | Susceptible to scratches and fingerprints due to its soft coating; not recommended for direct hot stamping without a protective primer layer. |
Foil Stamping (Ép kim / 烫金) is a surface finishing technique that uses heat and pressure to transfer a thin layer of metallic foil onto a printed substrate. The process involves a heated metal die pressed against the foil and paper surface. Under controlled temperature and pressure, the adhesive layer on the foil melts, allowing the metallic layer to bond securely to the printed surface.
This technique produces a brilliant metallic sheen with high reflectivity, often used to accentuate logos, brand names, titles, or decorative details. Common foil colors include gold, silver, copper, red, green, and various specialty finishes.
Key Advantages of Foil Stamping:
However, foil stamping is a post-print process that requires specialized equipment and a custom die for each design. This makes it less flexible for rapid customization and less economical for small production runs.
Printing on Metallized Paper—commonly known as Metallized Printing (In metalize / 金属化印刷)—is a modern printing technique increasingly used in premium packaging segments such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and technology products. This method employs a metallized paper substrate to create a metallic sheen through the controlled application of spot opaque white ink layers.
In this process, the white underprint acts as a “metallic light filter,” determining how much light reflects from the metallic base to the viewer’s eye. By adjusting the opacity and density of this white layer, designers and print technicians can achieve three distinct effects:
Compared with conventional foil stamping, Metallized Printing delivers a similar metallic visual impact without requiring a stamping die—offering greater design flexibility while reducing production time and cost. It’s particularly well-suited for packaging that requires frequent design updates or varying levels of metallic effects within a single artwork.
Embossing (Dập nổi / 压凸) and Debossing (Dập chìm / 压凹) are post-printing techniques used to create raised or recessed details on paper surfaces. The process involves pressing the printed sheet between two dies — a male mold and a female mold, or between a die and a resilient rubber counterplate. Under the combined effects of pressure and heat, the paper fibers are reshaped according to the die’s design, forming raised or indented patterns. This technique enhances visual appeal, provides a tactile sensation, and significantly increases the perceived value of packaging.
At Newlifepack, Embossing / Debossing is performed using two main methods:
Flatbed Embossing. This method uses an automatic die-cutting and embossing machine, where the sheet-fed material is pressed between male and female dies on a flatbed press. High pressure (optionally combined with heat) ensures precise deformation of the paper fibers, producing sharp and well-defined raised or recessed effects. This method offers high accuracy and deeper relief, making it ideal for products that require refined and detailed finishing.
Rotary Embossing. This technique is performed on an automatic texture rolling machine. The material—either in roll or sheet form—passes through the gap between two rotating cylinders: one engraved with the design and the other serving as a counter-roll. Through continuous rotational pressure, the pattern is evenly transferred across the surface. This method provides high-speed production suitable for large-volume manufacturing, though the embossed depth is shallower and less detailed compared to flatbed embossing.
Quick Comparison: Flatbed Embossing vs. Rotary Embossing| Criteria | Flatbed Embossing | Rotary Embossing |
|---|---|---|
| Material Feeding | Sheet-fed | Roll-fed or sheet-fed |
| Pressing Type | Flatbed-to-flatbed | Cylinder-to-cylinder |
| Detail Definition | High precision, sharper detail | High speed, suited for repetitive patterns |
| Production Speed | Moderate | High |
| Best Suited For | Thicker materials, intricate designs | Thinner materials, repetitive high-volume runs |
Unlike traditional embossing that creates only single-layer relief, 3D Embossing (Dập nổi 3D / 立体压凸) on Chipboard is an advanced technique that produces multi-level raised effects with remarkable depth and dimensional clarity. The result is a vivid, luxurious, and sculptural surface — as if the image were intricately carved into the material.
At Newlifepack, this technique is performed using specialized hydraulic embossing machines capable of generating high and stable pressure. The metal die set, custom-made according to each design, includes a male mold and a female mold, precisely aligned by a hydraulic positioning system. During the process, the chipboard sheet is pressed between the two dies under controlled pressure and temperature, allowing the image to rise significantly without cracking or damaging the paper surface.
3D Embossing is typically applied to premium rigid box covers, calendar covers, art prints, or large display items. Its strong visual and tactile appeal makes it a signature finishing choice for luxury gift packaging and high-end products, despite the higher mold cost and more complex operation compared to standard embossing.
Texture Embossing (Cán vân / 纹理压凸) is a technique used to create fine textured lines or patterns on the paper surface, imitating natural materials such as paper fibers, fabric weaves, or leather grains. This process delivers a refined, organic appearance reminiscent of art paper, adding tactile depth and sophistication to the design.
The effect enhances both the visual and sensory qualities of the product, giving it a luxurious and handcrafted feel — an ideal choice for packaging designs that emphasize texture, craftsmanship, and premium aesthetics.
Refraction Embossing (Chiết quang / 折光压纹) is a technique that creates micro-optical patterns on the printed surface or on a post-print coating layer. These patterns generate light-reflecting or light-diffusing effects such as halo lines, radiating beams, or fish-scale textures. The patterns shift in color and reflection depending on the viewing angle, producing a high-tech, modern visual effect while also enhancing the product’s anti-counterfeiting capability.
Although Texture Embossing and Refraction Embossing differ in aesthetic intent and visual outcome, both rely on the mechanical principle of embossing. During the process, the paper or film passes between two rollers — one fitted with an engraved metal pattern (male roller) and the other acting as a counter roller (female roller) or a resilient rubber surface.
As the material passes through the nip under heat and pressure, the engraved design is transferred onto the surface, creating either decorative textures or distinctive optical refraction effects. This technique is widely applied in premium packaging, security packaging, and art prints that demand high visual value and strong brand identity.
UV / Varnish Coating (Phủ UV / Vecni / UV / 清漆涂层) is the process of applying a thin protective layer to the printed surface, primarily to safeguard the ink, enhance mechanical durability, and elevate the visual appeal of paper packaging or commercial prints.
Varnish Coating: A traditional coating that can be gloss, matte, or satin. It helps protect the ink layer from minor scratches, improves ink adhesion, and prepares the surface for subsequent finishing processes.
UV Coating: A coating cured by ultraviolet light, producing a high-gloss, durable, and scratch-resistant finish. It delivers a striking visual effect and can be applied as flood UV (full surface) or spot UV (selective application) to highlight specific elements such as logos, patterns, or text.
Depending on the desired aesthetic outcome, cost, and protection level, designers and print technicians can flexibly combine Varnish and UV Coating. This strategic use of surface finishing not only enhances the visual impact but also strengthens brand presence and perceived product value.
| Coating Type | Characteristics | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solvent-based Varnish | A transparent coating formulated with organic solvents, applicable as either spot varnish or flood varnish. It dries through solvent evaporation and oxidation, commonly used for catalogs, flyers, or low-cost packaging. | Contains high VOC levels; slow drying; risk of offsetting or sticking when stacked; may yellow in unprinted areas; viscosity and coating thickness must be well-controlled to prevent cracking during folding or stamping. |
| Water-based Varnish (Aqueous Coating) | A water-based coating typically applied as a flood coat. It dries through water evaporation and absorption into the paper. Available in gloss, matte, satin, and soft-touch finishes, offering protection against minor scratches and better environmental safety. | Less suitable for spot coating; paper with high absorbency may warp or wrinkle; thick layers can darken colors or crack along folds; lower scratch resistance than UV; requires consistent air and heat drying. |
| UV Coating | A polymer coating containing monomers, oligomers, and photoinitiators that cures instantly under ultraviolet light. Can be applied as flood UV or spot UV, producing a high-gloss, durable, scratch- and moisture-resistant surface. | Requires specialized UV lamps; excessive thickness or poor ink compatibility may cause cracking or delamination; surface becomes difficult to write or print on; higher material cost; coating thickness and ink compatibility must be precisely managed. |
| Epoxy Coating | A thick, durable resin coating using epoxy systems (sometimes UV-curable), capable of forming a raised doming effect for tactile, 3D finishes. Commonly used on labels, plastic cards, and specialty packaging. | Complex application process; excessive thickness can lead to stress cracks; not suitable for thin paper boxes; high cost; low flexibility makes it difficult to fold or apply to soft surfaces. |
| Effect | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gloss Bóng 亮光 / 高光 | Creates a highly reflective surface that enhances print colors, depth, and saturation. Commonly used in varnish, UV coating, or film lamination. | Prone to fingerprints and scratches; glare may occur under strong light; thick or uneven coatings can cause streaking or delamination. |
| Matte Mờ 哑光 / 无光 | Provides a non-reflective surface with soft light diffusion, reducing glare and improving readability; ideal for a refined, understated look. | May reduce perceived color vibrancy; uneven coating or absorbent paper can cause “silvering”; less scratch-resistant than gloss finishes. |
| Satin / Silky Satanh / Lụa 丝光 / 缎面 | A mid-sheen finish between gloss and matte — offering a smooth, soft texture with subtle reflection. Often used for premium, elegant packaging. | Requires uniform coating to avoid patchy gloss; unstable heat or pressure during curing may cause uneven sheen or glare streaks. |
| Sand Texture Cát 砂面 / 颗粒感涂层 | Produces a textured, grainy surface that increases friction and reduces glare; typically achieved with micro-particle additives or texture coatings. | Heavy texture may reduce image detail and dull ink color; may complicate post-press processes such as foil stamping or spot UV. |
| Soft-Touch / Velvet Nhung 柔触 / 天鹅绒质感 | Creates a smooth, velvety surface that feels like suede or soft leather; achieved through polymer-based or aqueous soft coatings. | Less scratch-resistant than hard coatings; may retain fingerprints; too thin a layer weakens effect, too thick may peel; not suitable for writable areas. |
| Pearlescent / Iridescent Ngọc trai / Xà cừ 珠光 / 珠贝光 / 彩虹光 | Contains mica or special pigments that reflect light to create shimmering or iridescent effects; used for luxurious or artistic finishes. | Requires even pigment distribution; uneven coating can cause streaks; higher cost; translucent layer may alter printed color perception. |
| Glitter / Sparkle / Metallic Flake Kim tuyến / Lấp lánh 亮片 / 闪粉 / 金属光点 | Adds glitter or metallic flakes for sparkling or reflective effects, often used in decorative or festive packaging. | The surface can become uneven and prone to scratches; too thin a layer exposes particles; roughness may hinder further finishing (foil, UV). |
Quick Comparison: Spot UV Coating vs. Drip-off Coating| Criteria | Spot UV Coating | Drip-off Coating |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A selective coating technique where a high-gloss UV layer is applied only to specific design areas such as logos, text, or patterns to create visual highlights. | A dual-varnish process applying a matte varnish (oil-based) selectively, followed by an overall UV gloss coating. The chemical incompatibility between the two layers creates a contrasting matt–gloss texture. |
| Coating Structure | Single-layer application: only UV coating is applied to targeted areas. | Two layers: (1) oil-based matte varnish, (2) full-surface UV gloss coating. |
| Effect Formation Principle | Light reflects intensely from glossy UV-coated areas, creating contrast against matte or regular print backgrounds. | The UV gloss layer repels matte varnish areas, leaving alternating glossy and matte zones on the same surface. |
| Printing Method / Equipment | Requires a separate plate for coated areas; can be done offline or inline using presses equipped with UV curing units. | Performed inline during offset printing; requires only one plate for the matte varnish, no separate plate for gloss areas. |
| Visual & Tactile Effect | – Extremely glossy, high-reflective finish. – Can be applied thick (Raised UV) for mild 3D texture. – Can be combined with embossing for added depth. | – Creates a refined matt–gloss contrast across the same surface. – No raised effect but delivers a subtle, modern finish. – The contrast shifts slightly depending on viewing angle. |
| Technical Advantages | – Strong visual emphasis and luxurious highlight. – Adjustable gloss level and coating thickness. – Compatible with offset, digital, and UV inkjet printing. | – Produces premium matt–gloss contrast without separate foil or Spot UV. – Highly efficient for large-volume offset printing. – More cost-effective than Spot UV. |
| Limitations | – Requires additional plate and post-press process. – Higher production cost. – Less suitable for small manual runs. | – Dependent on primer quality and coating chemistry compatibility. – Gloss level not as deep as Spot UV. – Limited to UV offset printing processes. |
Metallized Film is a composite material consisting of an ultra-thin metallic layer (usually aluminum) deposited onto a polymer substrate such as PET or BOPP through a vacuum metallization process. This metallic layer imparts a distinctive reflective sheen while enhancing key barrier properties — including moisture resistance, oxidation protection, and light blocking.
Metallized Film Lamination (Ghép màng metalize / 金属化薄膜复合) refers to the process of bonding the metallized film onto paper substrates (such as Couche, Ivory, or Kraft) using adhesive or thermal lamination. The result is a metallized paper with a premium metallic finish that not only enhances visual appeal but also strengthens the protective performance of packaging.
After lamination, the metallized paper can be further processed through offset printing and various post-press finishing techniques such as film lamination, foil stamping, embossing, or UV coating to achieve both functional durability and striking aesthetic effects.
| Material | Characteristics | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BOPP | The most common substrate in packaging; lightweight, cost-effective, with adjustable gloss or matte levels; offers excellent moisture resistance. | Lower heat resistance than PET; may shrink or wrinkle under high temperature; not suitable for direct thermal sealing. |
| PET | Superior mechanical strength, high thermal resistance, excellent rigidity, and dimensional stability; delivers a sharp, mirror-like metallic reflection. | Higher cost compared to BOPP; difficult to die-cut or glue when thick; requires precision cutting equipment. |
| Nylon (PA) | Highly flexible and durable; excellent gas and abrasion resistance; ideal for premium food or vacuum-sealed packaging. | Expensive; requires complex processing and lamination techniques. |
| CPP | Soft, heat-resistant, and suitable for heat sealing; often used as the inner layer in multi-layer laminated packaging. | Less glossy than PET or BOPP; easily scratched without a protective top layer. |
| Effect | Characteristics | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Bạc 镜面银膜 | Mirror-like reflection with pure silver tone; enhances metallic brightness and premium appearance; most commonly used in packaging and metallized paper. | Prone to scratches and fingerprints; unsuitable for natural-tone designs; coating surface must be well controlled to avoid reflection distortion. |
| Gold Vàng 金属金膜 | Reflects a rich gold metallic tone; conveys luxury and sophistication; widely used for wine, gift, and cosmetic packaging. | Color may shift slightly under different lighting; higher cost compared to silver. |
| Holographic Cầu vồng 彩虹全息膜 | Displays rainbow-like shifting colors depending on viewing angle; creates dynamic movement and strong visual impact. | May cause glare on large surfaces; best combined with print or foil stamping for visual control. |
| Starburst / Radiant Burst Sao nổ 星爆全息膜 | Centralized radiating light effect that draws focus; ideal for gift boxes or promotional packaging. | The central pattern must be positioned carefully to maintain layout balance. |
| Diamond / Mosaic Kim cương / Khảm 钻石纹 / 马赛克膜 | Multi-directional reflective facets create sparkling, prismatic effects; commonly used in premium festive boxes. | Can reduce image clarity when underprinted; strong reflection requires balanced design use. |
| Lenticular / Bubble / Dome Thấu kính 3D / Gương cầu lồi 三维透镜 / 凸面膜 | Produces 3D optical depth or convex mirror-like highlights; changes dynamically with light angle. | Thick film, difficult to crease or fold; surface texture requires precise heat and pressure control. |
| Crystal / Ice Vân tinh thể / Băng tuyết 冰晶 / 霜纹膜 | Subtle frosted or crystalline reflection; soft metallic shimmer suitable for high-end packaging. | Slightly reduces print sharpness; best used for refined or luxury designs. |
| Brushed / Hairline Sọc phay 拉丝纹膜 | Fine parallel metallic lines resembling brushed steel; delivers a modern, industrial aesthetic. | Easily scratched without protective coating; brushing direction must align with design layout. |
| Grid / Cross Hatch Vân lưới 网格纹膜 | Fine grid texture with uniform light reflection; provides a subtle technical appearance. | May be less visible on dark prints; suitable for neutral or minimalist backgrounds. |
| Wave / Aurora Sóng ánh sáng / Cực quang 光波 / 极光膜 | Gentle, flowing light-wave effect that shifts smoothly with viewing angle; soft, elegant appearance. | Less visible on matte surfaces; ideal for jewelry and cosmetic packaging. |
Die-Cutting (Bế khuôn / 模切) is a converting technique that cuts, scores, or creases paperboard or sheet materials into predetermined shapes using a cutting die. It is a critical stage in paper packaging production, enabling the formation of box structures and custom design elements with precision.
In principle, the printed sheet is pressed between the cutting die and the counter plate under high pressure. The blades of the die either cut through the material or create fold lines (creasing) following the exact outline of the design, ensuring clean edges and consistent accuracy across all products.
Common die-cutting applications:
Clear Window Patching (Dán cửa sổ kiếng / 窗口贴膜) is a widely used finishing technique in folding carton packaging production. After the carton surface is die-cut to create an opening (window), a transparent or semi-transparent film — typically PET, PVC, or PP — is applied to the inner side of the board at that position. The film creates a see-through area, allowing consumers to view the product inside without opening the box.
Key Benefits and Applications:
With over 17 years of experience and a state-of-the-art production system, Newlifepack confidently masters nearly all post-print surface finishing techniques. We provide comprehensive, precise, and creative solutions that enhance the visual appeal, physical durability, and sensory value of every product.
Each surface effect is individually designed, tested, and optimized to align with our client’s sales objectives, budget, and brand positioning — ensuring not only visual beauty but also accuracy and effectiveness in every detail.
At Newlifepack, we believe that true distinction lies in the smallest details. With refined aesthetic insight and solid technical expertise, we transform creative ideas into premium, fully finished products that embody elegance, craftsmanship, and unique brand identity.
Newlife Packaging Printing Company (Newlifepack Co., Ltd. – since 2008) is a leading manufacturer of Paper Packaging and a trusted provider of Custom Rigid Boxes based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Thank you for considering us among the many packaging and printing providers. We’re excited for the opportunity to work with you!
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