Surface Effects Commonly Used in Packaging Printing
31/10/2024
In the packaging printing industry, surface effects are more than just finishing techniques. They enhance the appearance of products and reflect the history of the industry’s development. Packaging began in the early days with woodblock printing. Over time, it has undergone many significant innovations. In the 19th century, offset and litho printing technologies emerged. These advancements allowed for sharp image creation, opening new opportunities for packaging. By the mid-20th century, techniques like lamination, hot foil stamping, and embossing appeared. These methods not only increased aesthetic value but also improved packaging functionality.
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Today, surface effects such as lamination, foil stamping, and embossing are trending. These effects attract consumers and convey brand identity. They also provide essential protection for products. The advancement of modern printing technology and creativity in design have offered brands numerous options. Creating standout and impressive packaging is now easier than ever.
Popular Surface Effects
1. Lamination
Gloss lamination enhances the brightness and vibrancy of the colors (box below). Matte lamination helps remove age restrictions for the wooden toy box (box above).
Lamination protects the printed surface and prevents creases from tearing. Glossy lamination makes colors vibrant and lively, ideal for products like fast fashion and children’s items. In contrast, matte lamination reduces glare, suitable for elegant and luxurious packaging. The choice between glossy and matte lamination depends on market preferences and brand strategy.
2. Foil Stamping
Foil stamping highlights the key details of the lotus flower image.
Foil stamping creates metallic details on the printed material using heat and pressure. This technique provides a shimmering effect for important elements like logos and product names. Common foil colors include gold and silver, along with red and green. The foil effect makes products stand out and enhances their luxurious feel, making it perfect for high-end items like cosmetics and jewelry.
3. Embossing/ Debossing
Embossed brand logo.
These techniques create raised or recessed details on the printed surface. Embossing increases the perceived value of a product, while debossing offers a contrasting effect. Both techniques add depth to designs, enhancing the tactile experience when handling the product. These methods are popular in paperboard packaging, especially for premium gift boxes and rigid boxes.
The brand logo is embossed on the surface of the box, combined with a foil stamping effect that gives the impression of being cast in real metal.
A trending technique is deep embossing, which creates images with greater depth and detail. It uses special dies to highlight logos and large patterns. This effect gives a realistic and captivating appearance. However, achieving this effect requires specific equipment and paper materials, making it more suitable for high-end packaging.
4. Texture Embossing and Refraction Embossing
The texture embossing creates a rustic feel.The prismatic halo effect (name side) and prismatic fish scale effect (information side).
Both techniques add intricate patterns to the paper surface. Texture embossing creates effects like water ripples and wood grain, while refraction embossing produces unique scales and halos on individual box sides. These methods help products stand out on store shelves and protect packaging from counterfeiting.
5. UV Coating
UV spot coating shaping the logo on a sand-textured background.
UV coating involves applying a special liquid layer to the printed surface, which is then cured with UV light. This effect creates a protective layer for the ink and paper, preventing scratches, moisture, and fading. There are three popular options for UV coating:
Gloss UV Coating: Provides a shiny surface that highlights colors and details.
Sand-textured UV Coating: Creates a matte surface for a fresh feel.
Spot UV Coating: Applies a coating that emphasizes specific shapes.
6. Metalized Film Laminating
Products with metalized film laminating effects have better reflectivity, making colors appear more vibrant and eye-catching.
This technique applies a metallic-like film to the printed surface. It enhances color depth and creates visual contrast, giving a metallic appearance to products. This technique is commonly used for premium food packaging, spirits, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Various effects can be applied on metalized film, creating interesting visual interactions that enhance product appeal and reduce counterfeiting risks.
7. Die-Cutting
The die-cut effect creates unique shapes and windows, enhancing the design and functionality of packaging.
Die-cutting uses cutting dies to create special shapes, such as holes, outlines, or windows. This technique increases the aesthetic appeal and functionality of product packaging. Applications include handle boxes and hanging boxes. Die-cutting also allows for windows with clear film, letting consumers see part of the product inside. This feature can enhance trust and spark curiosity.
At Newlifepack, we are industry leaders in post-print surface effects, committed to providing our clients with diverse and innovative solutions. We aim to enhance surface finishing and the value of the final product. From luxurious hot foil stamping and intricate 3D embossing to elaborate UV coating and sophisticated anti-counterfeiting techniques, each effect we offer is optimized to meet the expectations and budgets of every project.
We understand that the difference lies in the details, and we strive to turn your ideas into reality, creating products that are not only beautiful but also upscale.
Newlifepack Co., Ltd.
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.
Perfect color reproduction using advanced offset printing technology with the KOMORI Lithrone 6-color press
15,000 m² facility equipped with modern automation, capable of handling large orders with tight deadlines
Closed-loop production process: fully in-house, no outsourcing. Guaranteed stable quality and competitive pricing
Professional design and prepress team. Experienced technicians and production staff. Dedicated consultation and attentive customer service.
Certified with: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, GMI, G7, GSV, FSC, SMETA
Contact Us:
Headquarters & Factory: 68 Tran Van Cham Street, Cu Chi Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Formerly: 68 Tran Van Cham Street, Phuoc Vinh An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
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