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.

This article is copyrighted by newlifepack.com. Please share from this site or cite the source when quoting.

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

Surface Effects Commonly Used in Packaging Printing
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

Surface Effects Commonly Used in Packaging Printing
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

Surface Effects Commonly Used in Packaging Printing
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.

Surface Effects Commonly Used in Packaging Printing
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

Surface Effects Commonly Used in Packaging Printing
The texture embossing creates a rustic feel.
Surface Effects Commonly Used in Packaging Printing
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

Surface Effects Commonly Used in Packaging Printing
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

Surface Effects Commonly Used in Packaging Printing
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

Surface Effects Commonly Used in Packaging Printing
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.

Your Trusted Partner in Premium Paper Packaging

Newlifepack (since 2008) is a Large-scale Manufacturer of Paper Packaging and Rigid Boxes based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

We provide Comprehensive Packaging Solutions, design, printing, manufacturing of: Premium Product Boxes, Corporate Gift Boxes, Tet Gift Boxes, Mooncake Boxes, Corrugated Boxes, Folding Boxes, Anti-counterfeit Labels, POSM, and other products.

We are experts in surface effects: lamination, foil stamping, embossing, debossing, deep embossing, texture embossing, refraction embossing, sand UV coating, spot UV coating, metalized film laminating, effects on metalized film, die-cutting, and other effects.

Certifications achieved: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, GMI, G7, GSV, FSC, and SMETA.

Thank you for choosing to consult with us among many other packaging printing facilities. We are excited to have the opportunity to serve you!

Related articles

https://newlifepack.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/user.svg