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
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 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
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.
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
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 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
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
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.
Headquarters & Factory: 68 Tran Van Cham Street, Phuoc Vinh An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Representative Office: 366 Tan Huong Street, Tan Quy Ward, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
A Rigid Box (also known as a Chipboard Box) is a popular packaging choice for premium products. With a variety of rigid box structures available, offering both durability and an elegant appearance, these boxes are ideal for packaging products that need enhanced protection or require a sophisticated presentation. Rigid boxes are made from chipboard paperboard, […]
The printing paper types commonly used in packaging printing are highly diverse. This offers numerous options to meet various aesthetic and functional needs. The right types of paper can significantly enhance the appearance and performance of packaging. This article will explore the common types of paper used in packaging printing along with their specific applications. […]
Imagine walking through the bustling aisles of a familiar supermarket, surrounded by a world of packaging. It’s challenging to list every type of packaging, even the most common ones. However, when focusing specifically on paper packaging, we can categorize it into three main types: folding boxes, rigid boxes, and corrugated boxes. All these boxes share […]
What Are Folding Boxes? Folding boxes are a type of packaging made from thin paperboard material, characterized by their flexibility and ease of folding. Unlike corrugated cartons or rigid boxes, these boxes are designed to provide convenience for packaging lightweight products that do not require high protection, while still ensuring aesthetic appeal and cost-effectiveness. This […]
What are Corrugated Boxes? Corrugated boxes are packaging container made from corrugated cardboard, consisting of three layers: two flat outer layers and a corrugated inner layer. This structure provides excellent shock absorption and strength, ensuring that products are well-protected during shipping and storage. Due to their durability and lightweight nature, these boxes are a popular […]
What are Rigid Boxes? Rigid boxes (chipboard boxes) are made from chipboard, providing superior thickness and durability. These boxes are commonly used for premium product packaging or for gift sets. Unlike cardboard boxes, rigid boxes do not have a fluted layer. Instead, they feature a solid structure made from compressed wood pulp, ensuring excellent protection […]