The details make the difference
Print Finishes
Even a subtle textured finish of paper can make a big difference to your packaging, adding elegance and style. Choose from lamination (matt, gloss or satin), hot foiling in a wide range of colours beyond just gold, embossing or debossing (an inexpensive addition but a world of difference) and spot UV varnish to add a shine to the finish.
01 / Print effects
A mark you can see and feel.
Embossing, foiling and selective varnish can bring a logo or motif forward without changing the whole printed surface. These examples are from the AP&D finish collection.
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Blind embossing
A design is pressed up from the reverse of the sheet, leaving a raised impression without ink or foil. The shape catches light through its relief alone.
For a discreet mark on a box lid, card holder or uncoated paper.
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Blind debossing
The design is pressed down into the surface. Its recessed edge gives a logo or lettering depth while keeping the colour of the original paper.
A quiet detail for tags, presentation folders and packaging panels.
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Foil with embossing
A raised impression is paired with coloured or metallic foil. The light catches both the height of the design and the reflective finish.
For crests, monograms and decorative details on rigid boxes.
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Hot foiling
Foil transfers a metallic or coloured design onto the surface under heat and pressure. A pressed impression can add depth when the artwork calls for it.
Use it to pick out a name, border or emblem on a bag or gift-card holder.
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Spot UV varnish
A clear, glossy coating is applied only to selected parts of the printed design. It creates contrast against a quieter surface without covering the whole piece.
Best judged in a physical sample, where the light reveals the effect.
02 / Paper finishes
Start with the surface.
The paper and its outer finish shape the look of every printed colour and the feel of the finished package. Compare them in your hands, not only on screen.
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Gloss lamination
A smooth, reflective outer layer makes printed colour appear brighter and gives the packaging a high-shine surface.
Available when a glossy look suits the artwork, although matt is more often requested for our bags.
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Matt lamination
A smooth outer layer with a low-sheen appearance. It gives printed packaging a more restrained finish and is the usual choice for our rope-handle bags.
Compare it with the actual printed paper before approving colour.
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Non-laminated paper
Without a laminated outer layer, the surface retains more of the paper's natural feel. The paper choice changes how colour prints and how the finished piece wears.
Natural paper is not always kraft: ask to see the actual stock.
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Laminated textured paper
Texture can be pressed into the paper and combined with lamination. Pattern, light and touch work together across the finished surface.
A foil detail can add contrast against the texture.
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Unlaminated textured paper
An impressed pattern stays visible and tactile without a laminated top layer. It can give a bag or box a more natural-feeling surface.
Handle samples to compare the depth of the pattern and printed colour.
Paper, print and placement
Bring the whole bag together.
Coated and Kraft papers are available, in a variety of different paper weights. Artwork can be printed in spot Pantone colours and up to four CMYK on both sides. The folded turnover top also gives room for an address, website or social details.
Finish choices can be combined, from texture with foil to foil with embossing. We can show you physical samples before you settle on the paper and print.
FAQs
Print finishes: common questions
Which print finish is most popular on luxury bags?
A textured paper finish, chosen on around 90% of bags, adds tactile quality for very little extra cost. Hot foil is chosen on around 70% of bags.
What colours can hot foil be?
Hot foil comes in a wide range of metallic and matt colours, including gold, silver, copper, rose gold and black. We help match the foil to your brand.
Should I add embossing to a foiled logo?
Most clients who foil also emboss. Raising the foiled logo adds depth and catches the light, and the two finishes are produced together.
Is gloss lamination still used?
Matt lamination is the standard outside finish. Gloss is available but has largely fallen out of fashion for luxury packaging.
What is Soft Sheen lamination?
Soft Sheen is a newer, premium lamination with a gentle satin feel. It costs more than matt and is an option for brands wanting something distinctive.
Can you print the inside of the bag?
Yes. Around one in five clients prints the inside, usually a pattern or brand colour, though it is becoming less common.
Find the right finish for your packaging.
Tell us what you're making and the look you have in mind. We can recommend paper, print and finishing options to compare.