Boxes are not the only packaging material, as customers experience your brand first. When it comes to enhancing the aesthetic of your product, there are several reasons why choosing the right packaging finish can make a difference. Some products have a softer texture, while others have shimmer or spherophile technology.
The purpose of this blog is to delve into the different custom packaging finishes available, their functionality, applications, and how they enhance customer experience. If you’re designing custom packaging for your brand, knowing these finishes will help deliver packaging that feels as high-end and sophisticated as the product itself.
What Are Packaging Finishes?
The finishing touch applied to a printed box or label is known as a packaging finish. Color vibrancy, texture, durability, and perceived value can be significantly enhanced by these finishes on packaging. They have the potential to enhance packaging’s tactile, reflective, and aesthetic qualities simultaneously.
A range of finishes, including matte and gloss coatings as well as embossing, foil stamping & spot UV can give different visual or tactile effects. They are frequently the final touch that elevates a simple package to ooze with all of its charm.
Why Packaging Finishes Matter
Depending on the finish, brand experience can be significantly different. Why? Besides its decorative value, it has an impact on:
- Visual differentiation
- Tactile engagement
- Brand identity
- Perceived quality
Popular Types of Packaging Finishes
We’ll explore the most popular product packaging finishes and discuss their individualities.
- Gloss Finish
With a glossy and reflective finish, packaging can be made shiny with varying degrees of polishing. Boosting the color palette and adding vibrancy make graphics and photos stand out. Its effectiveness extends to retail packaging that requires attention from afar.
- Matte Finish
Matte finish, so that you can see through it without feeling reflective. Its subtle and elegant qualities are frequently used for minimalist or high-end branding purposes. The use of matte finishes can help to keep printing a fresh, sophisticated look.
- Soft Touch Finish
Soft touch is a matte finish that has a resemblance to elasticity and rubber. It feels luxurious on the inside and immediately conveys a sense of luxury. Soft touch packaging is a unique combination of appearance and tactile appeal, despite the matte finish.
- Spot UV Finish
When using spot UV, it highlights a portion of the packaging with glossy coating, such as identifying an emblem or product name, and leaving the rest matte or uncoated. Concentrating on important aspects is achieved through spot UV packaging finish that produces heightened contrast.
- Foil Stamping (Hot Foil)
Heat and pressure are used to create a metallic finish known as foil stamping. It also adds a shiny, metallic touch to wrappings, usually in gold or silver, but sometimes silver and copper or occasionally holographic foil. Foil stamped boxes are frequently used to convey the ideals of luxury, elegance, and exclusivity.
- Embossing and Debossing
These finishes are used to make raised (embossed) or recessed (debossed) impressions in the packaging material. They add physical depth and texture to logos, icons, or patterns.
- By embossing, a design is lifted and made more visible. How does this technique work?
- The design is smoothed by debossing and engraved into the surface for added refinement.
The combination of these techniques, which offer exceptional tactile experience, results in excellent for both embossing and debossing packaging.
Matte Vs Gloss:Which Finish Is Recommended?
One of the most frequently asked questions is whether to choose matte vs gloss packaging. The strengths of each are determined by the objectives of your brand.
Gloss Finish
- Perfect for bold and vibrant designs
- Reflective and eye-catching
- Can be successful in busy retail zones.
Matte Finish
- Sophisticated and modern
- Subtle and glare-free
- Advantageous to luxury and sustainable brands.
Soft touch matte offers a hybrid experience with ethereal texture reminiscent of velvet.
The Correct Packaging Finish for Your Brand
Here are some suggestions to help you make a decision:
- To achieve luxury, one can use soft touch, embossing, foil stamping, or combine multiple techniques.
- Packaging in matte finishes is a great option for those who prioritize simplicity and want to avoid eco-conscious or minimalist designs.
- Focus on particular aspects of logos by utilizing spot UV or foil.
- For added layered effect and visual appeal, don’t be afraid to mix finishes.
Final Thoughts
Investing in luxury packaging finishes can enhance both the brand’s visibility and provide a better customer experience. You can choose from a sleek gloss, a layered matte finish, or a luxurious embossed foil effect, depending on your desired finish. What’s your choice?
As marketing and brand storytelling shift to packaging, finishes are a powerful tool that can make enduring impressions. Why wait? Consider the uniqueness of your product’s feel, brightness, and message to your customer upon entering. Think beyond what is presented.
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