Finishing for packaging
Discover the right finishing for packaging. APP’s guide covers foil, embossing, spot UV & glitter finishes with cost-benefit analysis for custom paper bags and boxes, cards, etc. Request a finish sample and more info by emails now!
Surface Finishing
Special Finishing on bag and box or on Logo
How to choose these finishing for custom packaging?
Benefits & Advantages:
- Hot foil/Emboss/Deboss: Elevates brand perception with tactile, high-end finishes (e.g., metallic foil for luxury, embossed logos for memorability).
- Spot UV/Texture: Creates visual contrast and depth (e.g., glossy UV accents on matte surfaces) or sensory appeal (linen textures for eco-conscious brands).
- Glitter: Boosts shelf impact with sparkle (ideal for festive/beauty packaging) while maintaining durability via laminated coatings.
Considerations & Risks:
- Cost/complexity: Foil and multi-step textures raise production costs; simplify designs for budget efficiency (e.g., avoid tiny foil details).
- Material limits: Embossing/debossing requires thicker paper; glitter adhesives may crack on flexible surfaces.
- Consistency risks: Poorly calibrated Spot UV or foil alignment can cause uneven finishes—always test prototypes.
Investment Spotlight:
Upfront tooling: 500 (custom dies)
Material cost: 0.20/unit (gold foil rolls)
Sweet spot: 500+ units
Brand Magic:
Creates luxury gold logos that scream premium
Perfect for hot stamping brand emblems on gift boxes
Pro Tip:
“Use bold designs – thin lines increase foil waste by 30%”
Cost Breakdown:
300 tooling fee
Just 0.50/unit at 1,000+ volume
Tactile Advantage:
Deboss logos create shadow-play elegance
Blind embossing (no ink) = timeless sophistication
Material Must:
“250g+ paper stock & under 0.5mm depth prevents tears”
3. Combo Punch: Foil + Emboss
Premium Price:
1.00/unit (dual tooling + precision alignment)
Showstopper Effect:
Hot stamping over emboss = 3D metallic magic
Luxury cosmetics’ secret weapon
Production Hack:
“Foil first → emboss second to avoid adhesive cracks”
4. UV Spotlight Glow
Budget Hero:
0.20/unit (screen setup + UV resin)
Signature Moves:
Makes UV logos pop against matte backgrounds
Creates scratch-resistant glossy patterns
Crispness Code:“1200+ DPI resolution & ≤60% coverage = eco-friendly shine”
UV & Metallic Finish Optimization
Q: Does UV coating over gold foil affect shine?
A: Yes – reduces reflectivity 25-40%. For luxury boxes, use tactile matte UV or avoid coating over foil.Q: Will UV logos crack in freezer shipping?
A: Standard UV fails below -5°C. Require flexible UV formulations (-30°C Tg) with ISTA 3E certification.Q: Hot stamping vs gold printing costs?
A: Stamping: 0.18/unit. Printing: $0.03/unit but 60% less metallic shine.Q: Why mirror gold foil costs 3x more?
A: Requires pure aluminum, polished chromium dies ($650+), and 30% slower production.
Debossing Engineering
Q: Max deboss depth for magnetic closure boxes?
A: 0.4mm on 2.5mm chipboard – deeper compromises magnetic alignment (±0.3mm tolerance).Q: Can debossed areas hold foil + UV?
A: Only in strict sequence: ① Foil stamp → ② Deboss → ③ Spot UV. Reverse order causes 80% failure.
Compliance & Safety
Q: Is UV coating food-safe?
A: Only with FDA 21 CFR 175.30 compliance – standard UV contains migratable photoinitiators.Q: Does gold foil cause jewelry allergies?
A: Risk if nickel >0.05μg/cm² (REACH). Demand nickel-free certification.
Advanced Applications
Q: Laser debossing for low MOQ?
A: CO₂ laser etching: MOQ 50 units at 1.20+ die). Max 0.2mm depth limitation.Q: Digital vs traditional foil color consistency?
A: Digital foil ΔE variance 2.8-3.5 vs hot stamping’s 0.8-1.2. Hot stamping maintains 100% metallic shine.