Quick answer
Finishes are extra steps after printing that change how a product looks and feels. Common ones are lamination (a protective film), spot UV (shiny highlights), foil (metallic shine), embossing (raised shapes) and die cutting (custom shapes).
Lamination
A thin film on the paper. Gloss is shiny, matt is smooth and calm, and soft touch feels like velvet. Lamination also protects against marks and wear.
Spot UV
A shiny clear coat on selected parts, such as a logo. It looks best on a matt background because of the contrast.
Foil stamping
A thin metallic layer pressed onto the paper. Gold and silver are popular for logos, names and borders.
Embossing and debossing
Embossing raises a shape above the paper. Debossing presses it in. Both add a feel that people notice with their fingers.
Die cutting
A custom blade cuts the paper into a special shape, such as rounded corners, windows or unique boxes.
Which finish should I choose?
Choose one or two finishes, not all of them. A matt card with a foil logo, or a rigid box with a spot UV pattern, often looks better than using every effect at once.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is spot UV?
Spot UV is a shiny clear coating applied only on selected areas of a design to make them stand out.
Is foil stamping expensive?
It costs more than plain printing because of the extra step, but a small foil detail can make a product feel much more premium.