What are the different print finishes？

Raises the surface of the paper to create a three-dimensional design. It adds elegant depth and texture.

No ink or foil is used; the effect is created purely by the raised shape. It's subtle and sophisticated.

A foil is stamped and embossed simultaneously, creating a shiny, raised design.

The embossing is precisely aligned with a printed image underneath.

The opposite of embossing. It presses the design down into the paper, creating an indented effect.

A sharp steel blade (a "die") is used to cut out specific shapes from the paper. This can create custom shapes, windows, or intricate patterns, moving beyond a standard rectangular flyer or business card.

A high-gloss, clear liquid coating is applied to specific ("spot") areas of the page. It creates a sharp contrast between the shiny, raised UV areas and the uncoated or matte paper, adding both visual interest and texture.

A newer technique where the UV varnish is applied in a specific pattern (like linen, leather, or sandpaper) to mimic a texture.

A thin plastic film is applied to the entire surface of the printed piece. It protects from moisture, tearing, and fading.

• Gloss Lamination: Provides a shiny, vibrant finish that makes colors pop. Offers high protection but can be prone to fingerprints and glare.
• Matte Lamination: Provides a smooth, non-reflective, and sophisticated feel. It is elegant and reduces glare, making text easier to read.
• Soft-Touch Lamination: A velvety, suede-like coating that feels incredibly luxurious to the touch. Highly effective for premium products.

A clear liquid coating applied to the entire printed surface (a "flood" varnish) or specific areas (a "spot" varnish). It protects the ink and can enhance the look.

• Gloss Varnish: Increases color saturation and adds a shiny finish.
• Matte Varnish: Provides a non-glossy, smooth finish that feels sophisticated.
• Satin Varnish: A middle ground between gloss and matte.

The process of applying metallic or pigmented foil to a surface using a heated die. It creates a dazzling, reflective effect that is impossible to achieve with ink alone.

• Metallic Foils: Gold, silver, bronze, etc.
• Pigment Foils: Non-metallic colors like white, black, or holographic.

While not a "finish" per se, using specialty Pantone inks (like metallics or neons) ensures exact color matching and can achieve colors standard CMYK printing cannot.

Inks containing powdered metal (like copper or aluminum) are used to create a shimmering metallic effect directly on the page. Less reflective than foil stamping but more cost-effective for large areas.

Extremely bright, neon inks that absorb and convert light, making them appear to glow.

A latex-based coating that obscures information (like a PIN or discount code) until it is scratched away. Common on lottery tickets and promotional cards.

A series of small, precision-cut holes that allow part of the paper to be torn off easily, like a reply card or coupon.

Sequentially printing unique numbers on items like tickets or certificates.