Printing Methods Library
A complete reference for every print method and ink type we use on custom gift boxes -- organised by technique and material.
Print Methods
Available printing methods to achieve your unique brand look on rigid gift boxes.
A printing plate and rubber blanket transfers designs to paper for high-quality, consistent colour across large print runs. The standard method for rigid box wrapping paper.
Transferred electronically -- no printing plates required. Fast, cost-effective for short runs, samples, and variable-data personalisation.
Stencil-based method using layered colours. Ideal for 1-3 spot colours on specialty paper or fabric surfaces. Produces vibrant, thick ink coverage.
Fast-drying printing using ultraviolet light to cure inks instantly. Produces a high-gloss finish and works on non-porous surfaces including plastics and metals.
High-heat laser vaporises the surface to engrave precise designs. Used on wood, leather-look paper, and specialty materials. No ink required.
Rubber plates stamp designs for cost and time-efficient printing on corrugated board and tissue paper. Common for mailer box outers and tissue wraps.
Micro-cavity plates transfer ink to paper for extremely high-quality, consistent prints at scale. Used for premium long-run projects requiring exact colour precision.
Inks
Available ink types to meet your eco-friendly, brand colour accuracy, or special effect requirements.
Comprised of water and pigment -- 100% eco-friendly with high-quality colour output. The standard ink for most box printing projects.
100% eco-friendly ink from soy or vegetable oil and pigment. Vibrant colour output with a strong sustainability story. Suitable for FSC-certified packaging.
Bright, opaque ink that reflects and emits light from UV energy. Creates vivid, attention-grabbing colours for seasonal and limited-edition packaging.
Non-water-based ink with oil and pigment for high-quality colour output. Durable, scratch-resistant. Used where water-based inks may not adhere correctly.
Pure colour based on specific Pantone ink formulas for consistently precise brand colour reproduction. Specify your PMS number for exact brand colour matching.
Metallic colour based on specific Pantone ink formulas. Reproduces gold, silver, copper, and other metallic tones without foil stamping tooling cost.
Print Method Quick Reference
| Method | Colour Quality | Min. Qty | Setup Cost | Cost Tier | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offset Print | 100+ | Plate fee | $ | Standard branded boxes | |
| Digital Print | 1+ | None | $$$ | Samples, short runs <200 | |
| Silk Screen | 100+ | Screen fee | $$ | Spot colour on fabric / specialty paper | |
| UV Print | 50+ | None | $$ | Non-porous surfaces, gloss finish | |
| Laser Engraving | -- | 50+ | File setup | $$ | Wood, leather-look, premium materials |
| Flexography | 500+ | Plate fee | $ | Corrugated mailers, tissue paper | |
| Gravure | 5000+ | Cylinder fee | $ | High-volume, exact colour precision |
Offset print + Pantone ink is the best combination for brand colour accuracy across production runs. If your brand has official PMS numbers, always specify them on your enquiry.
For first orders, always request a digital print sample before committing to offset production. The extra lead time prevents costly colour surprises at 1,000+ units.
If sustainability is part of your brand story, specify water-based or soy ink + FSC paper. We can document the full supply chain for your retail buyers.
Need expert guidance?
Not sure which printing method
fits your project?
Share your brand guidelines and we'll recommend the right printing approach and include a colour-matched sample.