Surface Finishes Library
Every lamination, coating, and specialty film we offer -- organised by type. Understand properties before specifying your finish.
Lamination
Protective film applied to the printed surface -- the most common finishing layer for rigid gift boxes.
Flat film that kills glare and adds depth. Reduces fingerprints and scratches. The most popular base finish -- pairs perfectly with foil stamping or spot UV.
High-gloss protective film -- scratch-resistant, colour-deep, and durable for transit. Makes colours pop and images vivid.
Micro-texture velvet-like film. The moment someone holds a soft-touch box, they know it's premium. Most-commented finish by end customers.
Premium matte film with enhanced scratch and scuff resistance. Stays clean and pristine after repeated handling. Used for high-end retail display.
Coating
Surface treatments applied over lamination or directly on paper for protective or decorative effects.
Water-based inline coating -- thin protective layer, eco-friendly, fully recyclable. Better sustainability story than lamination film.
UV-cured high-gloss applied to the entire surface. More intense shine and greater durability than gloss lamination.
UV resin applied only to selected areas -- logo, brand name, or design element. Creates dramatic gloss-against-matte contrast.
UV coating in a matte finish -- provides protection with a flat, non-reflective appearance. Popular for minimalist luxury brands.
Specialty Film
Premium decorative lamination films that create special visual and tactile effects.
Lamination with a subtle pearl shimmer shifting in light. Creates a soft luxury effect without the cost of metallic paper or foil stamping.
Gold, silver, or bronze metallic lamination film applied over printed paper. High-impact luxury surface treatment.
Prismatic holographic lamination that shifts colour from every angle. Eye-catching for seasonal, limited edition, or festival packaging.
Lamination with a surface texture embossed into the film -- linen, leather, or sand texture. Adds tactile dimension without specialty paper cost.
Surface Finish Quick Reference
| Finish | Feel | Durability | Eco | Cost Tier | Best Paired With |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matte Lamination | Smooth flat | ★★★★ | -- | $ | Foil stamping, spot UV |
| Gloss Lamination | Glossy hard | ★★★★★ | -- | $ | CMYK printing |
| Soft Touch | Velvet micro-texture | ★★★ | -- | $$ | Debossing, foil |
| Aqueous Coating | Slight sheen | ★★ | ✓ Recyclable | $ | FSC packaging |
| Spot UV | Matte + gloss contrast | ★★★★ | -- | $$ | Matte lam base |
| Pearlescent Film | Shimmery smooth | ★★★★ | -- | $$ | Beauty / cosmetics |
| Holographic Film | Prismatic shift | ★★★★ | -- | $$$ | Seasonal / limited edition |
Soft touch is the single most-commented-on finish by end customers. If you're selling above £60 retail, this finish alone often justifies the slight cost increase.
The classic combination: Matte Lamination + Spot UV (logo) + Gold Foil (brand name). Used by more clients than any other combination -- sweet spot of cost vs. premium impact.
Aqueous coating over FSC paper is the cleanest eco story. Fully recyclable with no lamination film to strip -- important for retail buyers with sustainability procurement policies.
Can't decide between Soft Touch,
Matte Lam, and Gloss UV?
Request a physical swatch kit -- feel the difference before committing to a production run.