Finishing
- Hot foil stamping
- Blind embossing
- Screen printing
- Dispersion coating
- Foil lamination
- UV varnishing
- Scented varnish
Behind every product packaging & gift box there is a certain message of the respective company. In order to underline the value of various articles, a large part relies on recognition value. And it is precisely this that can be achieved through refinements. Furthermore, there are different types, which are explained in more detail in the following article. So if you want to surprise your customers, you should take a look at the finishing techniques specifically for packaging.
What are the benefits of finishing packaging?
The range of products on the market is enormous. It is difficult to attract attention with normal packaging. Accordingly, something special is needed. Refined packaging not only increases the recognition value, but also stays in the customer's mind. Everyone is happy about a particularly beautifully designed packaging. It makes for a more exciting experience. Packaging can convince through printing and shape, among other things.
Quality in the higher price segment is the be-all and end-all. But even for normal items, a visually appealing design can work wonders. In short, the following reasons speak for the use of refined packaging:
=> highlight quality
=> emphasize value
=> attracts attention
=> customer appreciates the effort
What are the finishing options?
For the packaging solutions alone, there is a large selection to discover. The finishing options are no less interesting. Depending on the project, different techniques can be used. Here are the most important terms that everyone should have heard at least once:
Hot foil stamping
A true classic is hot foil stamping. With this type of finishing, the layer is applied to the packaging by pressure and heat. Compared to other techniques, visual as well as haptic effects can be achieved here. But only if pressure & heat are applied at the same time.
Often companies want to achieve a shiny effect with this finishing. Silver and gold are extremely popular. This again emphasizes the value. The prerequisite here is, of course, the heat resistance of the carrier material.
Blind embossing
Nowadays there are different types of finishing techniques. The oldest and most traditional type is the so-called "blind embossing". And even today it plays an important role in print products or packaging. This process mainly involves the use of pressure.
The application of pressure alone produces plastic deformations. These in turn give the packaging a special feel. In addition, no colors are used. All processes are colorless, but look extremely noble compared to film transfer.
Silkscreen
In screen printing, the ink is applied to a fine-mesh fabric. The ink is then applied to the object to be printed through this mesh. The areas that are not to be printed are covered by a stencil. Screen printing can be used to print on a wide variety of objects, whether square or round, wood or cardboard. Subsequent individualization, e.g. of an already finished gift box, is also possible with screen printing.
The possible color spectrum is large, so from single-color motifs, graphics in 4C, even special tones such as gold or Pantone colors can be printed.
Dispersion coating
Variant number 1 and by far the most commonly used method is called dispersion coating. Dispersion is basically a quantity of at least two substances that do not, or hardly, read into each other or can be chemically combined. In this type of varnishing, the dispersion is printed on the printing base directly after the inks within the offset printing press.
The great advantage of this method is the fast drying process. In this process, mainly impact movements into the paper are used. Furthermore, printed packaging comes with better protection against scratches, yellowing and rubbing.
Film lamination
In addition, companies like to resort to film lamination. Also known as "cellophaning". In this process, packaging is refined by adhering a relatively thin film. Several advantages result from this type of lamination. On the one hand, grip and scuff protection are improved, and on the other, the packaging withstands greater resistance to pressure shocks.
Not yet mentioned is the improved folding strength, which is important for packaging of any kind. A positive side effect is the longer service life. Such laminations are available in matte or glossy. Matt, for example, provides a pleasant feel and glossy improves the color effect.
UV coating
A somewhat more special type of finishing goes by the name of "UV coating". But what exactly does this mean? This finishing technique involves the use of various coatings. And it is precisely these that are cured with the help of UV rays. Compared with dispersion coating, the process is much more complex. However, the radiation enables thicker layers that provide stability.
Those who would like to put unusual ideas into practice can introduce structures into the coating. These create different haptic effects, such as leather or citrus. Incidentally, UV coating can be used partially. Perfect for those who want to highlight certain areas on the packaging.
Scented varnish
Last but not least, a special form of finishing - scented varnish. As the name suggests, the focus here is not only on appearance. Rather, companies want to appeal to several senses at the same time with this variant. For example, customers associate certain smells of packaging with any given company. This creates incredible recognition value and bonding.
However, for the odor to unfold, something has to be rubbed against the printed surface. After that, the first aromas can be smelled. The finishing technique is made possible by the use of varnish with microencapsulated oils. A small list of popular scents would be strawberry, cinnamon, fir or orange, for example. Here, of course, everyone can use their preferred fragrance.
Tips for successful packaging
As the above article has already shown, there is a wide range of different finishing techniques. Some of them appeal to the eye and others to the sense of smell. But what also belongs to an appealing packaging? Here is a brief summary of the most important criteria:
- clear design
- Attention to detail
- conspicuousness
- suitable for the occasion
- individualization
- easy opening
- Package inserts
Especially individualized packaging is usually very well received. In addition, people are more attracted to things where a lot of emphasis has been placed on quality & design.
Conclusion
Companies are always trying to improve and develop. Due to the high competition, other ideas are needed here. Just having better products is not enough nowadays. Standing out with an appealingly designed packaging is the be-all and end-all. Many companies rely on this because it brings recognition value. Finishing can help with this.
The choices include dispersion coating, UV coating, scented coating, blind embossing, foil lamination and hot foil stamping. Basically, everyone can decide for themselves. It also depends on the respective target group. For example, scented coatings are recommended for perfumes and dispersion coating for individualized gifts.
