Guides · Finishes
Finishing techniques guide
Finishing is where the material decision meets the brand decision. The same greyboard box can feel generic or heritage depending on what happens to its surface. This is our working reference for every finishing option we offer.
Surface finishes (affects overall feel)
- Soft-touch matte laminationThe most-requested premium finish. Velvety, fingerprint-prone. Perfect for cosmetics, gift editions. Applies a thin matte PP film over the print.
- Gloss laminationHigh-shine, scratch-resistant. Good for children’s products, food packaging that needs easy cleaning.
- Matte lamination (standard)Matte film without the velvety touch of soft-touch. Lower cost, good colour saturation.
- UV varnish (full-coverage)High-gloss clear coat cured with UV light. Brighter than gloss lamination. Not compostable-friendly.
- Water-based varnishMatte or gloss, compostable-compatible. Our default for eco-focused briefs.
- No finish (uncoated)Raw paper feel. Pairs with uncoated stocks like Fedrigoni Materica. The “considered” look.
Foil stamping (for logos, typography, patterns)
- Hot foil — goldClassic champagne gold, rose gold, bright gold, antique gold. Specify the Kurz or Leonhard Kurz reference for consistency across reorders.
- Hot foil — silverBright silver, brushed silver, chrome, graphite. Pairs with cool-tone brand palettes.
- Hot foil — colouredDeep red, forest green, navy, copper. Niche but delivers impact when done deliberately.
- Hot foil — holographicRainbow shift, specialty patterns. Specialty-cosmetics and limited editions.
- Cold foilApplied inline with printing. Cheaper than hot foil for large solid areas. Lower-detail than hot foil.
- Digital foil (Scodix, MGI)Variable-data foil for short-run personalization. Useful for A/B tests and small-batch promotions.
Embossing & debossing (tactile 3D effects)
- Blind embossRaised logo with no ink or foil. Reads as “considered” on natural kraft or uncoated stocks.
- Blind debossRecessed logo. Often combined with a single-colour print or foil inside the debossed area.
- Combination emboss + foilRaised logo with foil on top. The heritage-brand standard for wine, spirits, jewelry.
- Multi-level embossSculpted emboss with different depths — wing feathers, leaf veins, crest details. Premium tooling cost, premium effect.
Print techniques & colour
- Offset CMYKIndustry-standard 4-colour printing. Best for photo-quality artwork and gradients.
- Offset CMYK + spot PantoneAdd a specific Pantone colour that CMYK cannot reproduce (e.g., Pantone 485 Red, Pantone Reflex Blue).
- Digital print (HP Indigo, Xeikon)Short-run printing. Economic under 500 units. Slightly different colour space than offset — not 1:1 match.
- 1-colour spot printSingle Pantone on a natural kraft or coloured stock. Cost-efficient, reads considered.
- Metallic Pantone inksPantone metallic range printed as a standard ink. Less reflective than foil but more durable.
- ICC-profiled proofingDelta-E ≤ 3 against brand brief. Physical proof on production stock before press run.
Edge & corner finishes (for heritage-tier boxes)
- Edge gildingPainted edges in gold, silver, or matched colour. Classical stationery and jewelry-box heritage.
- Rolled edgesPaper wrap rolled over the edge of the board. Hand-finished feel, avoids the “sawn board” look.
- Corner reinforcementsMetal or leatherette corners. Heritage boxes and ceremonial packaging.
- Bevelled edges45° edge cut with painted or foiled bevel. Rare, distinctive.
Inside the box (insert + lining)
- Thermoformed PET cradleCustom die-cut tray for multi-product sets. PCR-PET available. Cost amortizes over the run.
- Die-cut greyboard dividersPaper-based alternative to thermoformed. Fully recyclable.
- Satin liningFabric-bonded interior. Jewelry-industry standard.
- Velvet liningLuxury alternative to satin. Colour-matched.
- Tissue paper wrapCustom-printed tissue paper — full-coverage pattern or single-colour logo.
- Printed inside surfaceThe “message moment” when the box opens. Full CMYK or single spot.
Want to see finishes in hand?
We send sample packs with material swatches, foil references, and finishing combinations so you can decide with physical material in front of you.