Packaging Decoration Effects

Embossing/Debossing

Embossing is a time-honored, environmentally friendly method of decoration involving creating raised images on a substrate by striking the backside the sheet with a crafted metal die creating a raised image on the surface of the package. The result creates a precise, meticulous, natural, and sharp image that is both visually and tactically pleasing.

Debossing utilizes the same process but creates a relief image in the substrate as opposed to a raised image.

Silk-Screened UV Varnish

In order to create a raised, tactile, and visually stunning design on printed substrates, heavy layers of UV varnish can be applied to the surface of the package using silk-screen techniques. After the varnish is cured with UV light, this durable decoration method can provide a variety of different effects depending on the type of varnish used as well as the amount of varnish applied.

UV varnishes types include gloss, matte, soft-touch, textured, etc.

Cold Stamping

Cold stamping creates “shades of texture” that can create an impactful , textured-effect for the package.  A metal die stamps foil or other film-based materials onto the substrate which adheres to the surface using an adhesive that is on the backside of the stamping media.

This effect creates clear images for both graphics and text that is slightly debossed while significantly increasing the added value of the package.

Hot Foil Stamping

Hot foil stamping involves applying foil to the substrate utilizing heated dies that result in brilliant metallic effects for both graphics and text for the package. This decoration is utilized on many brand packages that want to convey premium quality, and many examples can be seen in the marketplace using this process.

Hot foils come in many colors, including gold, silver, brass, copper, as well as many other colors (red, green, blue, etc.) while all provide a overall metallic effect.

Reverse UV

Reverse UV is a reverse, highlight effect using matte UV varnish to create a “pockmarked”, textured effect on the background of the package.

When using this technique, and contrasting with areas of high-gloss design elements, contrast is created allowing the graphics of the package to really stand out both visually and texturally.

Deep Embossing/Debossing

Deep Embossing/Debossing differentiates itself from standard embossing/debossing by the amount of substrate displaced by the metal dies which are utilized to deform the fibers of the substrate.  Very deep carvings can be debossed and contrasted with high peaks of embossing creating a visually stunning, 3d effect for the package that very vivid.  This creates a very tactile user experience. 

Scrub

Scrub is an extraordinary printing process that creates a “sandpaper”-type texture on the surface of the package’s substrate. This decoration method is typically used for the background image of the package but can also be used to create a tactile feeling for foreground images as well.

The ability to create a sandy feeling on the package also can be used for heavier packages in order to help the consumer securely grip the package.  The textured surface prevents the package from slipping out from the customer’s fingers while removing the item from the shelf and transporting the package.

Wrinkle Oil

Improve the perceived quality of the product using Wrinkle Oil, which is a special orange-peel like printing effect usually incorporated with metalized inks or foil applications.  

This decoration technique provides a texture effect often seen on metal products that have been “hand-crafted”, and creates a package that is both visually and tacitly premium.

Folding Pattern

This method of decoration creates mirror-like refractions on the surface of the metalized, packaging substrate that is stereoscopic in visual appearance.  

Light catches each “folded” surface of the pattern and shines back to the consumer’s eye at different angles, resulting in an exceptionally interesting and shimmering pattern.

Crystal UV

Crystal UV is a special varnish treatment that uses raised applications of clear, cured UV to simulate the appearance of jewels, gems, water droplets, crystals, snowflakes, etc. that can be used to embellish a variety of specialized graphics. This is often used for luxury goods.

Thoughtful and artful application of Crystal UV decoration techniques can create very unique packages that project a chic style.

Colorful UV

Printed graphics can be accentuated with UV varnish that is colored with pigments, creating specialized effects simulating colorful gemstones.  This effect can decorate flowers, birds, leaves, line-art, etc.

Colorful UV can really provide emphasis with striking graphics that provide exceptional shelf appeal.

Laser Cuts and Engraving

To further enhance the appearance of today’s packaging, lasers can be used to precisely cut and engrave designs into packages. Lasers provide precision cutting that cannot be achieved using conventional die-cutting techniques.  The results are beautiful, detailed and stunning.