The (K)reative Files – Print Finishing Techniques for Stand-Out Work
Creating work that catches the eye of your audience can be a challenge for any designer or marketer. We’ve shared some of the top finishing techniques that can elevate your work from the usual to the unique. Special finishing touches such as those listed here, are being requested more, as printed communications continues to evolve and require more depth to compete for our attention.
UV Varnishing
An ultra violet varnish can be applied to a screen printed sheet or an offset litho to not only protect the paper, but give it a special finish. UV Varnishing can be applied to the entire printed materials or in certain spots (called “Spot UV Varnishing”) to create a contrast between the UV Varnished spots and non-varnished spots on the material.
Foil Blocking
Foil blocking or foil stamping, is the intricate application of foil on paper. Film is printed on a substrate to enhance a name, logo, or any other image or writing, by using pressure or heat. There are a numerous possibilities to these film finishes including, metallic, hologram or colored. The use of pressure colored foil onto a substrate with a dye that has been heated leads to the addition of texture to your print design, and adds a luxurious feel to the piece.
Embossing & Debossing
Embossing is the method of raising an image up above the surface of the paper, whereas debossing pushes the image down into the surface of the paper. Both techniques provide visual shadow lines that delicately enhances the look and feel of any project.
Die Cutting
As method of using metal dyes to offer custom designs and shapes that cannot be achieved by a straight cutter or a web press, laser die cutting can be a very effective way to enhance the visual quality of the design through cutting out areas or altering the finish of the printed paper.
If you’ve developed a finishing technique all your own, we’d love to hear about it. We’ve listed just a few of the more popular techniques in use today. Be sure to ask our team about any special finishes or custom finish ideas that you have in mind. We’re always up for a good challenge, and welcome the opportunity to help you produce truly outstanding work that showcases your creative vision.
Happy (K)reating!
-The Kopytek Team
“The Best St. Louis Print Company”
