The finish applied to your printed material does more than protect the surface — it sends an immediate signal about your brand's personality and price positioning. Here's how to choose the right one.

Gloss Lamination

Gloss gives your print vibrant, high-contrast colours and a shiny surface that catches light. It's the most common finish for packaging, brochures, and flyers — cost-effective, durable, and eye-catching. Gloss makes colours pop and photographs well. The downside: fingerprints are visible, and it can look cheap on premium products if not paired with quality print work. Best for: FMCG packaging, restaurant menus, promotional flyers, product labels.

Matte Lamination

Matte gives a flat, non-reflective surface that feels understated and sophisticated. Colours appear slightly softer, but the premium feel is immediately noticeable to the touch. It hides fingerprints well and reads more elegantly in photographs. Ideal for brands that want to communicate quality, sophistication, and confidence. Best for: premium packaging, corporate brochures, high-end visiting cards, book covers.

Soft Touch Lamination

Soft touch (also called velvet lamination) adds a tactile, velvety texture to the surface — like running your finger across a peach. It's the most premium finish available, and customers notice it immediately. It photographs beautifully and creates a memorable unboxing experience. The premium feel communicates before the customer reads a word. Best for: premium gift boxes, luxury product packaging, high-end corporate stationery, cosmetic packaging.

Spot UV Coating

Spot UV applies a glossy, raised coating to specific areas of a matte-laminated piece — creating a striking contrast between matte and gloss surfaces. Often used to highlight logos, product imagery, or key text. It transforms a standard print piece into something genuinely impressive and tactile. The combination of matte lamination + spot UV is one of the most impactful finishes in commercial printing.

How to Choose

Ask yourself two questions: (1) What does my brand's personality feel like — bold and vibrant, or refined and sophisticated? (2) What will my customers' first physical interaction with this material feel like? Match the finish to the answer. When in doubt, request physical samples from your printer before committing to a full run.