If you use printed jewellery display cards, consider some of these print techniques to help them stand out on the shelf.
Print that makes you go ooooh!
Visually attractive packaging is fundamental to the creation of an eye-catching instore display; or to enhance the unboxing experience of your ecommerce sales.
This can be achieved by designing special print finishes into your packaging. These processes can transform even the most simple printed jewellery display cards into something elegant and memorable.
Our comprehensive guide aims to show you how different finishes and press effects can elevate your packaging to the next level.
Lamination
Lamination applies a layer of plastic to add both decoration and protection. It provides a subtle finish that creates a smooth, water-resistant coating. Common laminations include gloss, matt and satin.
A gloss laminate reflects the light to make colours appear more rich and vivid.
Matt laminate can soften the appearance of print. It is useful as a coating for small text, as the surface scatters light making text easier to read.
Satin laminate provides a mixture of the two, being neither as obvious as a gloss or as understated as a matt.
Varnishing
Much like a wood varnish, print varnish adds a protective liquid layer over your chosen stock. Print varnish offers gloss, matt and satin as options, as with lamination. It also includes machine seal and UV.
Machine sealing does not affect the appearance of the print; it simply offers a protective coat that allows the print to be handled faster which is handy for quick turnaround jobs.
UV as a varnish can be applied all over, or in chosen ‘spots’ (hence the name Spot UV). It gives a far superior gloss finish than a standard gloss varnish or laminate. One of the most effective techniques is to apply Spot UV to a matt laminate finish to create a highly visual contrast. This could help your printed jewellery display cards to really stand out in-store.
Die Cutting
Die cutting is a technique of cutting out different, bespoke shapes from stock. It is commonly used in packaging designs, brochures, and business cards. The die cutter can be as simple as making a hole in the stock to enable the packaging to hang; or as intricate as these printed jewellery display cards that are designed to look like a lady’s head!
Embossing and Debossing
Embossing and debossing give you the opportunity to turn your print into a 3D work of art. They are similar processes; the surface is either raised or pressed into the stock. These processes are particularly effective when used in combination with another finish, such as Spot UV or foil stamping.
Foil Stamping/Blocking
Speaking of which… foiling is one of the most popular print techniques as it provides the ultimate in visual appeal. Metallic foil is applied to the stock using heat and pressure. It is more expensive than metallic inks, as it requires special machinery. However, the finished result creates a much shinier surface. Foil stamping works brilliantly with embossing, creating a three-dimensional, polished piece of print.
You are no longer limited to gold and silver foil. Pigmented, textured, clear, and holographic foils now allow your imagination to run riot.
Metallic, Pearlescent, and Iridescent Inks
These inks provide an option to foil stamping that is more cost effective, and more subtle. If you’re looking for a highly reflective finish, foils are more appropriate. As it can be achieved digitally, without plates (unlike foil stamping), it is great for smaller runs. For a stronger contrast, a dark matt stock works best.
Partnering with print and packaging experts, such as Tagit, could help to take your boxes, bags, tags or printed jewellery display cards to the next level.
Contact us today to discuss your next project, or the latest packaging trends that could elevate your brand.
James Rowland
James Rowland is the Managing Director of Tagit Ltd, which he co-founded in 1996. His passion for all things related to design and packaging came from working in the art department of a packaging firm after leaving school in the late 80s. He taught himself to run the litho printers and die cutting machinery, and built up the production arm of the UK business. James’ entire career has been centred around the innovation, design and production of jewellery and accessory packaging, which is why Tagit attracts and retains clients around the globe. James cares deeply for the environment and has made it his mission to offer the best recyclable and sustainable packaging solutions for his customers, even if it affects the profitability of Tagit.