Finishes
Finishes are add-ons applied on top of any sleeve style and material - mix and match as many as you like.
Foil Stamping
A metallic foil pressed onto the board for a reflective, permanent accent.
Embossing / Debossing
A raised or recessed texture pressed into the board for a tactile, dimensional effect.
Spot UV
A glossy UV coating applied to specific areas of the design to make them stand out.
Soft-Touch
A velvety, matte laminate that gives the sleeve a soft feel in hand.
Finish Comparison
| Best For | Added Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Foil Stamping | Logos and small accents | +$0.12-$0.30/unit, less on bigger orders |
| Embossing / Debossing | Logos and wordmarks | +$0.10-$0.25/unit, less on bigger orders |
| Spot UV | Highlighting a logo or icon | +$0.06-$0.15/unit, less on bigger orders |
| Soft-Touch | Cosmetics and skincare | +$0.06-$0.15/unit, less on bigger orders |
How to choose a finish
Ask what you want people to notice. A finish works best on one thing, not everything.
- A shiny, metallic logo. Choose foil stamping. It is the highest-impact finish.
- A texture you can feel. Choose embossing or debossing. It works well even without color.
- A glossy accent on a matte design. Choose spot UV. It is subtle and lower cost than foil.
- A sleeve that feels premium in the hand. Choose soft-touch. It changes how the whole sleeve feels.
Not sure about the cost? Each finish adds a small amount per sleeve, shown above. See a worked example in print options explained, or try combinations in the price calculator.
Finish questions
What is a finish?
A finish is something added after printing to change how a sleeve looks or feels, such as shiny foil, a raised pattern, a glossy spot or a velvety coating. Finishes are optional, and you can combine them.
Which finish gives the most impact for the money?
Spot UV and soft-touch are the lowest cost. A single foil logo has the most visible effect for a small area. If you want one finish only, foil on the logo is the usual choice for a premium look.
Can I use more than one finish?
Yes. A common mix is soft-touch over the whole sleeve with a foil logo. Embossing and foil together give a raised, shiny logo. Each finish adds its own amount per sleeve, and the calculator adds them up for you.
Do finishes affect recycling?
They can. A laminated soft-touch layer and metal foil can make a sleeve harder to recycle. Spot UV, embossing and plain printing have less of an effect. If recycling matters to you, keep finishes light, or ask us what we suggest.
Do finishes work on every material?
They work on all of our materials, but the look differs. Foil and spot UV stand out most on dark or white surfaces. On kraft, a single dark ink with one finish often looks best. Your free proof shows the result.
Want to see a finish on your design?
Tell us which finish you like. Your free proof shows how it will look before we print.
Or call +1-312-910-5253