Sleeve Printing Options Explained
How print colors, one or both sides, and finishes like soft-touch and foil change the look and the price of a sleeve.
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Printing is the part of a sleeve that people see first. You have three choices to make: how many colors, whether to print one side or both, and which finish to add. Each one changes the look, and each adds only a small amount to the price per unit.
Print colors
One color is the base price. It suits a logo or a line of text, especially on kraft board, where one dark ink looks natural and crisp. Each extra color adds $0.03-$0.07 per unit (less on bigger orders), up to four. Choose four colors for full-color artwork, like photos or detailed illustrations.
One side or both
Most sleeves are printed on the outside only. Printing the inside as well adds $0.04-$0.10 per unit. It gives a surprise when the sleeve is opened or slid off, which works well for gifts and for tear-strip sleeves.
Finishes
A finish changes how the sleeve feels and catches the light. They can be combined.
Foil Stamping
Embossing / Debossing
Spot UV
Soft-Touch
- Foil Stamping+$0.12-$0.30 per unit
A metallic foil pressed onto the board for a reflective, permanent accent.
- Embossing / Debossing+$0.10-$0.25 per unit
A raised or recessed texture pressed into the board for a tactile, dimensional effect.
- Spot UV+$0.06-$0.15 per unit
A glossy UV coating applied to specific areas of the design to make them stand out.
- Soft-Touch+$0.06-$0.15 per unit
A velvety, matte laminate that gives the sleeve a soft feel in hand.
A worked example
Take a box sleeve at 1,000 units on kraft board. With a one-color print and no finish, it comes to about $0.62 per unit. Move to full-color (four colors) with a soft-touch finish and it is about $0.84 per unit. The extras add up to $0.22 per unit, so a premium look stays affordable at this size.
Starting prices at the standard size. See the pricing page for every style.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many colors can I print?
From one to four print colors. One color is the base price, and each extra color adds a small amount per unit. Choose four colors for full-color artwork.
Can I print on both sides of the sleeve?
Yes. Printing the inside as well as the outside adds a small amount per unit. It is a nice touch for sleeves that are opened or peeled back, like tear-strip sleeves.
Can I combine several finishes?
Yes. Finishes can be combined, for example soft-touch with a foil logo. Each one adds its own amount per unit, and the calculator totals them for you.
What file do I need to send?
A press-ready PDF, AI or EPS file, set up in CMYK. If you only have a logo, our design team can lay it out for you. See the artwork guide for margins and layers.
Will colors look the same on kraft and on white board?
No. Kraft is brown, so printed colors look deeper and more natural. White board gives the brightest, truest colors. Check the material page before you choose.
Try different print options
Change colors, sides and finishes in the calculator and watch the price update.
Or call +1-312-910-5253