Everything You Need to Know About Print Finishes 

If you’ve landed here, chances are, you’re ready to learn more about print finishing… Print finishing is the final step in the printing process that transforms the look, feel and durability of your newly printed materials. Whether you’re printing business cards, brochures or magazines, choosing the right print finishing techniques can add the perfect finishing touch to your design. In this guide, we explain and explore a variety of print finishing options to help you make the right choice for your next project!

What is Print Finishing? 

Print finishing is any process that is applied to printed materials after the ink has dried, including varnishing, foil stamping, embossing, die-cutting, folding and binding. Whether you want to add a layer of protection or create eye-catching effects, the right finishing technique can make all the difference. Think of them as the ‘finishing touch’ that takes your print up a notch! Below is a closer look at our most popular print finishing techniques.

Varnishing: Gloss, Matte & Spot UV

Varnishing adds a protective coating to printed materials, boosting both appearance and durability. There are different types of varnishes, each with its own benefits. Gloss varnish creates a shiny, reflective surface that makes colours pop and appear more vibrant, making it perfect for brochures and marketing materials.

On the other hand, matte varnish provides a soft, non-glossy finish that reduces glare, making text easier to read – ideal for book covers and business cards. And finally, spot UV varnish is a glossy coating applied to specific areas of print, perfect for highlighting logos, text or images to bring extra attention to important elements of your design.

Foil Stamping 

Foil stamping uses heat and pressure to apply metallic or coloured foils to a design, creating a stunning, high-end finish. This is often used for wedding invitations, luxury business cards and premium packaging, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.

While gold and silver foils are the most popular choices, there are plenty of other options to explore including holographic and pigmented foils for a unique touch and eye-catching look. No matter the choice, foil stamping is a great way to make printed materials feel extra special and luxurious.

Embossing & Debossing

Embossing and debossing add depth and texture to paper, creating a distinctive and tactile finish. Embossing raises a design from the surface of the paper, giving it a high-end, luxurious feel that stands out both visually and to the touch. In contrast, debossing (also known as letterpress) presses the design into the material, and is often paired with ink or foil stamping for an extra layer of sophistication.

These are popular for business cards, invitations and packaging, adding a professionally finished look. Whether you want to create a bold design, or a subtle, elegant impression, embossing and debossing add a unique touch.

Die-Cutting 

Die-cutting allows you to cut unique shapes into printed materials, adding creativity and visual appeal. Whether it’s a custom-shaped business card, a custom greeting card or a promotional flyer with an eye-catching design, die-cutting helps your print stand out. This technique makes print more engaging by giving it a unique shape, making it more interactive and attention-grabbing.

Folding: Tri-fold, Z-fold, Gate-fold 

Folding techniques play a crucial role in creating professional and well-structured booklets, brochures and leaflets. A tri-fold is a popular choice for brochures and leaflets, offering a compact and organised layout. The Z-fold is ideal for step-by-step guides, unfolding in a way that makes information easy to follow. For high-impact marketing materials, the gate-fold opens like double doors, creating a dramatic reveal for key messages or visuals. Choosing the right folding technique can enhance readability and engagement, making your printed materials more effective.

Binding: Saddle Stitching, Perfect Binding, Wiro Binding 

Binding is an essential finishing technique that holds printed pages together, giving booklets, magazines and reports a polished and professional look. Saddle stitching uses staples along the fold, making it a cost-effective and ideal choice for booklets and brochures. Perfect binding, commonly seen in magazines, features a glued spine that provides a sleek and durable finish. For documents that need to lay flat, such as reports and notebooks, wiro binding uses plastic or metal rings to allow easy page turning. Selecting the right binding method will ensure your print is functional and presentable.

Which Print Finish is Best?

The best print finish depends on the purpose of your project. Glossy finishes are vibrant and reflective, making them ideal for marketing materials and photography, while matte finishes offer a subtle, non-reflective look that enhances readability and adds a touch of elegance-perfect for luxury branding.

When choosing between matte and gloss, consider the trade-offs. Glossy finishes make colours stand out but can produce glare, whereas matte finishes create a sophisticated feel but may make colours appear less vibrant. Additionally, matte surfaces can show fingerprints more easily and are less resistant to water and scratches compared to gloss.

How Do I Choose the Right Print Finish for My Project?  

Start by considering the purpose of your print. For a luxurious, high-end look, foil stamping or embossing add elegance and texture. If durability is a priority, lamination provides extra protection. If you’re still not sure which finish is best, our team are always on hand to help you find the perfect option to bring your vision to life.

Do Print Finishes Impact the Environment or Recyclability? 

Some print finishes, such as traditional lamination, can affect the recyclability of paper. Lamination is difficult to recycle as it takes longer to biodegrade. Not all finishes are harmful to the environment though, especially at Ashley House, we offer eco-friendly alternatives such as biodegradable lamination and water-based varnishes that help maintain recyclability, prioritising sustainability. We also offer recyclable coatings, non-toxic inks, and eco-friendly materials to reduce environmental impact. To learn more about our sustainable printing, visit our eco printing page.

Can I Request a Custom Print Finish?

Absolutely! Whether you need a special foil effect, custom-cut shapes, unique binding or any other bespoke finishing touch, we can create the perfect solution for your project. Let us know your vision and we’ll bring it to life – no idea is too big or too bold!

The Perfect Finish

The right print finishing technique can transform your materials from ordinary to exceptional. Whether you’re looking to create bold marketing materials, premium business cards or a high-quality brochure, the right finish will ensure your design makes a lasting impression. At Ashley House, we offer a full range of print finishing services to help bring your designs to life. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your next print project!