Print finishes

Print finishes for packaging

A finish is anything the printer adds on top of the ink: metallic foil, a shiny gloss patch, or a raised or pressed pattern. Each one is made with its own plate or die, so the printer needs it drawn on its own layer, not mixed into the artwork.

Packaroo keeps every finish on its own layer, shows it in the 3D preview, and hands it to the printer as a separate plate in the spec pack. Finishes work on mailer boxes, folding cartons and labels.

How finishes work in Packaroo

  1. Design your artwork as normal on the dieline.
  2. Give a layer a finish: Spot gloss, Gold foil or Silver foil. Everything on that layer becomes the finish, and nothing else does. On labels you can also give a layer an effect: emboss, deboss, high build, spot matte varnish or metallic ink.
  3. Check it in 3D. Foil and gloss catch the light as you turn the pack, so you can see whether the finish lands where you meant it to.
  4. Export the spec pack. Each finish arrives as its own separation plate, so the printer can make the foil die or gloss screen directly, without redrawing your artwork.

Finishes are available on mailer boxes, folding cartons and labels.

Choosing a finish

FinishLooks likeWorks best onAvoid
FoilMetallic, reflectiveLogos, borders and thin type on folding board or labelsLarge solid areas (can crack or bubble), very fine detail under about 0.2 mm
Spot UV or glossGlossy patch on matteLogos, patterns and photos, over a matte laminateUncoated or kraft board without a matte base, tiny type
Emboss or debossRaised or pressed, felt by touchSimple logos and marks on thick board or label stockFine type, areas next to folds, corrugated board

These are general rules. Your printer will confirm the limits for their press and board.

Frequently asked questions

Do finishes cost more?

Yes. Each finish needs its own plate, screen or die, which adds a one-off setup cost and sometimes a higher minimum order. Ask your printer to quote with and without the finish.

Which Packaroo formats take finishes?

Mailer boxes, folding cartons and labels take spot gloss, gold foil and silver foil. Labels also take emboss, deboss, high build, spot matte varnish and metallic ink.

Can I combine finishes?

Often, for example foil plus spot gloss on the same box. Each one sits on its own layer in Packaroo and exports as its own plate.

Why does my printer want finishes on a separate layer?

Because each finish is made with its own tool. A separate plate lets the printer make that tool without redrawing your artwork.

Which finish should a small brand start with?

Spot gloss or a single foil on the logo. Both make a big difference on shelf for a modest setup cost.

See it on your own pack.

Start on the free plan: design on a real dieline, preview it in 3D, and pay when you export.