Coatings, Laminations, and Embellishments

A strong finish makes all the difference!

We believe that one of the most valuable aspects to printed products is the combination of visual and tactile experiences it creates with the audience.

When looking at an image on a screen, you’re simply just looking. With print, not only are you looking at it, but holding it in your hands. That tangible quality that comes inherently with print is what sets it apart, makes it memorable, and allows it to have a greater impact.

With that in mind, we offer a variety of coating and finishing options that both enhance the look of the print and form the finished surface that ultimately determines what it feels like in someone’s hands. Each finish has both aesthetic and functional properties.

Using a finish that complements the design — perhaps accentuating a certain element — is often an overlooked and underestimated aspect of printing. When done well, a strong finish can work to your advantage by creating more engaging printed pieces that keep your customers coming back, especially when they see how much it benefits them as well.

You may be familiar with the difference between a gloss and matte finish, but even each of those have their variations. Read further to get to know the benefits, limitations, and best practices for all of our coating options.

Overall Coatings and Laminations

Gloss Aqueous (AQ)

Gloss aqueous coating is an in-line coating applied directly onto wet ink on an offset printing press. It provides a subtle gloss shine and some protection from scuffing, while keeping color rich and vibrant. We use aqueous on almost all 4-color work and occasionally with 1- and 2-spot-color printing as well, if needed to help protect the ink from rubbing or scuffing. It is a very cost-efficient process — a large part of the reason it is the most commonly used coating in the entire printing industry today.

It is best for: short and long runs, cost-efficient runs, fast production times, and a subtle gloss finish.

Matte Aqueous (AQ)

Matte aqueous coating is also applied in-line onto wet ink. It provides a subtle matte finish and light protection from scuffing while still keeping color rich and vibrant. Like gloss AQ, it’s cost-effective, versatile, and widely used across many types of print work.

It is best for: short and long runs, cost-efficient runs, fast production times, and a subtle matte finish.

Gloss Lamination

Gloss lamination is an off-line process applied after printing. It is a clear, glossy film adhered to the press sheet, providing a smooth, high-gloss shine and strong protection from scuffing. It keeps color rich and vibrant, often enhancing contrast even more than gloss aqueous. It is the least expensive off-line film coating, making it great for both short and long runs. Unlike gloss UV, which many big printers use, gloss lamination does not show fingerprints on dark colors.

It is best for: short and long runs, cost efficiency, superior protection, and a high-gloss finish.

Flood Gloss UV

Flood gloss UV is an off-line coating cured under UV light that delivers an ultra-high-gloss, almost glass-like shine. It intensifies color and offers strong surface protection. However, unlike gloss lamination, it can show fingerprints and smudging on dark colors if handled frequently.

It is best for: vivid color impact, premium print pieces, product imagery, and maximum gloss shine.

Matte Lamination

Matte lamination is an off-line process applied after printing. It is a clear, matte film attached

to the press sheet, providing a matte finish and silky-smooth feel. With dark colors, it can create a softer, slightly muted appearance and may show scratching, but it offers more protection than matte aqueous.

It pairs exceptionally well with spot gloss UV and raised 3D UV due to the strong contrast.

It is best for: short and long runs, premium matte finish, added protection, and contrast pairings with spot coatings.

Soft Touch Matte Lamination

Think: buttery, smooth, soft, satin.

Soft Touch lamination uses a matte film with a velvety, almost suede-like texture. It instantly elevates the tactile experience and is one of the most popular choices for luxury packaging, high-end folders, invitations, and marketing materials.

It is best for: premium projects, luxury feel, soft matte texture.

Smudge-Free Soft Touch Lamination

Smudge-Free Soft Touch has the same luxurious, velvety feel as standard Soft Touch but with added durability. It reduces fingerprints, smudges, and scratching — especially important on darker colors.

It is best for: dark colors, premium pieces with higher handling, added durability without sacrificing texture.

Scuff-Free Satin Lamination

Scuff-free satin lamination is an off-line process applied after printing. It is a clear satin film that provides a silky feel and excellent protection. On dark colors, it is the best option, as it keeps them rich and sharp while offering the highest level of protection of any film or coating.

It also pairs beautifully with spot gloss UV and raised embellishments.

It is best for: dark colors, premium projects, superior protection, and a silky satin finish.

Sandy Matte Lamination

Think: sandpaper, the walls/bottom of a pool, rough and bumpy — but in a controlled, intentionally textured way.

Sandy Matte lamination adds a gritty tactile finish that stands out instantly in hand. It’s unique, memorable, and great for designs that benefit from a more rugged or tactile feel.

It is best for: bold textures, artistic or industrial aesthetics, and high-impact tactile experiences.

Embellishment Spot Coatings

In addition to our traditional overall aqueous and laminate options, we offer exciting digital spot coatings — Spot Gloss UV, Raised 3D UV, and Raised Foil.

These unique coatings provide fresh ways to give your printed piece an unforgettable look and feel. They can be used on their own or combined with matte or satin laminations for a high-contrast finish.

Regular / Flat Spot Gloss UV

Flat spot gloss UV is applied to specific areas of your artwork to highlight details, logos, or imagery. It creates a glossy contrast without adding height or texture.

It is best for: highlighting artwork, adding subtle shine, creating contrast on matte surfaces.

3D / Raised Spot Gloss UV

Raised Spot Gloss 3D UV is an offline digital process that creates a thick, tactile layer of gloss coating — as tall as embossing — without the need for dies. It makes logos and graphics truly pop with a three-dimensional effect. There is very little minimum cost, making

it great for short runs where you want a luxury feel.

It is best for: short runs with high impact, premium projects, logos and fine detail, tactile enhancement, and variable data options.

3D / Raised Digital Foil

Raised Digital Foil is a cost-effective alternative to traditional foil stamping. Instead of a metal die, it uses a raised UV layer to adhere foil directly to your artwork. It offers brilliant shine, fine detail, and no backside impression.

Available in: Gold, Silver, Rose Gold, Holographic, Red, Green, and Blue.

It is best for: short runs with luxury appeal, premium branding, logos and fine detail, variable-data foil, and eliminating die and setup costs.