Solutions · Finishing + embellishment

Choose the right finish
for the job.

Lamination, foil, embossing, coatings and Scodix can change how a piece looks, feels and holds up. We help match the finish to the stock, quantity, handling and budget.

Surface Lamination, coating and protection
Metallic Traditional stamping or digital foil
Dimension Embossing, raised clear and texture
Wella brochure produced by Execuprint with raised spot gloss on the cover
Execuprint project Raised spot UV · Wella Professionals

A practical approach

Start with the result.

Do you need protection, a softer feel, metallic detail or a raised effect?

The right process depends on the stock, ink coverage, quantity, folds, handling and budget. Traditional finishing may suit one job; Scodix may suit another.

Our approach

We review the stock, artwork, quantity and construction before quoting. That helps avoid surprises later.

Finishing families

Four finishing paths to compare.

Each option solves a different need. We confirm the exact film, foil, coating or die after reviewing the stock and construction.

01

Lamination

A film over the printed sheet for appearance, feel and added protection.

Gloss

High sheen, stronger color saturation and a wipeable surface.

Matte

Lower glare and a quieter, refined appearance.

Soft touch

A velvety tactile film when the feel of the piece matters.

Anti-scuff matte

A practical matte path for pieces expected to receive more handling.

Silk / satin

A middle ground between gloss and matte, subject to film availability.

Specialty films

Metallic, holographic and other films can be reviewed for the right project.

Production note

We review the film, ink or toner, heavy ink coverage, folds, scores and glue areas together. Soft touch and standard matte are not the same film.

02

Traditional foil stamping

Heat and pressure transfer foil through a metal die for a crisp, established stamping result.

Metallic foil

Gold, silver, copper and a broad family of metallic colors.

Pigment foil

Opaque color such as white, black or another selected shade.

Holographic / patterned

Movement, diffraction or repeating specialty patterns.

Foil + emboss

Foil and physical dimension combined in registration.

Production note

A die and press setup add cost. Traditional foil can still be the better choice for a deep impression, repeat work, certain stocks or longer runs.

03

Embossing + debossing

A die presses a raised or recessed image into the sheet.

Blind emboss

Raised dimension without ink or foil.

Registered emboss

Dimension aligned to printed artwork.

Deboss

A recessed impression pressed into the sheet.

Single / multilevel

One-height or sculpted dimension, depending on artwork and construction.

Production note

Stock thickness, grain, fine detail, show-through on the back, folds and panel position all affect the result. Cartons also need room for scores and die cutting.

04

Coatings + varnishes

Liquid finishes can protect the sheet, adjust overall sheen or create selective contrast.

Aqueous coating

Gloss, satin or matte protection commonly applied over the full sheet.

Overall UV

A stronger high-gloss surface where the stock and process allow it.

Spot UV

Selective gloss used against an uncoated or lower-gloss area.

Raised / screen UV

A more tactile selective coating with greater build.

Press varnish

A controlled gloss or matte varnish applied as part of the press path.

Production note

The printed sheet, drying method, lamination, foil order and folds all affect the best coating choice.

Additional options

Die cutting Windowing Perforation Rounded corners Edge painting Metallic ink Scratch-off

Availability depends on the product, quantity and production route. These options are reviewed rather than assumed.

Scodix digital embellishment

Digital effects without a conventional die.

Scodix places a digital effect in register with the printed sheet. It works well for fine detail, raised effects, versioned work and premium short or medium runs.

01

Raised clear

A clear, high-gloss polymer builds above the sheet to lift logos, patterns, photography and selected details.

Often discussed as Scodix Sense, raised UV or dimensional clear. Height and coverage are job-specific.
02

Digital foil

Real foil is applied selectively for metallic type, borders, marks and artwork—without a conventional foil die.

Gold, silver, holographic and other foil families may be available. Color, detail and coverage need review.
03

Selective gloss

A flatter spot treatment creates controlled gloss against matte print or lamination without making the whole piece reflective.

A good choice when visual contrast matters more than a strong raised feel.
04

Specialty effects

Holographic Cast&Cure-style patterns, texture, glitter-like effects and variable embellishment can extend the design further.

These are special processes. We confirm the effect, equipment and testing before quoting.
Coordinated Purus folding cartons and labels produced by Execuprint
Related finishing work Soft touch · foil · coordinated SKUs

Use with purpose

Let one finish lead.

Choose one primary effect. Use smaller details only when they help guide attention. This keeps the design clear and the production plan easier to control.

Folding cartons Book covers Direct mail Invitations Tags + sleeves Versioned work

Choose the process

Choose the right process for the job.

Scodix, foil and embossing, spot coating and lamination each solve a different need.

Method Best considered for Keep in mind
Scodix digital embellishment Raised clear, selective foil, fine detail and runs with many versions. Sheet, coating, coverage, folds and effect height all need review.
Traditional foil + emboss Deep impression, exact foil choices and larger repeat orders. Dies, press setup, heat, pressure and registration affect cost and schedule.
Spot UV / screen coating Flat or built gloss, broad selective areas and conventional production paths. Minimum detail, sheet compatibility and registration vary by process.
Lamination Overall gloss, matte or soft-touch appearance plus surface protection. It changes the full sheet. Selective effects can sometimes be added afterward.

Artwork + estimating

Keep each finish on its own layer.

A concept PDF, dieline or working file is enough to start a quote. We can review the build before final art.

Send artwork for review
01

Base artwork Supply the printed art and dieline, when applicable.

02

Separate finish layer Put foil, embossing and clear effects on separate spot-color layers. We can provide the final layer names.

03

Protect production areas Keep effects clear of trim, folds, scores and glue zones unless the construction has been reviewed.

04

Confirm the target Call out foil color, effect height, coverage and critical registration. Plan a sample or proof when the result is critical.

Propstore premium auction catalog with a refined cover treatment

The practical decision

Describe the result. We will help choose the process.

Tell us what should feel raised, catch the light or stand up to handling. We can turn that goal into a practical finish specification.

Start the conversation

Ready to review a finishing option?

Send the artwork, quantity, finished size, stock and a reference for the effect. If those details are still open, send what you have.