What Coating To Use For What Type of Packaging

There are lots of options for standard and specialty finishes available today for packaging box designs.

We’re here to arm you with all the information you need before you make your decision!

you will learn how to choose the right coatings based on the compatibility with your overall packaging specifications (material, design, and cost). So before you decide on a coating for your packaging, we suggest you read these tips below.

Lamination

Laminated paperboard boxes are widely regarded to have the best quality, but are typically more expensive due to its highly protective properties, this can be widely used for the

Luxury Packaging Box

Compared to other coating types, lamination provides the best protection from moisture.

Long-run projects also typically prefer to use lamination due to their longevity and dust resistance.

It makes sense since you’ll be storing thousands of boxes that may not be used instantly.

Matte Lamination Or Glossy Lamination?

Matte lamination is the most recommended coating for luxury boxes.

For one, the appearance of this particular finishing is widely known for its elegance (which is typically what most luxury brands want to achieve).

Luxury packaging tends to use matte lamination to achieve a simple yet elegant look and use gloss lamination to produce a vibrant and striking appearance.

Lamination or UV Coating

Lamination is more tear-resistant. It is a better option to protect the packaging during shipping.

UV coating is much more eco-friendly but it doesn’t match the strength and protection that lamination provides

UV Finishing

If you’re looking for a less expensive option, you might want to consider UV Finishing

Since UV Finishing is water-based, it is a food-safe alternative.

Ultraviolet Coatings (or UV coating), on the other hand, generates a glossy appearance just like gloss lamination.

Gloss Varnish (Little Gloss) / No-Coating

Digital printing for packaging is typically used to print small to medium-sized projects for corrugated packaging to increase production efficiency, generate a faster turnaround time and, overall lower unit cost.

As these boxes are mainly for shipping and transporting, it is rare to apply embellishments and expensive coating on the packaging.

Businesses are becoming more inclined to add more design elements to their shipping boxes to leverage marketing opportunities.

In addition, because the thickness of the corrugated material is enough to protect the products inside, the additional coating may not be needed.

Depending on the complexity or simplicity of your color, artwork, and branding, you could still produce a high-quality packaging box with low gloss varnish or no coating at all.

Luxury Coatings

Simplicity, minimalist, luxury, and expensive is the typical characteristic of

rigid box packaging.

It is a no-brainer that matte lamination is the most popular choice for this type of packaging.

It is also the best coating to use when incorporating special processes into your boxes such as embossing, foil stamping, and spot UV.

Foil Stamping

Embossing

Debossing

Metallic Effects

Specialty Coating

If you simply have more than enough budget to invest in your packaging design that requires more unique elements, you can also opt for special coatings.

These types of coating are recommended for long-run orders due to its extra costs. However, if budget isn’t a problem, why not!

 Pearlized coating

 Glittered

 Reticulated

Choosing the best coating for your product’s box packaging requires your time and attention.

You still have to do your homework and continue to communicate with your manufacturer to find the best fit for your packaging.

Remember, a well-prepared plan for your packaging will make your life a lot easier.

Have a solid idea of what your brand, your objective, and your budget is first.

From there, you can have a better sense of the overall packaging, including the coating and additional finishing that is right for your packaging!

Require more assistance and need more clarification on the different types of coating? Contact us at anytime!