Printing Westminster, London SW1

Posted: December 20, 2017   •   Posted in: Printing London


How using high end finishes can leave a lasting impression

When it comes to the finishes in your print project you want the elite. The crème de la crème. Sometimes only the best will do.

Striking visuals combined with cutting edge design and inspiring words have created marketing materials that impress. You’ve selected a heavy paper stock. Your document is ready to print. But you want material that astounds.

The differentiator? That high-quality finish. Spot UV, embossing, foiling and laser cutting. All can transform a good piece of work into something extraordinary.

When designing your next print job, why not consider one of these finishes to really elevate your print project?

Embossing and Debossing

By creating a raised, three-dimensional impression, you can instantly add emphasis or create texture. Key elements of the design are highlighted. The document good to touch, as well as look at.

Blind embossing (where no ink or foil is used) is effective as a standalone technique. But for more interesting designs, combining finishes can also work well. Foil stamping is especially effective when used with embossing, highlighting the raised area with a metallic finish.

Alternatively, debossing (where a die is stamped onto the stock) creates an indented effect. Especially effective on report covers, business cards and other stationery items, embossing and debossing are both simple ways to add visual and tactile elements to your design, without the need to add more colour.

Foil blocking print finish

Foil Blocking, Hot Foiling and Foil Stamping

Used on book spines throughout the 19th Century, hot foiling produces an elegant finish. Using heat to stamp the foil onto the substrate, this effect can be applied to almost any weight of stock. Like on the 19th century books, hot foiling won’t lose its lustrous finish.

Especially effective on text or to highlight intricate detail on an image, hot foiling is an increasingly popular method for creating a special finish.

When combined with embossing raised areas are effectively highlighted. Also, consider foiling for business cards and brochure covers.

Card showing spot UV print finish

Spot UV

Using a spot UV varnish adds a glossy finish to individual areas (spots) on the page. This effect can be used to draw attention to that part of the design. As well as an increased visual appeal, spot UV printing adds a tactile element to the print.

Used on business cards, postcards or flyers, a spot UV varnish can highlight any part of the print, such as your company logo or a particular element of an image.

Card showing die cutting

Die Cutting

Outstanding effects can be created by using shaped marketing material. Using a cutting form, much like a cookie cutter, the finished document can be cut into any shape you desire. Perfect for simple shapes, die cutting can create print that is unique. Whether creating intriguing business cards, novel promotional material or tags to accompany a parcel, the possibilities are virtually limitless.

Laser Cutting

For an astounding and especially impressive finish, laser cutting allows for far more intricate cutting than that achieved through the more conventional die cutting process.

Especially effective when you require cutting on detailed logos, fine lines or diminutive detailing, cutting using a laser can create a special feel on postcards, invitations, greetings cards.

It is worth noting that for letters with a counter (an enclosed white space), it is necessary to use a stencil style font, or leave a small join so as not to lose the middle of the letter and thus the intricate detail.

Card showing glitter varnish print finish

Glitter Varnish

Glitter can add sparkle to any print project. Effective on invitations and greetings cards, as well as business cards, glitter can help make your print stand out. A decorative effect, glitter can work with coloured print to help catch the eye.

Applied to greeting cards and packaging, glitter is an especially popular choice at Christmas time, where gold or silver glitter can add some festive spirit to any marketing material.

Lamination

Lamination is more than a protective layer for your print. It adds a tactile element to the finished document. As well as being functional, lamination also adds an aesthetically pleasing look to business cards, catalogues and greeting cards.

A thermal film that is applied to the paper, lamination protects against scratches and prevents colours from fading, as well as enhance the look of your design.

There are different types of lamination:

Matt lamination adds a luxurious look to menus, business cards or other documents with a high volume of text.

Gloss lamination is effective on a poster, as it attracts attention through shimmering natural light.

The current trend is towards soft touch lamination or velvet lamination. This finish provides a delicate feel, similar to that of a peach.

Kall Kwik St James’s know the right finishes for your print job

Kall Kwik have been in the printing business for 40 years, so when it comes to looking for a certain look or feel, why not draw upon our experience? Whether spot UV to highlight the company logo on a business card, or laser cutting on a wedding invitation we can recommend a finish that will perfectly accompany your print.

The first thing your customer will see, the part that will make your marketing material stand apart from your competitors and the detail that will make your print look stunning, the finish is one part of the design that you won’t want to leave until the end. To find out more, call us on (020) 7930 1976 or get in contact through our online form.