Inspiration
Upgrade your Print with Special Finishes
In a world where we are constantly scrolling through digital screens, physical print has a unique power to cut through the noise. But standard ink on paper isn’t always enough to stop someone in their tracks. Sometimes, you need that extra layer of texture, shine or shape to truly make an impact.
That’s where our special finishes come in. Whether you are a small business owner looking to elevate your Business Card branding or a designer crafting dream Wedding Stationery, adding a special finish transforms a simple piece of card into a memorable experience. To help you navigate the world of premium print, we have launched our Special Finishes Hub. It is your one-stop shop for inspiration, technical advice, and everything you need to know about taking your designs to the next level.
Ready to see what’s possible? Let’s take a closer look at five special finishes that will upgrade your print.
1. Foiling
If you want to add a touch of luxury, foiling is the undisputed champion. It adds a metallic or pigmented layer to your print, creating a contrast that naturally draws the eye.
At Printed.com, we generally use Digital Foiling. It is a modern technique that applies foil on top of a velvet lamination without the need for expensive metal dies or setup costs. This makes it incredibly cost-effective, even for short print runs. The result is a sleek, smooth finish that sits flush with the paper. You can choose digital foiling for Silk, Uncoated, and Trucard paper stocks, as well as our White Gloss sticker stock.
However, if you are after that traditional, handcrafted feel where the foil is stamped into the paper (creating a slight recess), Block Foiling can work better on thicker, uncoated paper stocks which is available via our Bespoke Service.
Which colour should you choose?
Gold and silver are the classics for a reason, but they aren’t your only options. You can customise your print with:
- Copper: For a warm, industrial, or rustic vibe.
- Rose Gold: Modern, chic, and incredibly popular for weddings.
- Holographic: A playful option that shifts colour in the light.
- Red: Bold and festive.
- White Pearl: Subtle, elegant, and pearlescent.
2. Die Cutting and Custom Shapes
Who says print has to be rectangular? One of the easiest ways to differentiate your brand is by literally changing the shape of your stationery.
Die Cutting works a lot like a cookie cutter. A sharp steel blade is formed into a specific shape and used to punch out your design. This allows for incredible creativity, from arch-shaped invitations that mimic modern architecture to business cards shaped like your logo.
We offer a curated collection of popular shapes directly on our site, including:
- Arches: Upper, lower, and double arches are trending heavily in the wedding industry right now.
- Wavy edges: Perfect for a retro or playful aesthetic.
- Pebbles and Circles: Great for swing tags and coasters.
If our standard shapes don’t fit your vision, don’t worry. We can create completely bespoke dies for custom projects. For shorter runs (like Stickers), we use Digital Die Cutting, which uses a blade to follow a cut path without needing a physical metal die, making it faster and more affordable for small batches.
Custom Shape Stickers and Magnets are available as standard products. If you have other custom shape ideas, don’t worry our Bespoke Service can easily bring them to life.
3. White Ink
Standard printing uses a mix of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK) to create colours. The one thing standard printers can’t do? Print white.
Usually, any “white” you see on a page is just the unprinted white paper showing through. But what if you want to print on black card? Or a rich navy blue? That is where White Ink printing changes the game.
Using advanced technology, we layer white ink onto coloured stocks to create crisp, bright text and illustrations. It is particularly striking on our range of GF Smith Colorplan papers, such as Ebony, Racing Green, or Claret.
White Ink vs. White Foil
It is easy to confuse the two, but they offer very different vibes:
- White Ink: Has a matte, natural finish. It looks like it belongs on the paper and is perfect for detailed text or illustrations.
- White Foil: Sits on top of the paper and has a slight pearlescent shine. It’s bolder and more decorative.
4. Spot UV
Spot UV is all about playing with light. It involves applying a clear, shiny coating to specific areas of your design (hence the “Spot”) and curing it with Ultraviolet (UV) light.
The result is a high-gloss finish that contrasts beautifully against a matte background. It is a fantastic way to highlight a logo, a pattern, or a specific call to action without adding colour. When the light hits it, the glossy area shines while the rest of the print remains matte. It’s a subtle but powerful effect that can add a layer of professionalism and intrigue to Business Cards and Brochure covers.
5. Embossing and Debossing
If you want your print to appeal to the sense of touch, embossing and debossing are the techniques to watch. These finishes alter the surface of the paper itself, creating a 3D effect that people can’t help but touch.
- Embossing: Pushes the paper up from underneath, creating a raised relief. It’s elegant and works beautifully for logos or monograms.
- Debossing: Stamps the design down into the paper, creating an indented impression. It feels modern and tactile, which can create a similar effect to high-end letterpress stationery.
These finishes rely on shadow and highlight to reveal the design, meaning they are subtle yet incredibly sophisticated. Because these require specific tooling, they are available upon request to ensure we get the depth and detail exactly right for your paper choice through our Bespoke Service.
Bespoke Service
While we offer a huge range of options directly on our website, we know that creativity doesn’t fit in a box. Maybe you want to combine finishes, like a debossed logo with gold foil detailing. Perhaps you need a specific paper stock that you can’t find in our standard menu.
That is exactly why we have our Bespoke Service.
If you have a vision that goes beyond the standard options, our team of experts is here to help you bring it to life. From intricate block foiling to complex custom die cuts and white ink, we can guide you through the technical requirements and produce a print that is entirely unique to your idea.
Ready to Upgrade Your Print?
Adding a special finish isn’t just about making something look “pretty.” It is about signalling quality, attention to detail and brand value. Whether you choose the shimmer of gold foil, the crisp contrast of white ink, or the unique silhouette of a die cut card, these finishes turn throwaway items into keepsakes.
Visit our Special Finishes Hub today to explore the possibilities, download artwork guides, and find the inspiration for your next project.
About the author
Meet Drew! As part of the Printed.com marketing team, Drew spends her days crafting content. When she’s not working her magic on marketing, you’ll find her enjoying quality time with her daughter and her furry friend, Archie.
