When it comes to print, great design is only part of the equation. The finishes you choose can dramatically influence how a piece looks, feels, and performs. Beyond protecting printed materials from everyday wear, coatings and finishes help create memorable brand experiences by adding visual appeal and tactile interest. Whether you’re producing packaging, marketing collateral, annual reports, direct mail, or premium publications, choosing the right finish can elevate your project from functional to exceptional.
Choosing the Right Finish
Considering the desired finish early in the design process helps support both the creative vision and practical requirements of a printed piece.
The right finish depends on your project’s goals, audience, and intended use. When selecting a coating, consider how people will interact with your piece and what you want them to experience. Does your project need to catch attention on the shelf? Will it be frequently handled? Should it feel heavy-duty, softly luxurious, unexpectedly tactile?
Here are a few common objectives:
– Maximum colour impact: Choose a gloss finish to make colours appear richer and more vibrant.
– Premium and understated appearance: Matte finishes create a sophisticated, non-reflective surface.
– High durability: UV and aqueous (AQ) coatings help protect against scuffing and handling.
– Memorable tactile experience: Soft touch and high build UV coatings encourage interaction.
– Attention-grabbing print: Specialty effects like MotionCoat® create movement that draws the eye.
Understanding Print Coatings and Finishes
Print coatings are often applied to a piece after printing to help achieve a desired finish. At Hemlock, we utilize several different types of coatings to suit specific applications.
Aqueous (AQ) coatings are water-based coatings widely used in commercial printing. They dry quickly, provide reliable protection during handling, and deliver consistent print quality, making them ideal for brochures, flyers, catalogues, publications, and direct mail.
UV coatings cure instantly using ultraviolet light, creating a durable finish that resists scuffing and abrasion. They also produce a richer, more polished appearance, making them an excellent choice for packaging, covers, direct mail, and high-impact marketing materials.
Varnishes are economical treatments that provide light protection while adding subtle visual enhancement. They are commonly used for brochures, catalogues, and other commercial print applications.
Many coatings are available in finish levels from gloss to dull, allowing you to achieve the look that’s right for your project.
Gloss-finished pieces have a reflective surface that enhances colour vibrancy and image contrast.
Matte-finished pieces have a smooth, non-reflective appearance that conveys sophistication and premium quality.
Satin-finished pieces have a subtle sheen, balancing the vibrancy of gloss with the softness of matte.
Dull-finished pieces have reduced glare while maintaining excellent readability, making them ideal for reports, manuals, and text-heavy publications.
Specialty Coatings and Effects
When you want your printed piece to stand out, specialty coatings can add both visual and tactile impact.
High Build Gloss UV creates raised glossy elements that can be seen and felt, adding dimension to premium packaging, luxury marketing materials, and direct mail.
Matte Textured UV coating combines a sophisticated matte appearance with subtle texture to encourage interaction while maintaining an elegant finish.
High Build Grit UV coating creates a dramatic textural surface for a distinctive sandpaper-like feel that reinforces brand personality.
Strike Through contrasts smooth gloss against a reticulated finish to emphasize logos, images, headlines, or other design elements.
Soft Touch coating adds a velvety texture that reinforces premium brand positioning.
MotionCoat® uses a special print treatment to create patterns that catch light at different angles, producing the sensation of subtle movement. It is an eye-catching choice for packaging and promotional campaigns.
Not Sure Which Coating is Right?
Every project has a different set of goals, and the ideal coating balances utility, desired finish, and budget.
Whether you’re looking to increase shelf appeal, improve durability, reinforce your brand, or create a memorable tactile experience, our team can help you choose the right solution. Contact us or speak with your Account Manager to explore the coating and finishing options.