There are plenty of finishing options for product labels, but there’s only one that’s perfect for your design. Glossy, matte, and satin finishes can all look amazing in different situations, so it’s important to figure out which options is right for the look and feel of your labels.
A glossy finish is a characteristic of laminate or varnish that has a high shine effect. This finish will leave a glossy sheen to your product labels that will certainly pop to consumers. The reason for this shine is because glossy finishes reflect light. A gloss laminate adds a protective film to the top of your label that will not only protect your design, but also catch the light in attractive ways. A gloss varnish is applied as a liquid that cures and dries to form a protective layer that also reflects light while shielding your label from harm.
Unlike a gloss, a matte finish is an effect that creates a dulled and non-reflective surface. Matte laminates are applied to the top of your label material in the same fashion as their glossy counterparts, except that these finishes have the opposite of shiny. A satin finish accomplishes the same goal as matte laminate. The key difference is that satin is the term used for UV varnishes, whereas matte is used in describing laminates.
While glossy surfaces shine for consumers, matte and satin finishes attract attention for different reasons. The dulled effect is by no means boring – in fact, the subtle, muted look imparts a sophistication that creates a more mature, natural feel for your products. The “flat” effect of a matte or satin finish also allows other design elements to shine. These capabilities allow you to play with the softer aesthetic of matte and satin finishes to add some class and intrigue to your packaging.
When you want your products to look bright and new, glossy is a great look. Glossy finishes feel decidedly more classic than their matte and satin equivalents. They also feel inherently new and exciting, which is great for many retail products. Glossy finishes pair nicely with designs that feature vivid colours, high-contrast images, or other visual elements that need to stand out on their own.
One major advantage of matte and satin finishes is that they create a much more natural look than glossy finishes. A shiny surface could feel a bit artificial, so a soft matte or satin finish will feel more organic. That’s especially important if you want to attract people with all natural ingredients or showcase some other natural benefits of your products.
No matter which aesthetic you prefer, it’s important to use the right finish to enhance and protect your design. Labelservice works with you to determine the best mix of material, adhesive, and finish for your exact labelling needs.
