Packaging Finishes 101: Choosing the Right Look and Feel for Your Product

The way a package is finished can completely transform how a product is experienced. Whether someone encounters your item online, unboxes it at home, or picks it up in a store, the finish plays a major role in shaping first impressions. At CMYK Print and Promotions, we know that every detail from artwork to construction, matters. Selecting the right finish ensures your packaging not only looks polished but performs well in real-world conditions. Below is an overview of several popular finishing methods to help guide your decision.

Common Packaging Finish Options

Matte Coating

Matte coating is ideal for brands that want a smooth, muted appearance. Instead of reflecting light, the surface softens it, creating a calm and velvety texture. This understated style is frequently used by premium fashion, cosmetic, and tech companies that want packaging that feels sophisticated rather than flashy.

Advantages: Because matte doesn’t shine, design elements stay readable from all angles. This is especially helpful for products with detailed artwork or extensive text.

Considerations: The subtle finish comes with a trade-off: matte coatings tend to show scratches and scuffs more easily than glossier alternatives, as they provide less surface protection.

Gloss Coating

Gloss coating offers nearly the opposite effect. It creates a slick, reflective surface that enhances color saturation and visual impact. This finish is especially common in food, beverage, and beauty packaging where bold graphics and bright colors help products stand out.

Advantages: Gloss coating boosts vibrancy, making packaging eye-catching and energetic. It also adds a layer of durability, helping resist moisture and general handling wear.

Considerations: While gloss is striking, studies including research from Adcock Solutions, suggest that consumers may view matte packaging as more “natural,” especially for food products. Depending on your target audience, this perception may influence your choice.

Lithographic Laminating

Lithographic laminating pairs high-resolution lithographic printing with a protective laminate applied to a cardboard substrate. Available in both matte and gloss styles, this finish is known for its crisp imagery and refined presentation. Companies producing luxury goods, specialty foods, and high-end electronics often opt for this method for its premium look.

Advantages: It delivers exceptional clarity and detail, supporting intricate patterns, photography, and fine typography.

Considerations: The process is more expensive and takes longer than simpler coatings. In addition, laminated materials are not fully recyclable.

Making the Right Choice

Each finish has its own strengths, and the best option depends on how you want customers to perceive your brand. CMYK Print and Promotions offers a full range of finishing services to help your packaging look its best while meeting practical needs. Let us help you select a finish that elevates your product from the moment it’s in a customer’s hands.