How to make your product stand out on store shelves – using special effects
We have previously covered the key points that are important when you start thinking about the design of your product, and what is worth considering. In this article about using special effects in your design, we will look more closely at what can be used during the printing and post-production process itself. In certain product categories, such as alcoholic beverages or cosmetics, the most innovative technologies are often used to achieve special special effects.
Material and coating
Material manufacturers are constantly looking for new possibilities and testing a wide variety of materials in terms of both application and appearance. Similar to color catalogs, material catalogs are also available – with different thicknesses, textures, effects, and colors. It is important to note that almost all materials have a minimum order quantity of 1000 m2. That is why the project estimate should already take into account the initial investment in material procurement.
Coatings are traditionally divided into two large groups – varnish and laminate. Interesting effects can be achieved by combining matte and glossy finishes in one design. For example, a matte background and a glossy title. A pleasant tactile effect can be achieved by using a special soft touch laminate that creates a silicone impression.
Applying the foil
Involves applying metallic, holographic, or colored foil to specific areas of the sticker design. This creates a luxurious and reflective effect, capturing light and drawing attention to key elements such as logos or text. There are two types: hot stamping and cold stamping. In the hot stamping process, the foil is pressed into the material using a special metal cliché + temperature and pressure. This technique allows for more precise reproduction of very fine details, and usually the result will be slightly more expressive. In cold stamping, the foil is glued to the material with a special adhesive. The advantages are:
- the possibility to print on this foil,
- use a thicker layer of special glue and thus achieve a tactile result, and,
- with a wide range of types, also reduce costs, as no cliché will be required for each design.
It should be noted that the metallic effect will be flatter and therefore not as reflective and dynamic as hot stamping. There may also be limitations with complex and detailed designs, as the transfer of the foil will not be as precise. It should be noted that, as with materials, special colored foils will have to be ordered separately.
Digital sector varnish
Sector varnish has already proven itself with its efficiency and high quality. But digital sector varnish and the possibilities it offers are a relatively new innovation that is gaining popularity. This can be explained by both the amazing results in terms of quality and the opportunities to reduce project costs. Especially as there is no need to purchase additional resources such as clichés and screen printing forms. Digital varnishing includes:
- spot(sector)varnish – the possibility of varnishing specific elements or parts of a sticker with gloss varnish. For example, if the material is matte, it is possible to varnish the headline, logo or certain images and achieve contrast between the matte and glossy elements.
- 3D varnishing or relief creation – it is possible to adjust the thickness of the aforementioned spot varnish, achieving a tactile screen printing effect. Thus, the aforementioned varnished headline can be made not only glossy, but also tactile.
By combining hot stamping and screen printing, we obtain what is known as silk foil – most often a metallic three-dimensional texture. Metallic foils such as gold and silver are used most often because the foil is fixed to a relief surface and thus the falling light is reflected at different angles, giving it a special shine. Of course, it is also possible to use colored foils to create elegant, highlighted elements or perhaps to create a surprise effect with an unexpected texture.
Summary
As you can see, there are endless possibilities for creating luxurious and memorable sticker designs by combining different effects. Such as materials, coatings, cutting methods, and special effects. You can view a few interesting examples for inspiration in the photo gallery – here. It is important to keep in mind that such projects are time-consuming and require patience and enthusiasm from all parties involved in order to achieve the best results. Our team is ready to help with the most ambitious projects.
