When it comes to packaging design, even the smallest detail can make a huge difference. We are all well aware of packaging’s importance and influence. What people usually don’t know is which design option will make their packaging more functional.
In the world of packaging, every detail matters. The choice of lamination, for instance, may seem rather insignificant, and can significantly impact the look, feel and functionality of your product packaging. It can add durability and enhance the look of the packaging.
Have you ever experienced a situation where you got mesmerized by attractive packaging on display? However, upon a closer look, you noticed the packaging had noticeable scratches. How would you feel about that?
This is where lamination can make a difference. It can give your packaging a flawless look and perfection for a lasting impression.
The two popular options of lamination are gloss and matte. Each lamination type has its unique features and benefits, so it can be tricky to make the right choice.
Let’s have a deeper look into the facts, features, pros and cons of these laminations. So next time when you choose your packaging design, you make an informed decision.
Why Laminate Packaging
Lamination is a process that adds durability and enhances the content of packaging. It’s a thin layer of plastic film, used to cover the packaging surface. This cover is rather transparent and protects packaging from dirt, dust, moisture and wear and tear. It also adds aesthetic appeal to the packaging apart from ensuring your product stays in pristine condition throughout its packaged life. It affects the presentation of branding colors when light interacts with the surface.
Choosing the right lamination not only enhances the packaging’s durability but quality and perceived value as well.
1. Gloss Lamination-A Lustrous Finish
If you favor striking finish then gloss lamination is for you. It has such a smooth, flawless and glossy finish that can outshine others. It gives a shiny impact to the packaging and helps it stand out and shine bright even on the most crowded shelves. It enhances the vibrancy of your branding, thus creating an eye-catching effect.
Marketers favour gloss because of its ability to give a vibrant touch and premium feel.
Here’s why businesses might choose gloss lamination:
- It enhances color brightness.
- Resists dirt and fingerprints.
- Offers ease of cleaning.
- Provides a smooth, shiny surface.
- Improves the tactile experience.
Benefits of Gloss Lamination
For products seeking to grab immediate attention, gloss lamination is perfect. Its glossy finish amplifies color and provides a vibrant and eye-catching appearance. It offers a sleek and smooth texture like a polished car surface. Its glossy surface is print and dust-resistant, moreover, its glossy surface is easy to clean.
The glossy surface is an excellent way to add sophistication. It has a high-end impact on the product.
Drawbacks of Gloss Lamination
Despite the attractive shiny surface, there are drawbacks of gloss lamination. The intense shine of gloss lamination can cause glare in certain lighting conditions. Hence, they are less suitable for heavy text designs. Moreover, the scratches and fingerprints are even more visible on the gloss surface. Light reflections may distort the true image and would be hard to take the actual photograph.
Gloss lamination is resistant to scuffs, scratches, and moisture, making it an excellent choice for luxury packaging, food packaging, cosmetics packaging, and game packaging.
2. Matte Lamination–An Elegant Finish
For a sophisticated, mute and elegant look, matte finish is the best. It’s a non-reflective finish, perfect for brands seeking understated elegance.
Most high-end brands prefer matte finish for its subtlety and classy appearance. Here are the key features of matte lamination.
- Reduced glare for easier reading.
- A soft, natural texture.
- Enhanced luxurious appeal.
- Compatibility with eco-friendly brands.
- Protection against scuffs and fingerprints.
Benefits of Matte Lamination
Matte finish is a text-friendly finish. It makes the crucial elements of packaging easy to notice. Hence, matte is ideal for packaging with intricate designs or detailed information. It has an unmatching soft, fingerprint-resistant, premium and velvety touch. This touch adds a tactile element that helps in making a package peculiar.
The professional and high-end appearance of matte is perfect for retail environments. Its non-reflective effect creates an easy and comfortable visual for consumers.
Drawbacks of Matte Lamination
Although extremely elegant and high-end matte lamination is more prone to scuff marks and bruising. Matte can easily accumulate dirt and get dull. Rough handling can also dull the surface and make it appear ugly and scrappy.
The subdued nature of matte can mute the actual branding colors. Brands looking to make a vibrant impression won’t find matte suitable for their branding design.
The cost limitation of matte is also high, which can influence the total packaging cost, especially for bulk packaging.
Comparison Chart
| Feature | Gloss Lamination | Matte Lamination |
| Finish | Shiny, reflective | Non-reflective, flat |
| ColorEnhancement | Enhances and brightens colors | Subdued, natural color representation |
| Surface Texture | Smooth and sleek | Velvety and smooth |
| Glare and Reflection | High glare | Low glare |
| Durability | Highly durable and easy to clean | Durable, resistant to fingerprints |
| Ideal Uses | Food packaging, marketing materials | Luxury packaging, cosmetic boxes |
Choose The Right Lamination For Your Packaging
When deciding which lamination to choose, the answer ultimately lies in the brand’s needs and preferences. Each lamination has its advantages and limitations. Therefore, brands should decide while keeping all the advantages, drawbacks, requirements, preferences and product types at the table.
You can also go unconventional and choose a combination of both laminations. Not only would it be innovative, but will help you subdue their drawbacks. Like you can add gloss laminate at the highlighting contents of matte packaging boxes. Similarly, add a matte lamination to the logo, label or sticker of gloss-laminated packaging boxes. This way, you can combine the benefits of both laminations and achieve a top-notch look.
Laminations, coatings, and other similar trendy features can instantly elevate your packaging game. It can add a sophisticated and high-end look to your packaging. Apart from this, they can enhance the durability and perceived value of your packaging. So laminations are not only integral but need careful consideration while choosing the right one.
With all the pros and cons disclosed in front of you, now you can make an informed decision about your packaging so it will exceed your expected goals.
