Print Finishes - Study Task 03 - OUGD504

Print finished is one of the most important design decisions you can make, it impacts every other decision you make so it is crucial you establish an idea of the finish you with to use before making choices on colour etc...

1. Foil Stamping

Foil stamping or simply foiling is a process that uses metallic or pigment which is placed over an element on the page to give it a reflective shine which cannot be achieved using standard printing techniques. This can be combined with embossing to create an even more effective result.
2. UV Varnishing

A UV varnish enables you to create a glossy/matte effect over the page. It can be applied to a certain part of the page or over the entire page for use as a coating without adding too much weight to the existing stock. This process is more commonly used for magazines.

3. Fluorescent Inks

Very similar to UV spot varnishing, this is a precess which uses a spot colour which is printed separately to the rest of the colours in the professional printing process. This is something which is commonly applied through the use of screen printing when the product that is being made is not mad produced.

4. Scratch'n'Sniff (Fragrance Burst)

More often used in magazines, the sue of a fragrance burst which is heat activated by using your finger nail to scratch is a clever way of engaging a consumer into receiving the communicated message through the use of another sense other than sight.

5. Thermochromic 

This involves the process of a special paint which is applied to the subject matter which, when heat is applied, leaves an imprint which disappears when it cools. This is an especially clever way of increasing interaction and gives that personal feel to whatever it is applied to.

6. CMYW

This is something which can be accomplished with a simple laser printer but instead of the traditional CMYK, the black is replaced with white. This enables the ability to print onto dark surfaces and allows you to achieve a pure white without having to print dark ink onto lighter stock/fabrics.

7. Laminate

Laminating is also similar to UV varnishing, except is allies more to the whole of the page rather than just a certain spot. This enables you to have one side of a piece of stock glossy or matte without the use of multiple stocks. Especially effective on business cards.
8. Embossing

Embossing is fairly commonplace in the printing process. It uses a plate which is pressed into he paper which causes it to rise creating a physical contour within the paper. Like in the above image, it can be combined with a UV spot varnish to enhance the raise in the paper.