Decorating options
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The details
Lamination and spot gloss UV
Lamination applies a matte or gloss finish to the entire cover. We recommend it on all book covers for additional durability. Spot gloss UV is a liquid varnish applied on top of the printed surface that creates a high-gloss shine on one area only, such as your logo or an illustration. The contrast of matte and high gloss is a lovely luxe look.
Foil stamping
A metallic or coloured foil applied to the cover with heat and pressure. A heated metal die is made from your digital art file, so every piece is stamped with the same shape. Works on paper, leatherette, linen and other materials, and is popular on planners and journals.
Embossing and debossing
Embossing raises one section of a design above the rest. Debossing is the opposite: it lowers a section for a sunken-in look and feel. Both add texture and depth, and are often combined with foil stamping.
Heat burnish
Used on vegan leather (leatherette) to create a deboss effect. Looks great on custom gift boxes, yearbooks, journals and planners.
Glitter
Small reflective particles added to the UV coating, so the surface sparkles as light hits it from different angles. Applied over matte or gloss lamination, in different colours.
Gilding
A metallic finish applied to the edges of book pages. It adds elegance and protects the book from moisture and dust.
Die cutting
Creates unique shapes: windows cut into a cover, or flaps, pop-up structures and shapes on interior pages. The die is a set of steel blades in the shape of your cut, pressed into the material with heavy pressure.
Where each finish can go
| Finish | Where |
|---|---|
| Emboss / deboss | Cover |
| Foil stamping | Cover, pages |
| Spot UV (gloss, glitter, grit) | Cover, pages |
| Glow-in-the-dark | Cover |
| Die-cutting | Cover, pages |
| Gilded edges | Page edges (the Jane Austen sample) |
More on mcrlprinting.com: Offset printing finishes →
Common questions
Which finishes work on a vegan leather cover?
Emboss, deboss and heat burnish all look excellent on vegan leather, and it comes in a wide range of colours. Foil stamping is also an option.
Keep exploring
Our print team will talk it through with you, or get an instant quote.
