Offset printing finishes
Paper finishes are typically applied to a book’s cover. Finishes can be applied to the entire cover OR specific illustrations to make them POP!
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Lamination & Spot Gloss UV
Lamination is an offset printing feature that involves applying a matte or gloss finish to the cover.
We recommend applying this to all book covers for additional durability.
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Gloss and Matte Lamination involves applying a coating to the entire cover.
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Spot Gloss UV is a liquid varnish applied on top of the printed surface that creates a high-gloss shine. It’s a great specialty option to add to your project to make your logo or illustration pop.
The contrast of matte and high gloss is a lovely luxe look. Spot gloss UV is a great way to draw attention to a certain illustration as only that area is glossy.
Foil Stamping
Foil stamping is an offset printing technique that involves applying a metallic or coloured foil to the book cover using heat and pressure. This creates a decorative finish on paper, leatherette, linen and other materials.
Foil stamping uses a heated metal die to transfer the metallic material. Your digital art file is used to create this die, so all pieces will be stamped with the same shape.
Foil printing is a popular technique used on planners and journals.
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Embossing/Debossing
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Embossing is the raising of one section of a design above the rest, causing that area to stick out.
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Debossing is the opposite of embossing. Debossing is the lowering of one section of a design below the rest, creating a sunken-in look and feel. This feature adds texture and depth to projects and is often used in combination with other specialty options such as foil stamping.
Heat Burnish
Heat Burnishing is used on vegan leather (aka leatherette material) to create a deboss effect. Looks great on custom gift boxes, yearbooks, journals and planners.
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Glitter
Glitter is an assortment of small, reflective particles added to illustrations during the printing process. These particles reflect the light at different angles, causing the surface to sparkle or shimmer.
Glitter is similar to spot gloss UV whereby glitter is added to the UV composition. It can be applied to a matte or gloss lamination. Glitter is available in different colours.
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Gilding
Gilding is a metallic finish applied to the edges of book pages.
Gilding adds elegance PLUS the finish protects the book from conditions such as moisture or dust.
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Die cutting
Die cutting is a way to create unique shapes in material. It’s often used artistically on covers to cut windows into a book or on interior pages to create flaps, pop-up structures or interesting shapes.
A die, in simplest terms, is a set of steel blades forming the shape of your cut. The die cutting process starts with the creation of the die. Once the die is ready, it’s positioned on a block and installed into the press. The die is then pressed into the material with heavy pressure making the cut.
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