From gilded religious manuscripts in the first century to the shimmering foil finishes we see today, embellishment has always been the finishing touch that turns something ordinary into something extraordinary.
At Flyleaf, we love to think outside the box to spark new possibilities but we realise that printed packaging can get a little… technical. This week we are turning our eyes to print embellishments because great packaging isn’t just about ink on paper—it’s about those extra flourishes that make people go “Ooh, what’s this?”
A raised logo, a soft-touch finish, a glint of gold foil—these are the things your fingers remember long after your eyes have moved on. Our bodies are designed to respond to touch. While digital tools have transformed the way we design and print, our love for texture, detail, and tactile moments hasn’t changed. In fact, in an increasingly digital world, those physical interactions are more powerful than ever.
Cover image: The Possibilities of Paper by G.F Smith, design by Made Thought, print by Sonderegger.
Let’s dive into the kinds of embellishments:
Coating: The Hero of Protection
Plastique Magazine, designed by Matt Willey
Think of coatings like a clear raincoat for your print—practical, sleek, and just enough to keep everything looking fresh. Machine coating is a varnish-like layer added during the print process (yes, inline, right on the press—no extra trip required). It’s oil-based, protects your ink from scuffs and smudges, and is often a greener choice compared to lamination. You can choose from gloss, satin, or matte finishes, which can be applied to selected page areas. This process is called spot application. Coating is great for everyday print jobs—brochures, flyers, catalogs. Bonus: it’s budget-friendly.
Spot UV Coating: Gloss Where It Counts
The Possibilities of Paper by G.F Smith, design by Made Thought, print by Sonderegger
Spot UV is like a spotlight on your design—only shinier. It’s a clear, glossy varnish applied to specific areas (yep, you pick which ones), cured with UV light to create dramatic contrast. Think sleek highlights on logos, headlines, or patterns. It can be defined as very fine lines but it’s important not to go too fine (below 0.5mm) for critical areas, as the varnish may not be able to hold.
Lamination: Your Print’s Protective Shield
Acne Studios invitation printed by Wind/Åtta45.
Lamination is like giving your print a suit of armor—a very thin, plastic-based one. It’s heat-sealed to the surface to guard against moisture, wear, and minor accidents (coffee spills, we’re looking at you). During a post-print process a printed sheet is run through a laminating machine that applies the film with heat and pressure. If you’re looking for durable packaging that feels elevated in the hand, lamination delivers. Just be mindful: plastic-based lamination isn’t the greenest choice.
Foiling: When You Want to Shine
Kate Spade Things we love, printed by Flyleaf
Foiling is packaging’s equivalent of putting on a little bling—and we’re here for it. Using heat, pressure, and a shiny sheet of magic (aka metallic foil), your design gets stamped with a reflective finish that turns heads. Go gold, silver, holographic, or even bold matte tones—there’s a foil for every vibe.
Embossing and Debossing: Texture You Can Feel
Perdisacca Olive Oil, printed by Etikgraf designed by Azura
Embossing is where your design literally pops. Using a custom metal die, parts of your artwork are raised from the surface to give it dimension and texture. No foil needed—just beautifully tactile detail that invites touch. Flip it, and you’ve got debossing, where the design is pressed inward instead. Either way, it’s all about that depth.
We hope this article helped demystify the world of print embellishments and sparked a few ideas for your next project. From subtle textures to eye-catching finishes, these small details can make a lasting impression—on shelves, in hands, and in memory. If you’re curious to explore more or want to chat about how we can bring your print to life drop us a line through the contact form. You got our full attention.