Print finishing enhances the aesthetics, durability and functionality of printed products. Techniques such as varnishing and embossing ensure a high-quality look and protection. Stand out from the competition and leave a lasting impression!
Why are print products finished?
Aesthetics and functionality through finishing techniques
Finishing techniques are essential to make printed products not only functional, but also to enhance their aesthetic appeal and improve their longevity. These techniques include a variety of processes ranging from varnishing to embossing and foil stamping, giving each printed product a unique character.
Enhancing the aesthetics of print products
One of the main reasons for using finishing techniques is aesthetics. Elaborate processes such as spot varnishing or embossing give print products a high-quality look and an appealing feel. This visual and tactile enhancement not only makes them more attractive to the viewer, but also increases the perception of the brand or the content presented.
Increased durability through protective coatings
In addition, finishing techniques also serve to increase the durability of printed products. For example, a coating can help make them more resistant to external influences such as moisture, abrasion or UV radiation, which increases their lifespan and quality. These protective layers also form a barrier against scratches, fingerprints and soiling, which is particularly important to keep the product in optimum condition over a longer period of time.
"Finishing techniques give print products a unique character and make it an experience."
Differentiation in a highly competitive market environment
Another important aspect is differentiation. In a competitive market environment, it is crucial to stand out from the competition. Finishing techniques allow companies to create unique and eye-catching designs that attract attention and leave a lasting impression. By combining different techniques, products can be created with an individual appearance that reflects the brand identity and creates a strong connection with the customer.
Functional advantages in addition to aesthetic enhancement
In addition to visual enhancement, some finishing techniques also offer functional benefits. For example, UV coatings can be used not only to make certain areas of a printed product glossy and others matt, but also to enhance contrasts or highlight important information. This additional layer of functionality makes finishing techniques an important tool to maximize the effectiveness of printed products.
Conclusion: Versatile advantages of finishing techniques
Overall, finishing techniques can be seen as indispensable tools for not only making print products more visually appealing, but also increasing their durability, making them more functional and enhancing their impact. Through the targeted use of these techniques, brands can effectively communicate their message and leave a lasting impression on their target groups.
When would you like to turn your print project into an unforgettable experience?
Why did we decide to use foil for the current issue of StaffelNews?
The main advantage of foiling is the ability to give a magazine a unique and elegant look that immediately grabs the reader’s attention. This type of finishing creates a subtle yet striking visual effect that makes the magazine stand out from the crowd.
Why the color copper?
The choice of copper foiling for the cover was a conscious decision. With its warm, inviting radiance, the color perfectly captures the essence of summer. The metallic hue reflects the sunlight in a way that is reminiscent of the glow of hot summer days.
The process
When foiling our magazine cover, certain areas are highlighted with a copper design to create a touch of elegance and sophistication.
This process begins with careful planning and design of the cover, identifying the areas that are suitable for foiling.
An important part of the print preparation is selecting a high quality paper or suitable material that is ideal for this application and will produce the best result.
Step 1: Preprint black
First, the desired design is printed on paper. This is done using the digital printing process, whereby only black toner is used for the desired finishing area. It is important that the black is printed without grayscale and not in 4 colors. Rough paper types should also be avoided in order to achieve optimum results.
Step 2: Hot foiling
As soon as the design is on the paper, the foil comes into play.
This is applied to the pre-printed material using heat.
In this hot foil process, the foil is transferred to the printed paper using heat and pressure.
The decisive factor here is the removal of the carrier film: when the carrier film is peeled off, the metallized coating layer of the film adheres to the toner.
This creates a shiny metallic effect that highlights the design.
Further processing
Once the film has been successfully applied, a final step, overprinting, can be carried out as an option.
This involves the paper that has already been wrapped in film being printed again, either digitally or using offset printing.
This allows further design elements to be added or existing accents to be enhanced.
Finally, the finished magazine cover undergoes quality control before it is released for the next production steps.
In the case of our StaffelNews, the cover goes through the personalization process after foiling before the contents are compiled, stitched, cut and finally the finished magazines are sent out.
Magazine wrapping is a specialized finishing technique that requires a great deal of expertise, experience and precision to achieve a first-class result.
It gives the magazine a unique visual identity and helps to emphasize the value and exclusivity of the product.
Authors: Albetrit Aliaj and Alexandra Ennen