Foil, emboss or spot UV? A guide to logo finishes
Your logo finish is what people notice in the first second. Here is what each of our five finishes does, and how to get the best result.
Gold and silver foil
A thin metallic layer pressed into the paper with heat. Foil catches the light and reads as premium from across a room. It is strongest on dark papers such as soft-touch black and sage. Very fine lines (under about 0.3 mm) can fill in, so keep thin strokes slightly thicker.
Emboss
Your logo is pressed up from the back so it stands out of the surface. Emboss has no colour of its own: it is all about touch and shadow. It works best on textured papers like linen and on simple, bold logos.
Deboss
The opposite of emboss: the logo is pressed into the surface. It looks understated and feels great under the thumb. Deboss suits kraft and linen, and can be combined with foil for a pressed metallic logo.
Spot UV
A clear, glossy coating printed only on your logo. On a matte or soft-touch box it creates a subtle shine that changes as the box moves in the light. It is a popular choice for electronics and minimal brands.
Preparing your file
- Send a vector file (AI, PDF or SVG) if you can. A high-resolution PNG also works.
- Use one solid colour for the area to be foiled, embossed or coated.
- Not sure? Upload what you have. A designer checks every file for free and sends a proof within 24 hours of receiving it.
You can feel all five finishes in our sample kit.