Elevating a product’s appearance can make all the difference in a crowded market. Custom product labels play a key role in attracting customers. Adding unique advanced finishes to these custom labels can transform your products from ordinary to extraordinary.
Advanced label finishes include techniques like foil stamping, embossing, and tactile varnish. These finishes catch the eye and create a memorable tactile experience. People are drawn to labels that feel special and look distinct, so you’ll want to review a wide range of finishes for your products.
In this article, we’ll explore a number of advanced finishes and why they matter for your products. You’ll also learn how to choose the right finishes for your labels.
Get ready to make your product stand out with impressive label designs.
What Are Advanced Label Finishes?
Advanced label finishes enhance your custom product labels. These finishes make products stand out in a wide range of retail environments. Plus, these special finishes add visual appeal and texture to your packaging, creating the impression of a premium product in consumers’ minds.
These finishes are practical, too; they can help you meet certain regulatory requirements and even help your products stand up to various environmental conditions, like humidity. Whether you’re launching a new product or revamping old packaging, advanced finishes can transform your labels.
A McKinsey & Company survey found that 60–70% of consumers would pay more for premium-feel, sustainably produced packaging. With options like foil stamping, embossing, tactile varnish, and soft-touch coatings, labels become more than just stickers—they’re a key part of product branding.
Foil Stamping
Foil stamping is a popular choice for adding shine to custom labels. This technique uses heat and pressure to apply a thin, metallic foil to the label surface. This label treatment is ideal for beauty products, luxury packaging, and alcohol bottle labeling. Foil stamping comes in many colors, including gold and silver, to make labels pop.
The fashion and wine industries often use foil-stamped labels to convey elegance and quality. This finish makes any product label look premium and eye-catching.
Embossing
Embossing creates raised patterns or text on custom labels. It adds depth and a 3D effect, making the label tactile and interesting.
Wine bottles, high-end food packaging, and specialty gift items often feature embossed labels. This technique adds a sense of craftsmanship and tradition to the product, which can be especially compelling for products whose consumers expect a high-end experience.
Tactile Varnish
Tactile varnish adds texture and a unique feel to product labels. This finish creates a raised, tactile element that customers can feel. It’s commonly used in the beverage and automotive industries. Labels with tactile varnish can enhance the user’s interaction with the product. This finish communicates quality and innovation and makes the labeling more engaging.
Varnish effects can include color effects, glass effects, gloss, product sunscreen to prevent label fading, matte finish, and satin finish. Raised varnish can be used to produce braille effects on your package or label for inclusivity. Other varnishes can help your product feel easier to grip in wet environments, which is helpful for soap bottles and other toiletry products.
Soft Touch Labels
Soft touch coatings offer a velvety texture to product labels. This finish feels smooth, velvety, and premium. This advanced finish is often used in beauty products.
Perfume and skincare brands favor soft-touch labels to convey luxury and gentleness. This finish also reduces glare, making the label easy to read. Soft touch labels can capture the buyer’s attention and are memorable at the same time.
Why Add Advanced Finishes to Your Product Labels?
Advanced finishes for custom product labels aren’t just decorative. They enhance the label’s visual appeal and make products stand out on shelves. Labels with finishes like embossing, foiling, or coatings better catch the consumer’s eye. These finishes can make your product look exclusive and premium in three ways:
- Visual Appeal: They create a striking look that attracts customers. Vibrant colors paired with special finishes can make your product pop off the shelves and into more carts.
- Brand Perception: A label that looks and feels premium can improve the product’s perceived value. Consumers often equate quality packaging with quality products.
- Durability: Advanced finishes and coatings can also protect labels, making them water-resistant and preserving their look even in challenging environmental conditions.
Incorporating advanced finishes can elevate your product labeling, making it a smart choice for brands looking to stand out.
For Advanced Label Finishes, Choose the Right Partner
Choosing the right partner for custom product labels is crucial for label distinction. The right partner offers a wide range of advanced finishes, custom shapes, sizes, vibrant colors, and printing options.
Look for partners with experience in advanced label printing. Get a sample of their product labels before committing to a print to make sure they’re able to print product labels with high visual appeal. You’ll also want to choose a partner with quick turnaround times. A good partner should also help you make sure your labels meet regulatory requirements for safety and compliance.
When choosing your partner, make sure their technology is up to date. Advanced printing technology ensures adhesive labels stay intact and maintain their durability. Digital label printers can produce high-quality labels that are perfect for product launches or beauty products.
Selecting a partner with extensive knowledge and experience in label materials guarantees quality in both digital and traditional label sheets. Here’s what the right partner should offer:
- Custom Sizes and Shapes: Flexibility in design.
- Vibrant Colors: Enhance product appeal.
- Quick Turnaround: Meet launch deadlines.
- Water-Resistant Options: Suit diverse environments.
This approach ensures effective product labeling that contributes to the product’s success.
Create Your Own “Labels of Distinction” With Our Experts
At Epsen Hillmer, we combine decades of experience with deep knowledge, professionalism, and the latest technology to create Labels of Distinction for every one of our clients, from Costco’s Kirkland brand products to the popular Scent Theory line of handsoaps and sanitizers.
Since 1908, we’ve been the premier partner for product labels of all types for many industries. Can we help you create your next label? Reach out for your quote and request a sample set of our labels today.