{"id":2416,"date":"2022-11-23T18:57:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-23T23:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/what-coating-to-use-for-what-type-of-packaging\/"},"modified":"2024-11-22T10:23:45","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T15:23:45","slug":"what-coating-to-use-for-what-type-of-packaging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/what-coating-to-use-for-what-type-of-packaging\/","title":{"rendered":"What Coating To Use For What Type of Packaging"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There are lots of options for standard and specialty finishes available today for packaging box designs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the truth is it can be confusing, overly technical and overwhelming, especially for startups and new entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, in this guide, you will learn how to choose the right coatings based on the compatibility with your overall packaging specifications (material, design, and cost). <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Example
Source: PakFactory<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re here to arm you with all the information you need before you make your decision! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So before you decide on a coating for your packaging, we suggest you read these tips below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paperboard (Retail) Coatings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since paperboard is flexible, versatile, and usually used for packaging products in retail stores, designers tend to be a little more creative with the finishing to create strong shelf impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are the popular coatings for paperboard packaging:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lamination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Laminated paperboard boxes<\/a> are widely regarded to have the best quality, but are typically more expensive due to its highly protective properties. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Custom
Source: PakFactory<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Compared to other coating types, lamination provides the best protection from moisture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Long-run projects also typically prefer to use lamination due to their longevity and dust resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It makes sense since you\u2019ll be storing thousands of boxes that may not be used instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another advantage of lamination is its artwork output. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you see that beautiful matte box in Sephora, the chances of it being laminated is quite high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luxury packaging<\/a> tends to use matte lamination to achieve a simple yet elegant look and use gloss lamination to produce a vibrant and striking appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UV & AQ Semi-Gloss Finishing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for a less expensive option, you might want to consider low gloss AQ coating<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since AQ Semi-Gloss is water-based, it is a food-safe alternative.  (please check with your manufacturer to verify their FDA compliant AQ coating<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"AQ
Source: PakFactory<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

AQ is often the default of all coatings because of its price and effectiveness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It provides a low gloss sheen that gives a bit of texture to the packaging but not too much that it distracts the eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultraviolet Coatings (or UV coating)<\/a>, on the other hand, generates a glossy appearance just like gloss lamination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lamination or UV Coating?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lamination<\/strong> is more tear-resistant. It is a better option to protect the packaging during shipping.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

UV coating<\/strong> is much more eco-friendly but it doesn\u2019t match the strength and protection that lamination provides. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Source: PakFactory<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

However, it adds maximum vibrancy to the packaging, it is quick to produce and has a lower cost per unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Corrugated (E-Commerce) Coatings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Companies often prefer to use corrugated cartons for shipping and e-commerce packaging<\/a> because of its thicker and sturdier material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These types of packaging can be coated similarly to paperboard (with the exclusion of AQ Semi-Gloss).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a closer look at what is available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gloss Varnish (Little Gloss) \/ No-Coating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Particularly for low to medium-runs, these are the best options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital printing for packaging<\/a> is typically used to print small to medium-sized projects for corrugated packaging to increase production efficiency, generate a faster turnaround time and, overall lower unit cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As these boxes are mainly for shipping and transporting, it is rare to apply embellishments and expensive coating on the packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this is changing, due to the phenomenon of unboxing experience videos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Businesses are becoming more inclined to add more design elements to their shipping boxes to leverage marketing opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, because the thickness of the corrugated material is enough to protect the products inside, the additional coating may not be needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the complexity or simplicity of your color, artwork, and branding, you could still produce a high-quality packaging box with low gloss varnish or no coating at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lamination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Similarly to paperboard packaging, a laminated coating provides your box with the ultimate protection of your artwork.<\/p>\n\n\n

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photo: pakfactory<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Businesses that use lamination on their shipping boxes are usually ones with very intricate details on their packaging and use it as a means to fully maximize their artwork appearance that digital printing simply can\u2019t do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only disadvantage with gloss lamination or UV coating is that the ripples of the material are rather prominent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luxury (High End) Coatings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Simplicity, minimalist, luxury, and expensive is the typical characteristic of rigid box packaging<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a no-brainer that matte lamination is the most popular choice for this type of packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matte Lamination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Matte lamination is the most recommended coating for luxury boxes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For one, the appearance of this particular finishing is widely known for its elegance (which is typically what most luxury brands want to achieve). <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"example
Source: PakFactory<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

It is also the best coating to use when incorporating special processes into your boxes such as embossing, foil stamping, and spot UV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specialty Coating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you simply have more than enough budget to invest in your packaging design that requires more unique elements, you can also opt for special coatings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These types of coating are recommended for long-run orders due to its extra costs. However, if budget isn\u2019t a problem, why not!<\/p>\n\n\n\n