In the world of print marketing, where every detail matters, finishing touches can turn a passerby into a picker-upper. As print technology continues to advance—even on heavy-duty offset presses—a plethora of soft-touch finishes and coatings have become available to elevate your print projects’ tactile and visual appeal.
Choose from a range of applications
Soft-touch coatings create a luxurious tactile experience by imparting a velvety texture to the printed material. This is perfect for projects that demand a high-end look and feel. Our offset presses can apply soft-touch coatings with precision, eliciting the effect that is just right for the project, even a high-volume run.
A piece can be flooded with Soft Touch to make an overall statement or applied as a spot coating. Soft Touch is especially striking when used in conjunction with specialty print techniques and embellishments such as foils, embossing, debossing, die-cuts, etching, and unique folds. Soft-touch coatings can be applied in a variety of ways, from water-based to UV to laminate. Various characteristics, including durability and flexibility, should be considered when choosing Soft Touch for your marketing piece.
The power of touch in print
While visual aesthetics play a significant role in print projects, the sense of touch should never be underestimated. Haptics is the study of touch. It reveals that the tactile experience of a printed piece can leave a lasting impression on the viewer. When a person holds a print with a soft-touch finish, the brain registers the texture. This creates a deeper connection to the content. This engagement can lead to increased brand recall, conversion to the product, or a heightened sense of value attributed to the print piece.
Paper and print compatibility: Finding the perfect match
The effectiveness of a soft-touch finish dramatically depends on the paper stock and finish it’s applied to. For instance, matte or uncoated paper stocks absorb coatings differently than glossy paper stocks. Soft Touch finishes can create a velvety, premium feel that resonates with matte or uncoated paper. On glossy paper, these finishes may result in a subtle yet intriguing contrast between the glossy surface and the soft-touch-coated areas.
Metallic and other unique stocks add another layer of complexity. The interplay between the metallic sheen and the soft-touch finish can create a mesmerizing blend of textures and visual effects. This enhances the overall appeal of the printed piece. This combination is ideal for luxury packaging, invitations, or any project where the goal is to create a sense of opulence and uniqueness.
Given the dynamic landscape of print and design, we work closely with our clients to determine the best combination of materials and techniques to achieve the results they want within a world of creative possibilities.