Understanding Lamination: Matte, Gloss, Soft-Touch and Velvet
The four common lamination finishes and how each shapes the feel of your packaging.
Lamination applies a thin plastic film over printed paper, adding protection, color depth and — critically — a specific tactile signature.
Gloss lamination
Shiny, vivid, deepens color saturation. Slightly plasticky feel. Common on mid-market retail and F&B. Cost-effective.
Matte lamination
Non-reflective, more premium feel. Colors read slightly softer than gloss. Fingerprint-friendly. Standard for premium retail.
Soft-touch lamination
The velvety, warm feel that reads as luxury. Slightly muted colors, no reflection. Increasingly the default for luxury retail bags and rigid boxes. Adds ~10–15% to lamination cost.
Velvet / suede lamination
The premium tier above soft-touch — a suede-like tactile finish. Reserved for high-end luxury. Adds ~20–30% to lamination cost.
Environmental notes
Standard laminations are BOPP or PET film — recyclable but slow to biodegrade. Water-based varnish is the plastic-free alternative and looks similar to matte lamination.
Combining with finishing
Spot UV pops best over matte / soft-touch laminate. Foil sits well on any lamination. Emboss works on all.