What are Varnish Packaging Finishes? | Types, Tips & More - OXO USA?

No matter how sophisticated you develop the packaging for your products. If its finishes are not appealing, this will leave the rest of the aspects at stake. Among multiple options, one of the top is the varnish finishes. Here in this guide, we’ll explore what it is, its types, and how you can enhance your packaging game with it. So, read on to know more.

Most Reliable Types of Varnish Finishes

If you have no idea about the varnish finishing types below, we’ve explained the top ones so you can pick the ideal one and enhance your packaging appeal.

Gloss Varnish

First of all, we have the gloss varnish that features a high-end glossy appeal on the surface of the packaging. It highlights the branding elements with its shiny surface that is reflective in nature as soon as the light hits the surface. Depending upon the aesthetic goals, it is either applied to a specific spot or thoroughly to the box’s area.

Matte Varnish

Secondly, we have the matte finish, which is the benchmark of sophistication in finishes. This subtle coating creates a non-reflective surface on the material. While it is enhanced with a protective layer to make the finish more resilient against scratches.

Beyond aesthetic elements, it serves practical purposes that are more appealing when displayed. For instance, the common application of the matte finish is for the shelf displaying products. Since the graphics on those boxes must be visible at first glance. This coating eliminates the glare due to heavy lighting setups in the stores, thereby providing a gorgeous appeal.

Soft-Touch/Satin Varnish

As the name suggests, this varnish type is soft and gentle. Also known as velvet or suede varnish, this is ideal for developing a smooth surface on the boxes. For the brands whose theme is minimalistic and they deliver an exclusive experience, this is a no-brainer for them.

Likewise, this finishing can be applied to any material, including paper-based, paperboard, and even plastic. To make it exquisite, it blends ideally with light colors and neutral tones to develop a decent surface.

UV Varnish

Another great varnish option is the UV. This finish gets more appealing because of the application method that enhances the looks of it. Once the coating is applied to the surface, it gets dried with an ultraviolet (UV) light that not only reduces the drying time but also offers extra durability and a seamless finish from one side to another and beyond.

Going for Varnish Finishing

Selection of the right finish is tricky for newbies, but if you define these aspects in advance, you’ll better know what works for you and what doesn’t.

• Budget: Not all varnish types cost the same. Some may be affordable while others may cost a premium due to the application process and ingredient requirements. Once you’re budgeting for the packaging, consider the threshold for the finishing you can pay for. This will improve your decision-making skills and provide you with a clear pathway.
• Product Type: Since each finish has distinctive, appealing properties, one may suit a specific product while the other one may not appeal. That’s why it’s best to complement the finish with the item you’re delivering in the box.
• Aesthetic Goals: What do you want to achieve? More shiny surface or subtle? Define your aesthetic goals for the packaging, and you’ll find out what finish works better for your packaging needs.
• Sustainability: If you’re selling eco-friendly products, then delivering them in the anti-environment boxes may leave a bad impression. To cope with this, opt for the green varnish finishes that are kind to the planet, such as water-based aqueous coatings.

Tips to Keep the Environment Green with Varnish

Shoppers are now more conscious about the packaging-related aspects beyond the materials. They ensure that every element contributes to the planet’s cleaner, greener vision. Below are some of the tips to minimize the harmful impact.

• Prefer Eco-friendly Varnishes: It’s the job of the vendors to sell the products. But as an eco-conscious brand, your duty is to ensure that the ingredients of the varnish’s finishes are sourced safely. While it must be certified by a reliable organization to stay on the complaint side.
• Less is more: It’s not always recommended to cover up the whole surface of the packaging with varnish. Rather, apply it only on the dedicated spots where demanded. This will minimize the cost and ensure the environmental aspects remain compliant.
• Go for recycled materials: Since varnish is ideal for paper material packaging solutions. When you opt for recycled materials, it eventually benefits the whole supply chain of natural resources, as you don’t have to pay a premium for packaging ingredients.
• Minimize as much as you can: Bulky boxes, complex designs, and unnecessary add-ons may seem appealing, but they waste crucial resources. That’s why it is always an ideal approach to go minimalistic and demand the varnish finishing just to complement and protect the product and not the surroundings.

Partner with Reliable Packaging Vendor

Whatever Varnish finishes you want to coat on the packaging, ensure that you get it from a reputable company. At OXO Packaging, we’re the industry-leading vendors offering bespoke packaging solutions at competitive costs. You can call us anytime at (510) 500-9533 or write your queries to sales@oxopackaging.com.