Special Effects For Your Printed Pieces

According to scientific research, the sense of touch is learned earlier and retained longer than any other sense. Educators are constantly testing various ways to engage more of our senses and improve our learning abilities. Modern advertising hasn’t been left far behind either - businesses use these same techniques to increase sales - and the results are undeniably impressive. You can do this with your next printing project. Adding some special effects to your printed pieces will not only catch your customers’ eyes, but their sense of touch as well. By creating a multi-sensory, memorable experience, you cultivate curiosity, which subtly influences buyers’ behaviours in positive ways. Here are some interesting ways your PrintPro professionals can add special effects to your projects:

Embossing and Debossing

Embossing raises graphics and lettering on the paper stock. This changes the texture of the print and creates an enriching three-dimensional effect. Debossing does the opposite - it lowers the graphics and lettering to reshape the surface of the paper. You’ve probably encountered these techniques before - both are very beckoning to the touch. The print pieces most ideal for these two effects are brochures, business cards, and invitations like wedding cards.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping is also known as hot stamping. Here, metal dies combined with pressure and heat permanently bond a thin foil to a surface.  Although this is a nineteenth-century method that was used to apply gold tooling or embossing in book printing, it has lasted until now - clearly one of those timeless art forms. Foil stamping can be used to create a variety of specialized textures including glossy, matte, metallic, and holographic finishes. Since this method doesn’t contain any ink, the colour of the stamped print is not affected by the foil. This makes it ideal for patterns and lettering on book covers, product packaging, letterheads, invitations, and more.

Coatings

There are many options when it comes to coatings. The major ones that have gained prominence in the printing world recently include aqueous coating, soft touch, and UV coatings. Industry-standards are glossy, varnish and laminate coatings. All of these add special effects to print pieces and their suitability varies depending on the type of print project you require. In general, they improve the aesthetics of your print pieces while protecting them against moisture, dirt and overall wear and tear. 

When you add some special effects to your print pieces, you give your customers tactile and multi-sensory experiences that stick - a great way to inspire them to take action. These textures also encourage consumers’ perception that your company offers elite services.

Wondering what special effects you can add to your print pieces to make them stand out? Our Winnipeg print shops offer many special effects solutions that will take your printing project to the next level.