Gloss lamination
Gloss lamination is a clear, shiny plastic film bonded over the print. It makes photography and saturated colors pop, and it wipes clean, which suits food, confectionery and retail bags. On dark solid colors it shows fingerprints, so matte brands are better served by matte aqueous or soft-touch.
Gloss lamination at a glance
| What it is | A clear high-gloss film laminated over the print |
|---|---|
| Used on | Folding cartons, euro totes, labels and sticker sheets, counter displays |
| Look | Bright, saturated, reflective |
| Durability | Tough and wipes clean |
| Weak point | Fingerprints show on dark solids |
| Pairs with | Spot UV is redundant on it; foil works |
| Recycling | Depends on the local facility once film is applied |
When to choose it, and when not to
Choose gloss for packaging sold on its picture: confectionery, snacks, toys, supplements with product photography, retail bags that get carried around town. It is the most durable of the films and keeps color bright under shop lighting.
Skip it for a quiet, matte brand or for large dark solids that will be handled, where fingerprints show. Use matte aqueous coating for a flat look that ships well, or soft-touch lamination for a premium feel.
Read nextProducts made with gloss lamination
These are the products whose pages list gloss lamination as a material that suits them. Across these products, all start at 200 units, with lead times of 5 to 14 business days after proof approval. Each product page states its own.
Also offered in gloss lamination: seal end carton, window carton, hanging tab carton, supplement carton, pharmacy style carton, counter display carton, laminated euro tote, sticker and label sheet, shipping labels, sticker sheets.
Questions about gloss lamination
Gloss or matte for food packaging?
Gloss if the box sells on product photography and bright color. Matte if the brand is quieter or the box is handled a lot in dark colors, where gloss shows prints.
Does spot UV work on a gloss laminated box?
Not usefully. Spot UV works by contrast, gloss on matte, so on a gloss film it disappears. Pair gloss with foil instead, or switch the base to matte and use spot UV.
Is gloss lamination waterproof?
The film resists splashes and wipes clean, which is why it suits food and labels. The board underneath is still paper, so it is not built for standing water.
Is a gloss laminated box recyclable?
Once a plastic film is laminated on, recyclability depends on the local facility, so we check before printing any recycling claim.
Hold it before you choose
The Swatch Book is a free set of board, wrap and finish samples, so you can feel gloss lamination next to the alternatives before you decide. Name the materials you are weighing in the request. When you are ready, send the size and quantity for a quote and a dieline, usually within one business day, with a complimentary digital proof on every order.