Journal
Matte vs gloss vs soft-touch: choosing a lamination finish for your boxes
What is lamination?
Lamination is a thin plastic film bonded over the printed board. It protects the print from scuffs and moisture, strengthens folds so the ink cracks less, and — most visibly — sets the finish: how the box reflects light and how it feels in the hand. The three most common films are matte, gloss and soft-touch.
At Pressholic, matte or gloss lamination is included at no additional lamination charge on every order. See all lamination finishes.
Adding foil or spot UV on top? See spot UV vs foil vs holographic.
Matte, gloss and soft-touch compared
| Matte | Gloss | Soft-touch | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Soft, even sheen; no glare | Shiny, reflective | Very low sheen; deep, velvety |
| Colour | Slightly muted, elegant | Richest and most saturated | Muted and deep, especially dark colours |
| Feel | Smooth | Slick | Velvet- or suede-like |
| Everyday wear | Hides glare; a good all-round choice | Wipes clean easily | Can show scuffs and marks on dark colours |
| Readability | Easy under any light | Glare at some angles | Easy under any light |
| Best with | Spot UV, foil, clean modern designs | Photos, bright colours, food and kids' products | Foil and embossing on premium boxes |
When to choose matte
Matte lamination suits minimal, modern brands and anything that is read under strong shop lights. It pairs especially well with spot UV: the glossy areas stand out sharply against the flat background — for example a logo that shines on an otherwise matte box.
When to choose gloss
Gloss lamination makes colours pop and photographs look vivid. It is a natural fit for food, toys, cosmetics with bright palettes and any design where the image sells the product. It also wipes clean easily.
When to choose soft-touch
Soft-touch lamination adds a tactile, premium feel that customers notice as soon as they pick the box up. It works best on dark or rich colours and on rigid boxes, cosmetics and gift packaging, combined with foil or embossing for contrast. Colours print slightly deeper and darker under it, so check your proof with that in mind.
Combining lamination with other finishes
- Matte + spot UV — the classic contrast of flat and shiny.
- Soft-touch + foil — metallic highlights on a velvety base.
- Any lamination + embossing — raised detail you can feel; see embossing and debossing.
- Holographic effects — a different route altogether; see holographic boxes.
Lamination is applied before foil and spot UV, so the order of finishes is set up on your proof. You approve a free digital proof before production, which takes 7–14 working days.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, matte or gloss lamination?
Neither is better overall. Matte gives a calm, glare-free look that suits modern designs and spot UV; gloss makes colours and photos more vivid. Both can be included without an additional lamination charge on Pressholic orders.
Is soft-touch the same as matte?
No. Both have low sheen, but soft-touch film has a textured, velvety feel and an even lower sheen than matte. It is chosen for its hand-feel as much as its look.
Does lamination change my colours?
Slightly. Gloss makes colours look more saturated; matte and soft-touch make them a little softer and deeper. Keep this in mind when you check your proof.
Does soft-touch lamination mark easily?
It has no glare, but dark soft-touch surfaces can show scuffs and marks with heavy handling. For boxes that are handled a lot, matte or gloss is the more hard-wearing choice.
Can I add spot UV or foil on top of lamination?
Yes. Lamination goes on first, then spot UV or foil is applied on top. Matte with spot UV and soft-touch with foil are popular combinations.
