Product labelling and packaging significantly impact consumer perception of an item for sale.
Is it trustworthy and high-quality? Is it interesting and unique? All told, is it worth buying? It’s easy enough to create a simple, clean finish that ticks certain boxes. But will the label you’ve chosen to represent your product really sell it to your customer base if you stop there?
In this article, we explore six of the most exciting decorative finishes you could apply to your self-adhesive labels to shake things up—from label embossing to UV label coatings.
Any one of these finishes could be a game-changer for your company, allowing you to cohesively elevate your labelling…
Metallic inks and foils
A metallic finish—whether gold, silver, copper or iridescent—conveys elegance, luxury and quality. It’s no surprise, then, that metallic labels are a tried and true way of taking your packaging up a notch.
There are two standard methods for creating that metallic sheen on certain elements of your label: You can use metallic ink, or you can bring foiling into the equation. Your preferred course of action will come down to the level of shine you’re seeking and the budget you’re working with. Metallic ink options are often available more affordably than hot and cold foiling options.
Glitter finishes
There are many ways that the Kingfisher team can add sparkle and shine to your labels—but your best option in the realm of glitter labels depends on the result you’re hoping for.
You could leverage the same foiling techniques used for metallics to create a holographic, rainbow-reflecting final product that shimmers attractively in the light. Or you could craft your perfect product labels with PVC/PET interspersed with a million little specks of glitter, creating a more ‘traditional’ effect.
Embossed and debossed options
Add some tactile intrigue to your labels with embossing or debossing. Embossing raises the surface of a word/area on the label, meaning that the elevated section will catch attention both visually and when handled. Debossing does the opposite, lowering the surface of a word/area below the height of the rest of the label to create an indent effect.
Both embossing and debossing can be further enhanced by some of the other decorative finishes in this list. Foiled and debossed elements, for instance, are very popular.
Thermochromic and colour-shift effects
Choosing the right colour for your product packaging is imperative. But what if your labelling solution could incorporate multiple gorgeous hues with the help of thermochromic ink? Or chameleon ink?
Thermochromic labels are better known as colour-changing labels. They shift in hue due to changes in temperature, like a novelty mug that reveals a brand-new picture when filled with a hot drink. Chameleon labels are also called colour-shifting labels. They shift in hue from one angle to the next, depending on how the light catches the label.
Glow-in-the-dark and UV fun
If your consumer base could benefit from the ability to see your label in the dark—or would simply enjoy the experience of seeing it transformed and glowing under UV light—get in touch to discover your glow-in-the-dark or blacklight options. Glow-in-the-dark is visible anytime the lights are off, while blacklight inks are revealed by fluorescence.
These sorts of stickers and labels aren’t just a helpful safety feature for certain use cases. They’re also very fun, whimsical and unique if deployed appropriately.
Special textures
Expanding on embossing and debossing, you may want to play with the feeling and texture of your entire label. There are various ways to do this.
Options at either end of the glossy/matte spectrum are the simplest examples, but one particularly interesting option gaining popularity lately is the velvety, ‘soft touch’ self-adhesive label. Soft touch labels feel comfortable and premium against your fingertips. They encourage tactility, and are an excellent option for a range of luxury products—from high-end cosmetics to quality foodstuffs.
Looking for label design advice?
Designing a label is a complex, evolving process that balances numerous priorities. What you created two years ago may no longer be the right fit for your brand, budget or business goals.
So, if the decorative finishes detailed in this article have inspired you to rethink your current slate of product labels, we encourage you to chat with the Kingfisher team about your needs.
Our expertise encompasses design, preparation, production and delivery, and we’d love to talk things through with you. Contact us today.