This article first appeared in the May 2025 issue of Australian Printer 

The print industry is constantly evolving, and an exciting development in recent years is the rise of specialty finishes. From eye-catching foils to velvety laminates, these premium enhancements are no longer exclusive to high-end brands – they are becoming mainstream thanks to advancements in finishing technology.

For print providers, the opportunity to incorporate specialty finishes isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about increasing value, driving demand, and boosting profitability. Today’s market demands more than just ink on paper. Customers want their prints to stand out, and specialty finishes provide the tactile and visual appeal that enhances brand perception. According to Hilton Laminating, some of the most sought-after finishes include:

• Velvet touch and anti-scuff laminates – These soft-touch laminates add a premium feel to printed materials, creating an immediate sense of luxury. Anti-scuff properties ensure the finish remains pristine, even with frequent handling.
• Foiling and holographic effects – Gold, silver, and rose gold foils remain classic choices, however, Hilton Laminating is seeing increasing demand for illusion (pearlescent silver) and holographic finishes. These elements bring an interactive, high-end appeal to packaging, invitations, and marketing materials.
• Spot UV – Spot gloss UV adds contrast by highlighting specific areas of a design, perfectly isolating and enhancing logos and emblems.
• Celloglazing – Glossy coatings elevate print materials, allowing brands to achieve distinctive, high-quality finishes.

According to Hilton Laminating, investing in specialty finishing technology is no longer just for large-scale print operations. Even small and mid-sized printers are recognising the value of bringing these capabilities in-house, Hilton Laminating said.

This is due to several reasons, including:

• Higher profit margins – Specialty finishes command premium pricing. Adding foil, embossing, or spot UV to a print job can significantly increase its value without dramatically raising production costs.
• Increased customer retention – Clients who experience the impact of high-end finishes are more likely to return for future projects, appreciating the quality and uniqueness of the final product.
• Faster turnaround times – Outsourcing specialty finishes can lead to production delays. By investing in the right equipment, printers can streamline workflows and meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.
• Greater creative control – In-house finishing allows adjustments in real-time, ensuring every detail aligns with the client’s vision.
• Market differentiation – Offering specialty finishes helps print providers stand out in a crowded industry, giving them a competitive edge.

The demand for specialty finishes is growing and print providers who embrace these enhancements stand to benefit in terms of both revenue and reputation.

Whether investing in high-end laminators, foiling machines, or spot UV technology, the right finishing solutions can transform ordinary prints into extraordinary pieces.

While outsourcing specialty finishes has been the norm for many years, bringing finishing technology in-house has become increasingly viable.

Some of the benefits of outsourcing include cost-effectiveness if specialty finishes make up a small percentage of a business and they are working with a specialist finisher. It also eliminates the need for capital investment and ensures high-quality results from experienced professionals.

For print shops handling frequent specialty jobs, investing in laminating, foiling and equipment in-house can lead to significant cost savings, faster turnaround times, and increased control over quality.

The decision ultimately depends on a printer’s volume, customer base, and investment capacity.

As a leader in finishing solutions, Hilton Laminating offers a wide range of specialty films and equipment to meet diverse industry needs.

One of its standout machines is the M-560Y embossing laminator which sets a high standard for in-house finishing with its innovative features and precision. It features advanced electromagnetic heating that maintains an exact temperature within one degree Celsius, a durable chrome roller, delivers 6.2 tonnes of hydraulic pressure, and provides an impressive selection of embossing options.

Some of Hilton Laminating’s other products include:

• Foiling and holographic films – The company’s toner transfer foils are available in classic gold, silver, and rose gold, as well as eye-catching holographic and illusion finishes. These can be applied effortlessly with a laminator equipped with an uptake or rewind roller.
• Velvet touch and anti-scuff laminates – Designed for high-end packaging, brochures, and business cards, these films enhance both durability and aesthetics.
• Spot Gloss UV – Ideal for highlighting logos and design elements, these films add texture and shine to printed materials.
• BOPP films and PET laminates – Its Superstick and PET films provide versatile finishing options suitable for a range of applications.
• Binding solutions – A recent addition to its lineup, Rilecart Binding enables seamless production of booklets, manuals, and presentations.

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter