Why you should avoid applying special finishes to very large areas

Special finishes are created by applying a transparent polymer to the areas marked in your file with the “Finishing” color swatch. If you selected gold or silver foil, a metallic foil of the color chosen is applied over the transparent polymer. If you chose embossed varnish instead, the clear polymer is applied to create a tactile, 3D effect. If you chose Foil Accent or Glitter Foil, the clear polymer is applied to create a reflective, light-catching effect that enhances your design with depth and a premium look.

When you apply a special finish over large areas of your design, the result may appear uneven, with surface irregularities that can be noticeable to the touch and visually inconsistent, as shown in the following example:

Comparison of light blue cards with flower-shaped elements featuring a gold special finish: the version marked with a red X has gold foil applied over a large area, resulting in visible imperfections and irregularities, while the version marked with a green check limits it to thin outlines and dot patterns for a more uniform result.

To achieve the best result and make your special finish truly stand out, please follow these guidelines:

  • The area covered by the finish should not exceed 50% of the total printed surface
  • Apply the finish to small details rather than large, solid areas
  • Minimum thickness of lines with a special finish: 1 pt
  • Minimum size of text with a special finish: 10 pt
  • All elements with a special finish must be placed within the Safe Area, at least 3 mm (0,11") from the cut line

If you still have any doubts, please contact us. We're happy to help!

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