Soft-touch, matte or gloss lamination: which one to choose?

Soft-touch, matte or gloss lamination: which one to choose?

Lamination — a thin film applied to a printed piece — protects the surface and radically transforms its finish. On a business card, a cover or a brochure, it's often the difference between “fine” and “wow”. Here's a quick comparison of the three most requested finishes.

Gloss lamination

It makes colours pop and adds contrast and energy. Ideal for photographic visuals, promotional materials and anything that needs to grab attention. The downside: it catches reflections and shows fingerprints more easily.

Matte lamination

Elegant and understated, it reduces glare for comfortable reading and an upmarket finish. Ideal for professional services, luxury brands and understated brand identities. It's also the perfect base for spot varnish (a glossy detail on a matte background).

Soft-touch lamination

The star of the moment: a soft, velvety, memorable feel that gives an immediate impression of quality. Ideal for premium business cards and materials designed to make an impression the moment they're picked up. Combine it with foil stamping or 3D varnish for maximum impact.

How to choose?

Bold, colourful visual → gloss. Understated, quality image → matte. Premium, tactile effect → soft-touch. Not sure? We'll show you samples. Discover our card printing or request a free quote.

Further reading