Use this Metallic Application Chart to review the pros and cons of using different types of metallic design solutions in your graphic and packaging projects.
| Use Case |
Advantages* |
Disadvantages* |
Works Well For |
| Metallic Ink |
- Detail (superior quality for vignettes, screen work, small font and/ or reverse type)
- Color variety
- Usually the most economical in cost-of-application
- In-line coating
- Versatility to adjust appearance with different coatings
- Production speed
- Good for short runs/lower MOQs for colors
- Environmentally friendly
- Global, easily available
- Physical commication reference guide widely available
- Can print a second ink on top of metallic ink for color tints or additional effects
|
- Not as reflective/shiny as some other metallic applications
- Absorbs easily into uncoated media and loses appearance effects
- No barrier properties as with metallized substrates
- Overcoatability is challenged for some metallic shades and particular chemistries
|
- Offset
- Flexo
- Gravure
- Screen
- Digital
- On Film
- On Folding Board
|
| Foil Stamping (Hot Foil) |
- Can achieve very reflective metallic color effects
- Widely available
|
- Highest cost (for run and initial set-up)
- Cannot always achieve intricate details
- Often limited color selection with low MOQs
- Costly for shorter runs, low MOQs
- Long lead time (could take weeks) based on material availability
- Requires secondary equipment and converting process
- Not always easily recyclable
- Often high waste
- Inflexible with design changes
- Pattern changes require new die and related lead time
|
- Offset
- Flexo
- Gravure
- Screen
- Digital
- On Folding Board
|
| Metallized Film (Mylar) |
- Can achieve very reflective metallic color effects
- Durable metallic retails lustre with heavy handling
- Vibrant color possible, including overprinted ink colors
- Short runs possible using digital print processes
- Can achieve photo quality and gradients via overprint
- Often provides 02/light barrier to preserve contents
|
- Long runs (non digital)
- High cost if barrier properties are not essential (food)
|
|
| Printing on Metallized Board |
- Can achieve very reflective metallic color effects
- Vibrant color possible, including overprinted ink colors
- Short runs possible using digital print processes
- Can achieve photo quality and gradients via overprint
- Provides a tactile feel unique for packaging
|
- High material cost
- Some board types are not recyclable
- Often requires opaque white and may limit ability to use spot colors.
|
- Offset
- Flexo
- Gravure
- Screen
- Digital
- On Folding Board
|
