Post-Press Surface Finishing Techniques for Color Printing

 Post-press surface finishing plays a vital role in color printing and packaging production. In today’s highly competitive printing market, the success of a product often depends on the quality of its packaging. Well-executed surface finishing directly affects the overall appearance, texture, and perceived grade of packaging, thereby influencing a product’s competitiveness in the market.

From professional book printing to premium commercial packaging, post-press surface finishing is an essential technical process used to enhance packaging value, strengthen brand image, and improve product appeal.

Common Post-Press Surface Finishing Techniques for Color Printing

1. Special Surface Finishing Techniques

In recent years, special post-press finishing techniques have developed rapidly and are now widely applied in mid- to high-end packaging production. These techniques help printed products stand out both visually and tactilely.

Surface Gluing (Spray Coating)
A uniform layer of adhesive or coating is applied to the printed surface to improve gloss, water resistance, and abrasion resistance, while also protecting the printed artwork.

Matte / Sanding Finish
Fine, evenly distributed sand-like textures are created on the surface, resulting in a soft matte appearance and a refined tactile experience. This finish is especially popular in luxury packaging.

Embossing / Debossing
Using custom molds, patterns or textures are pressed into the paper surface to add depth, dimension, and artistic appeal.

Embossed (Raised) or Debossed (Recessed) Effects
Specific areas such as logos, brand names, or key graphics are raised or recessed to highlight important design elements and reinforce brand identity.

These special finishing techniques are widely used in premium packaging, including gift boxes, handicrafts, tobacco and alcohol packaging, and luxury consumer goods, significantly enhancing product quality and recognition.

2. Calendering (Polishing)

Calendering is a finishing process typically performed after varnishing and, in some cases, directly applied to high-grade paper products. Since varnish alone may not achieve the desired gloss through natural leveling and drying, calendering is often required for high-quality printed materials.

This process improves surface smoothness and gloss while enhancing color vibrancy and image contrast.

Key benefits of calendering include:

• Enhanced surface gloss

• Improved smoothness and flatness

• More vivid colors and stronger image contrast

Calendering is performed using specialized calendering machines, often integrated with varnishing equipment, making it suitable for large-scale, high-quality packaging production.