Soft Touch Coating: A Luxurious Finish That Elevates Product Packaging
Soft Touch Coating is a luxurious finishing technique that gives packaging a smooth, velvety feel. It enhances the tactile experience, adds a matte appearance, and elevates the overall look of products, making them feel premium and high-end.
In the ever-evolving world of product packaging, brands constantly seek ways to stand out, deliver memorable unboxing experiences, and communicate quality through tactile elements. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is with soft touch coating, a premium finish that adds a velvety, matte texture to printed materials. Whether used on packaging boxes, brochures, or business cards, soft touch coating adds elegance, sophistication, and durability.
In this article, well dive into what soft touch coating is, how it works, where its commonly used, and the benefits it brings to both businesses and consumers.
What Is Soft Touch Coating?
Soft touch coating is a type of finish applied to printed materials that provides a smooth, suede-like, or velvet texture. Unlike gloss or matte coatings, which affect only the visual appearance, soft touch coating focuses on the tactile experience, making the product feel soft and luxurious when held.
It is often mistaken for matte lamination, but soft touch is typically more refined and has a higher level of tactile appeal. It's applied either as a liquid coating during the printing process or as a lamination film, depending on the desired effect and production setup.
How Does Soft Touch Coating Work?
Soft touch coating can be achieved in two main ways:
1. Liquid Coating
A water-based or UV coating is applied to the surface of the printed material. Once cured, it forms a soft-feel layer that resists fingerprints and provides a subtle matte finish.
2. Lamination Film
A soft touch lamination film is adhered to the printed surface. This method provides a more durable and velvet-like finish, often preferred for premium packaging and high-end print collateral.
Common Applications of Soft Touch Coating
Soft touch coating is widely used across various industries where first impressions and tactile branding are crucial. Common applications include:
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Luxury packaging (cosmetics, jewelry, perfumes)
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Business cards and brochures
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Presentation folders
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Custom rigid boxes
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Book covers
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Tech product packaging
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Subscription boxes
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Invitation cards
The finish communicates sophistication and premium quality, making it perfect for upscale and boutique brands. more
Key Benefits of Soft Touch Coating
1. Premium Tactile Appeal
Soft touch instantly elevates the customers perception of your product. It feels luxurious in hand and sets your brand apart from competitors using basic gloss or matte finishes.
2. Enhanced Brand Perception
This coating aligns with luxury, elegance, and attention to detail. It helps establish your brand as one that cares about quality and customer experience.
3. Anti-Fingerprint and Smudge Resistance
Unlike gloss coatings, soft touch resists smudges and fingerprints, keeping your packaging pristine during handling and shipping.
4. Improved Durability
Soft touch coatings and films add a protective layer to printed materials, helping resist scratches and wear over time.
5. Excellent Print Compatibility
It works well with spot UV, foil stamping, and embossing, allowing designers to create multi-texture experiences that are both visually and physically engaging.
Soft Touch Coating vs. Matte Lamination
| Feature | Soft Touch Coating | Matte Lamination |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Velvet/suede-like | Smooth, flat, slightly dull |
| Durability | High | Moderate |
| Visual Appearance | Matte with depth | Flat matte look |
| Cost | Slightly more expensive | More affordable |
| Tactile Experience | Premium and memorable | Subtle |
Is Soft Touch Coating Right for Your Brand?
If your brand values premium aesthetics, customer experience, and distinctive packaging, then soft touch coating is worth considering. It adds a layer of emotional connection and perceived value, which can influence buying decisions and brand loyalty. Custom packaging provides high-quality packaging at wholesale prices.
Businesses targeting high-end markets, such as cosmetics, fashion, electronics, gourmet food, or luxury services, especially benefit from incorporating soft touch into their branding and packaging strategy.
Conclusion
In a market flooded with options, how your product feels can be just as important as how it looks. Soft touch coating offers a luxurious, tactile experience that adds depth, durability, and a strong brand impression. By leveraging this elegant finish, businesses can enhance their packaging, elevate their branding, and stand out from the crowd.
Whether you're printing marketing materials or designing high-end packaging, consider soft touch coating as a valuable investment in your brand identity.
