Sometimes two business cards share an identical design - the same logo, the same details, the same paper - yet one of them makes a completely different impression. The secret usually is not in the artwork, but in the finish. Lamination is the simplest finish that makes print look (and feel under your fingers) more expensive than it is. In this guide we show the three films we actually offer - gloss, matt and velvet Soft Touch - what each one gives you, and how to choose the right one.
- Lamination works on two senses at once - sight and touch - and that is what raises the perceived value of a project.
- Gloss film brings colours to life, matt gives elegance without glare, and Soft Touch adds a premium, velvety feel.
- A film is not only about looks: it protects print from scratches, moisture and wear.
- Good paper enhances the finish - choose the film already at the design stage.
Why the finish changes so much
Perceived quality does not come from a single thing. It is built from paper, design and what happens on the surface - how it reflects light and how it responds to touch. When someone picks up a smooth, matte cover or a business card with a deep, saturated colour, the brain reads it clearly: someone made an effort.
It works because a film engages more than sight. A matte surface you want to run a finger across, or a gloss that lifts a photo - these are signals plain print cannot fake. And that is exactly why they build a premium impression so strongly. A film also protects the print: laminated print resists scratches, bent corners and moisture far better.
Gloss film - vivid colours and contrast
Gloss film is a smooth, shining coating that deepens colours and boosts contrast. Blacks become richer and saturated hues more vivid. It works best where the image matters: business cards with a photo, covers, flyers with strong graphics, product packaging. The shine draws the eye and makes a design look energetic.
Keep two things in mind: gloss reflects light, so fine text on a large shiny surface can be harder to read at an angle, and on a dark background it shows fingerprints. For image-led designs, though, it is usually the best choice.
Matt film - elegance without glare
Matt film is the opposite of gloss: it scatters light, giving a muted, silky surface with no reflections. The effect is calm and elegant - which is why matt is chosen for projects where class and legibility matter: refined business cards, company folders, menu cards, invitations. Text on matt reads comfortably, because nothing bounces light into your eyes.
Matt is also practical: it shows fingerprints less than gloss, and the surface looks discreet and modern. The only trade-off is colour - slightly less punchy than under gloss film, but more refined.
Velvet Soft Touch film - premium to the touch
Soft Touch is our most premium film. It gives a velvety finish that feels like suede or the skin of a peach - a deep matte look combined with a softness you recognise within a second of touching it. This finish works above all through the hand: folders, covers, exclusive business cards, cases and gift packaging gain a character that does not show in a photo - you have to hold it.
Soft Touch looks beautiful on dark, saturated colours - navy, bottle green or deep black under a velvet film look exceptionally dignified. It is the choice for projects meant to stay in memory long after first contact.
If a design carries a lot of reading text or you want discreet elegance, choose matt or Soft Touch. If a photo or a strong colour is the hero, gloss will get the most out of it.
Which film to choose
There is no single best film - only the film that fits the project. In short: gloss for graphics and photos when you want colours to pop; matt for text-led, elegant designs when you value calm and legibility; Soft Touch when print should impress by touch and build a premium impression. All three protect the print - they differ mainly in look and texture.
Lamination, paper and durability
Film and paper play as a duo. Lamination looks and behaves best on thicker stocks - coated boards from about 250 gsm upwards, which are rigid and hold the film well. Beyond looks, a film is protective: the print underneath resists rubbing, stains and everyday handling, which matters especially for business cards, folders or menu cards that pass through many hands. If you are weighing up the substrate, our posts on which paper looks best and on decorative papers that are easy to overdo will help.
A good finish is not meant to shout - it is meant to make someone hold a project in their hands a moment longer.
Where to start
If you are doing this for the first time, start with one decision: matt or gloss. For a business card with a photo or a flyer with strong graphics, try gloss film. For an elegant business card, folder or menu card - matt. And if the print should feel premium at the very first touch, reach for Soft Touch. Premium does not come from excess, but from a considered detail - best chosen by looking at a specific project. If you would like to talk through the finish for your print, we are happy to advise via contact, and you will find more practical tips on our blog.
