Soft Touch Coating
When it comes to creating a premium, tactile experience for consumers, soft touch coating is one of the most effective finishes available.
This specialty coating adds a luxurious, suede-like texture to paper packaging, transforming it into something that feels as high-end as it looks. Ideal for cannabis products aiming to stand out in a competitive market, soft touch coating not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also offers functional benefits, such as fingerprint resistance and increased durability.
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What is Soft‑Touch Coating?
Soft‑touch coating is a specialized finishing technique applied to paperboard or cardboard packaging to create a velvety, suede‑like surface that feels smooth and luxurious to the touch. Where a regular matte coating might simply reduce gloss, a soft‑touch coating goes further: it alters the tactile experience and gives a packaging box a high‑end feel.
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How Soft Touch Coating Made & Applied
During the printing and finishing process, after ink and graphics have been applied, the soft‑touch coating is applied either inline (directly during the print run) as a liquid varnish (water‑based or UV‑cured) or via a specialized film laminate (though the coating version is different).
The liquid variant is applied via roller, spraying, or a screen process; then it cures (often via UV light) to form the signature soft texture.
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What Makes It Different?
Tactile Experience: Soft‑touch coating delivers a velvet‑like or suede‑like feel — when a consumer holds the box, they sense softness and premium quality. This is different from standard matte, gloss, or satin finishes which focus mainly on visual effects, not so much sensory contact.
Visual Effects: Although the coating is matte and low‑gloss, it maintains or even enhances printed colors and design fidelity, because the coating process doesn’t significantly dull the print. In contrast, film lamination (especially matte film) can mute colours.
Benefits of Soft Touch Coating for Custom Packaging
Considerations for Using Soft Touch Coating in Custom Marijuana Packaging
Environmental Impact
As the demand for eco-friendly packaging grows, it’s important to note that soft touch coating, while luxurious, may not always be fully biodegradable. Cannabis brands that prioritize sustainability should consider the environmental implications of their packaging choices. However, many manufacturers now offer environmentally friendly alternatives for soft touch coatings, such as water-based or UV-cured coatings, which can help minimize the environmental footprint.
Material Compatibility
Soft touch coating is typically applied to paperboard or cardboard packaging. When choosing this finish for your marijuana packaging, ensure that the material of your packaging is compatible with soft touch coatings. Some materials may not achieve the desired finish or durability, so working with an experienced packaging supplier will ensure that you get the best results for your custom packaging needs.
Cost vs. Benefit
While soft touch coating is a cost-effective option for premium finishes, it’s important to weigh the benefits against your packaging budget. If you’re producing a large volume of packaging, the additional cost per unit may be manageable. However, for smaller batches or highly customized packaging, it’s essential to calculate whether the added cost aligns with your brand’s objectives and customer expectations.
What's the Difference of Soft Touch Coating, Matte Coating, and Glossy Coating?
Matte Coating
Texture and Feel:
Matte coating provides a flat, non-reflective surface that is smooth to the touch but without the velvety texture of soft touch. It offers a clean, sophisticated look and is generally softer to the touch than glossy finishes but not as smooth or luxurious as soft touch coating.
Appearance:
Matte coatings reduce the brightness of colors, giving them a more subdued, elegant tone. The surface does not reflect light, which makes it ideal for designs that require a more understated or minimalist look.
Ideal for:
Matte coatings are ideal for businesses seeking a professional, modern appearance without the glare. It is commonly used for corporate packaging, books, business cards, and even some cannabis packaging where a premium but not overly flashy look is desired.
Key Benefits:
- Creates a sophisticated, non-reflective look.
- Ideal for a minimalist or elegant aesthetic.
- Doesn’t show fingerprints, though not as effectively as soft touch.
- Suitable for high-quality, professional designs.
Soft Touch Coating
Texture and Feel:
Soft touch coating is known for its velvety, suede-like texture that offers a luxurious, smooth, and tactile finish. It feels premium to the touch and adds a high-end feel to your packaging. The coating reduces the glossiness of the paper surface, providing a matte finish that is also fingerprint-resistant and scuff-resistant.
Appearance:
The finish is typically matte, with a smooth texture that doesn’t shine but still retains some depth. The surface can be selective (e.g., spot coating) to highlight certain parts of the design, like logos or text.
Ideal for:
Soft touch coating is perfect for premium packaging, luxury products, or any product that aims to create a memorable and tactile consumer experience. It’s widely used in industries like cosmetics, high-end retail products, and cannabis packaging where brand differentiation is key.
Key Benefits:
- Provides a luxurious feel.
- Enhances durability while maintaining a refined, elegant look.
Glossy Coating
Texture and Feel:
Glossy coating results in a shiny, reflective finish that gives packaging a bright, polished appearance. The coating provides a smooth, slick surface, which can be visually striking but does not provide the tactile softness of the other two finishes.
Appearance:
Glossy coatings intensify colors and provide a vivid, high-impact visual effect. The shiny surface reflects light, making the design stand out, which can be very eye-catching on the shelf. This finish can make the packaging look more vibrant and crisp but may also show imperfections like fingerprints, scratches, and smudges.
Ideal for:
Glossy coatings are perfect for designs that require high contrast, bold graphics, or products that benefit from a shiny, attention-grabbing look. Common in cosmetics, food packaging, and some cannabis product lines that emphasize color vibrancy and boldness.
Key Benefits:
- Offers a shiny, vibrant, and reflective finish.
- Colors appear more intense and saturated.
- Ideal for attracting attention with bold designs.
- Highlights details and fine print effectively.
Surface Treatments Applicable for Soft Touch Coating Paper
✅ Spot UV
✅ Foil Stamping (Including Additional Colors)
✅ Embossing / Debossing
Ready to Customize Your Boxes with Soft Touch Coating?
