In the printing industry, the term “soft touch” generally refers to any finishing technique that imparts a velvety, tactile quality to printed materials. Unlike design elements that primarily appeal to the visual sense, a soft touch finish adds an additional layer of distinction by engaging the sense of touch.
Also known as a “soft-feel” or “velvet” finish, soft touch finishes are becoming increasingly popular, especially for items like book covers and presentation folders, where a unique and appealing tactile experience is desired.
What does a Soft Touch Print finish feel like?
A Soft Touch print finish feels velvety and smooth to the touch, similar to suede or velvet. It creates a luxurious tactile experience that enhances the overall look and feel of the printed piece. The finish is achieved by applying a special tactile coating to the paper, which adds a subtle texture without any gloss or shine. This unique texture makes printed materials stand out and adds a premium feel to marketing materials, packaging, and high-end products.
The soft touch finish is particularly popular for products where the tactile experience is important, such as luxury packaging, business cards, and brochures. It provides a sophisticated and elegant feel that appeals to the senses and leaves a lasting impression on the recipient. The soft touch finish is also versatile and can be combined with other printing techniques, such as embossing or foil stamping, to create even more visually striking and memorable designs.
How is a Soft Touch print finish achieved?
A soft-touch finish is achieved by applying either a soft-touch coating or a soft-touch laminate film. Soft-touch coatings are applied in liquid form, usually as an inline process, after the printing ink has been applied. The coating then dries with the “soft feel” texture.
On the other hand, a soft-touch laminate is a specially-textured matte plastic film that is bonded on top of the printing. The distinct, low-luster surface of this special laminate provides the soft feel.
Bear in mind that a soft-touch coating is less expensive than a soft-touch laminate, but the laminate adds durability to the printing whereas the coating does not. Also, for best results, it is recommended that any soft-touch finish be applied over high-quality coated papers and cardstocks.
When to use soft touch print finish?
The soft-touch finish is best used when you want to enhance the tactile experience of your printed materials. It’s particularly effective for promotional items like brochures, business cards, and invitations, as well as for packaging, book covers, and premium marketing materials. This finish can make your printed pieces stand out and create a lasting impression on your audience. Soft-touch finishes are also suitable for items that will be handled frequently, as the soft texture can reduce fingerprints and smudges, making the piece look cleaner and more professional for longer.
why use soft touch print finish?
Soft touch print finish, also known as velvet or suede finish, offers a distinct tactile experience that can enhance the overall appeal of your printed materials. The soft, velvety texture can add a luxurious and premium feel to your items, making them stand out from other printed pieces. This can be particularly beneficial for branding materials, high-end packaging, invitations, and other items where you want to create a memorable and sophisticated impression.
Additionally, the soft touch finish can offer practical benefits. It can help reduce fingerprinting and smudging, as the texture is less prone to showing marks from handling. This can be especially useful for items that will be frequently touched or handled, such as business cards, brochures, or menus. Overall, the soft touch finish can elevate the look and feel of your printed materials and help create a positive and memorable experience for your audience.
If you have any questions about printing, feel free to reach out to us at 718-928-6888 or submit our quote request form. We’re here to assist you in any way we can.
Take care!
Jeff @ New York Printing Center
