With creativity and technical expertise, create metallic pouches that leave a lasting impression.

Achieving Unique Metallic Effects

Do you want your product to stand out from the crowd? Our metallic materials make it possible! We’ll guide you step by step on how to set up your data correctly and show you how to experiment with colors to create a design that truly captivates.

Tips and Tricks for a Pouch with a Wow Factor

CMYK doesn’t have to be boring. When combined with white ink on a metallic pouch, you unlock endless opportunities to play with effects. This guarantees a “Wow” factor for your products.

With our digital printing process, we can print white ink—referred to as “White”—beneath colored elements. This can be applied as a solid spot color or in a custom opacity of your choice. This allows areas to appear matte, metallic, or subtly metallic, depending on your preferences. Let us show you how it’s done.

Setting Up “White” in Adobe Illustrator

Step 1: Create a New Color Swatch

We prepare our print data in Adobe Illustrator, though print-ready files can also be created in other vector-based programs such as Adobe InDesign, CorelDraw, or Affinity Designer.

To begin, create a new color swatch:

1. Navigate to Window > Swatches in the menu.
2. Click the dropdown menu and select New Swatch. Name the swatch “White” (be sure to use the exact spelling).
3. Set the color type to Spot Color and the mode to CMYK. Adjust Cyan (C) to 30%, leaving the other colors at 0%. Click OK to save.

Step 2: Add an Organized Layer

For better clarity, create a new layer named “White”:

1. Go to Window > Layers.
2. Click Create New Layer and rename it to “White” by double-clicking on the new layer.
3. Confirm the name by clicking OK.

Congratulations! You’re ready to move from the technical setup to the creative aspects.

Congratulations! Now, let’s move on to the creative part.

More Options Mean More Creativity

Unleash Your Creativity with White Ink on Metallic Pouches

Using white ink on metallic pouches opens up a world of creative possibilities. It gives your product a higher chance of standing out on store shelves and catching attention.

Classic Use of White Ink

White ink can be applied as a decorative color. Simply use your designated “White” color to fill text or design elements.

Create Non-Metallic Areas Within a Metallic Design

Want to feature specific colored areas without the metallic effect? No problem! Here’s how:

1. Create a white ink layer that matches the shape of the colored area.
2. Move this shape to your “White” layer.

This layer is purely for organization and visibility. Next, ensure the white ink element is set to “Overprint”:

1. Open Window > Attributes.
2. Depending on whether you’re working with a fill or stroke, check the corresponding “Overprint” box.

Yes, It’s Technical—But It’s Worth It

This setup may seem complex, but it’s essential for achieving perfect print results. Now that the technical groundwork is laid, it’s time to dive into the truly creative part. Let’s get started!

Use White Ink Creatively: Don’t Always Cover It All

White ink, as its name suggests, is typically used to prevent the material from showing through. It creates an opaque layer, as described earlier. But have you considered experimenting with the opacity of white ink for unique effects?

Play with Opacity for Subtle Contrasts

Try applying your logo, slogan, or a delicate graphic with partial white ink—say, at 50% opacity—in the background. Surround this design with fully metallic or opaque elements. The result? A subtle contrast that catches the eye, especially when the packaging is rotated or glimpsed in passing.

By adjusting the density of the white ink, you can add depth and intrigue to your design, making your product packaging stand out effortlessly.

Using White Ink Partially

Highlight Specific Elements

Want to draw attention to a particular element in a complex design? Consider a partial metallic effect. For example, apply the metallic effect exclusively to your product, while keeping surrounding props and design elements matte. This approach ensures your product takes center stage.

To achieve this:

• Apply the “White” spot color across your design, leaving only your product area uncovered.
  
• Set the white ink to “Overprint” to ensure all underlying elements print correctly.

Metallic Gradients: Sophistication with Style

Create Impactful Gradients

A metallic gradient created with white ink can deliver stunning results when used tastefully. In the past, gradients were often overused, leading to unrefined designs. But when applied with care, gradients can now serve as genuine showstoppers.

Gradually reduce the density of the white ink across a gradient. This allows the metallic material to shine through selectively, creating a premium and eye-catching effect.

Key Tip

Use gradients sparingly and strategically to maintain a polished, high-end look. By combining partial white ink and thoughtful design, your packaging will stand out with sophistication and flair.

Business on Top, Party on the Bottom

The “business on top, party on the bottom” trend may have taken off in the home office, but why not bring it to your stand-up pouch design? While an all-metallic pouch might seem tempting, it can easily appear overwhelming or unappealing—unless you’re selling “cocktails to go.”

Create Balance with Contrasts

Instead of going fully metallic, consider a bold contrast:

• Matte at the top, metallic at the bottom.
• Or reverse it—metallic at the top, matte at the bottom.

You can even play with vertical contrasts, like matte on the left and metallic on the right. These contrasts naturally guide the viewer’s eye, allowing you to strategically highlight key design elements and create a dynamic visual impact.

Striking a balance ensures your packaging stays refined and captivating without overdoing the “party.”

Dark vs. Light: Choosing the Right Colors

Black Covers!

Just like white ink, black provides strong coverage. However, if you aim to create a highly metallic design, it’s best to use lighter colors. The darker and more saturated your design colors, the less metallic your packaging will appear.

For vibrant metallic effects, opt for bright or pastel tones—they allow the reflective qualities of the material to shine through, giving your packaging an eye-catching appeal.

Finishing Touch: Film Lamination

Sometimes, a design needs that extra flair to stand out. The secret ingredient? Film Lamination.

This finishing technique adds a refined, professional touch and comes in three options:

• Matte: For a sophisticated, understated look.
  
• Glossy: For a shiny, eye-catching finish.
• Soft Touch: Adds a velvety, tactile feel that complements the visual elegance of your design.

The soft-touch option is particularly special, offering a premium look while delivering a pleasant sensory experience for customers, enhancing their connection to your product.

Balanced Design is Key

If you’re using metallic film, remember: less is more. Overusing metallic elements can overwhelm the design, diminishing its impact. Instead, balance metallic and opaque areas thoughtfully to achieve a luxurious, standout appearance that elevates your product above the competition.