Soft Touch Coating vs Soft Touch Lamination

When it comes to printed packaging, the finish plays a big role in how people see your brand. In today’s market, the look and feel of your packaging help create a strong first impression. That’s why many brands choose soft touch finishes. Soft touch finishes are commonly used in high-end packaging and marketing materials to elevate product appeal. Mostly used in:

Folding carton
Rigid boxes
Book boxes
Mailer boxes

You have two main soft-touch finishing options to choose from: soft-touch coating and soft-touch lamination.

What is soft touch coating?

Soft touch coating is a liquid finish applied during the printing process. Once it dries, it leaves behind a velvety surface on packaging that feels smooth and premium. It keeps the original colors of your design looking sharp and vibrant. This coating also resists fingerprints and scuff marks, helping your packaging stay clean for longer.

What is soft touch lamination?

Soft touch lamination is a finishing process where a thin plastic film is applied over printed packaging. This film gives your packaging a soft, smooth texture with a low shine, making it feel more luxurious to the touch. It creates a moisture-resistant barrier, making it ideal for packaging that needs to stand handling, scuffs, or even light water exposure.

How do soft touch coating and soft touch lamination differ?

Both soft touch coating and lamination give your packaging a smooth and velvety feel, but they’re applied differently and serve slightly different purposes.

Application

Soft touch coating is applied during the printing process and treated with UV light, while soft touch lamination involves adding a thin plastic film (usually BOPP- Bioriented Polypropylene) after printing.

Material Used

Soft touch coating is commonly used in paperboard packaging, while soft touch lamination uses a plastic film for a smooth, durable finish.

Color Impact

Soft touch coating keeps the original colors of your design vibrant, while soft touch lamination mutes the colors slightly for a more elegant look.

Protection Level

Soft touch coating offers basic protection, while soft touch lamination provides moisture resistance and higher durability.

Pricing

Soft touch coating is more budget-friendly and quicker to apply, while soft touch lamination is more costly due to the extra processing step.

Best For

Soft touch coating is ideal for retail packaging, while soft touch lamination is perfect for e-commerce packaging that needs to hold up during shipping.

Benefits of Soft Touch Coating

Soft touch coating offers several great benefits that make it a popular choice for packaging:

Luxurious Feel: It gives your packaging a smooth, velvety texture that feels high-end and refined.
Premium Look: The matte-like finish adds a modern and elegant appearance, making your product stand out on shelves.
Customer Engagement: The soft, good texture encourages people to pick up and interact with your packaging, helping to boost customer interest.
Strong Brand Impression: It helps convey a sense of quality and care, which can reflect positively on your brand image.
Long-Lasting Quality: Unlike some matte coatings, soft touch coating resists yellowing over time, keeping your packaging looking fresh and professional longer.

Benefits of Soft Touch Lamination

Here are some of its key benefits:

Premium Look and Feel: It adds a soft, smooth texture that feels luxurious and looks elegant.
Great for Branding: This finish enhances the overall look of your packaging, making it ideal for attracting attention and elevating your brand image.
Extra Protection: It helps protect your packaging from scratches, scuffs, and fingerprints, keeping it looking clean and new.
Durability: It also adds strength to the packaging, preventing issues like corner curling or wear during shipping and handling.

How to Choose the Right Option for Your Product?

Both soft-touch coating and soft-touch lamination give your packaging a smooth, velvety feel, but the right finish depends on your needs and budget.

If you want stronger protection and a high-end finish, and cost isn’t an issue, soft-touch lamination is a great pick. It adds durability and a luxurious feel that works well for premium or shipped products.

On the other hand, if you’re working with a tight budget but still want that soft touch effect, go for soft touch coating. It’s cost-effective, quicker to apply, and still gives your packaging a high-quality finish.