Choose a Suitable Printing Method for Your Packaging

When it comes to printing on product boxes, there are two
types of printing methods: direct printing and litho printing. Both of these
methods have their advantages and flaws, as well as products which are
typically packaged in them.

If you are just starting out and are still looking for your
brand’s image, creating the perfect packaging is a great place to start. Not
only do you need to pick out the suitable box style, but also what is going to
be printed on in and how. This is a big responsibility, so if you are not a designer yourself, perhaps you
should consult someone with ample experience in the field.

Direct Printing

This printing method is typically used for mass produced
boxes because it is faster of the two methods. Like its name says, this method
applies the ink directly onto the cardboard box. This is done by using a
printing plate. This method is cheaper and simpler than litho printing.

There are some drawbacks, however. Primarily, if you want to
use more than one color, you will need to run the box through the machine
multiple times. The graphical capabilities of this form of printing are
limited, so if you are looking to use this method keep your minimalist and
simple. With these kinds of printing solutions, negative space is a very
useful and powerful tool.

The direct printing
method is great if you don’t have too much money to spend on packaging, or if
you believe that this kind of packaging will appeal more to your customers.

Litho Printing

On the other hand,
there is the litho printing. It gives the package a high-end feel with magazine
paper quality. This printing method offers a wide specter of colors. The reason
it has this high-end feel is that the
printing is not done directly onto the box. Instead, the printing plates
transfer the design onto a special sheet of material which is then laminated
onto your box. The colors are vibrant and sharp, as opposed to direct printing.

It is typically used when you want to print a photographic
quality image onto the box. Thanks to the advanced technology available today, this
printing method are not as expensive as
it used to be, but it is still more expensive than direct printing. If you have
plenty of money to spend on packaging, or if you want to impress the potential
customers with high-end packaging, litho
printing is the best option for you.

Finishes

Apart from printing itself, there are other ways to bring
that X-factor to your packaging. Things like UV finishes as described here https://www.boxcoop.com/packaging-university/uv-finishes/
are fairly popular and create an eye-catching reflexive surface.

Apart from the UV finish, you can also choose to use glossy
or matte finishes for your product, as well as a combination of these. In the
recent years, the matte finish has become very popular with high-end brands,
whereas the glossy finish has been seen as less impressive.

These are just some guidelines when picking a printing
method for your product. It is derived from previous experience and
observation. If you have a fixed idea about what your packaging should look
like, follow your idea. If, however, you are a bit lost in the box design
world, try to follow these guidelines to ensure that your product packaging
sends the right message about your product.