Soft Touch: Coating vs. Lamination – A Comprehensive Comparison

In the packaging world, the printing design and finish matter a lot. The finishing and visual appeal go hand in hand with product packaging. It makes your packaging premium and elevates the user experience.

A popular way to lift both is through the "soft touch finish. A soft touch finish provides a velvet, matte -like texture to the printed surfaces. It is designed to feel luxurious, reduce dazzling, and provide a high-end touch experience.

Whether you print luxurious product boxes, business cards, or high-end brochures, the option between soft touch coating and soft touch lamination can impact a lot. It affects cost, durability, appearance, and customer view.

In this blog, we will compare soft touch coatings and soft touch lamination. This guide will show you the benefits and qualities of both options. Let’s help you choose the best finish for your project.

What is Soft Touch Coating?

Soft touch coating is a liquid treatment used during printing when using spray, roll or curtain coating methods. The coating dries and treats the paper directly on the surface of the paper. It forms a thin, soft layer that feels a subtle velvet or rubber.

Cases of Use

Cosmetic posts, folding cartons, paperback book cover, campaign. Any project that requires a first -class touch ceiling at no cost or thickness of the film.

What is Soft Touch Lamination?

The soft touch lamination involves the inclusion of a thin polymer film. It is a pre-textured with a soft touch finish for printed substrate using heat and pressure. The film adds thickness and a protective layer to the product.

Typical Use Cases

Smartphone boxes, luxurious spirits, stiff setup box, membership card carrier, Deluxe Book Slip Case- somewhat high ended and a Grand First Contact.

Major Difference in Soft Touch Coating vs. Lamination 

Key Benefits of Soft Touch Coating

Cost Effective

Soft touch coatings include lower production costs compared to lamination. It is used directly on the printed surface without the need for more materials such as plastic films. This means that you get a fantastic, premium look and soft touch finish without increasing your budget. It is a smart choice for brands and keeps the costs controlled.

Sustainable

Many soft touch coatings use water -based element, which are more eco friendly than traditional solvent -based coatings or plastic laminate. Water -based coatings increase recycling as they do not add a plastic layer that complicates recycling processes. Choosing soft touch coatings can help brands meet stability targets.

Elegant Look

This matte finish gives your printed material a subtle, sophisticated look that stands out without being very attractive. It spreads lighting, lowers glare and reflections, and increases the color with a mute tone. It communicates Finish processing and quality, which is perfect for luxurious branding.

Quick Application

Soft touch coating is less complex to use compared to lamination. It uses integrated existing coating technology in the printing process. It dries up quickly, which speeds up the production deadline and reduces bottlenecks in production. This makes the ideal for fast turnaround or large amounts of orders.

Ideal for Printing Material

This finish works exceptionally well on various printed product packaging. This print increases the touch experience and maintains clarity and color integrity. Because it applies directly to the substrate, the complex designs support and allow for extra finish.

The Drawback of Soft Touch Coating

• Low shelf life: Can easily scratch or curly.
• Fingerprint exposed: Oil and smoke marks can be retained.
• Low moisture resistance: Not ideal for long-lasting or stiff handling.
• Subtle experience: Not rich or thick as laminated surfaces.

Numerous Benefits of Soft Touch Lamination

Better Security

Soft touch lamination creates a durable protective layer of packaging and printed material. This layer acts as a shield against everyday wear and tears like scratches and unintended degradation. It also avoids fingerprints which keeps the surfaces clean and ancient even after handling. This option goes well for the products that need security against moisture. It also ensures that the packaging maintains its integrity and appearance in its life cycle.

Fantastic Feeling

One of the most excellent properties of soft touch lamination is its unique touch. The texture of deep velvet or subtle rubber makes a finish that feels enjoyed in hand. This sensory appeal improves the Unboxing experience. Also, this is an important factor in customers' satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Color Growth

Soft touch lamination not only improves texture, but also preserves the vibrant printed colors. Lamination prevents the fading that occurs due to UV exposure or moisture. It helps maintain sharpness, glitter and contrast to images and graphics. You can ensure that branding and design elements stand out on the shelf. The matte finish also prevents the glare, so the colors can be rich and more natural.

Premium Perception

Soft touch lamination gives packaging a smooth, matte appearance. This finish looks soft and rich, so the box looks heavy and more valuable. It tells the customers that the product is advanced and is made carefully. It helps the excellent finish marks to look more reliable and exclusive. It can also support a high price as it looks so first class.

Drawback of Soft Touch Lamination

• High costs: Film, heat treatment, and connected labor are required.
• Low recycled: Plastic film makes recycling more difficult.
• Long lead time: More time-consuming than coating.
• Overall, for short-term use: It may not be cost-effective for disposable material.

Factors That Impact the Choice Between Coating vs. Lamination

Various factors impact the selection of soft-touch coating and lamination.

Product Handling

Lamination is ideal for packaging that will often be affected, sent or displayed. It opposes the scratches and finger prints and keeps the package new for long time.

Budget

For low races or small projects, soft touch coatings become more economical. It provides a similar luxurious experience at a lower price compared to lamination. So, this is making it ideal for limited versions or promotional pieces.

Sustainability Goals

Water -based coatings are more environmentally friendly and easy to recycle. They are a great option for brands that are focused on reducing the environmental impact. However, some brands use the soft touch lamination that use less plastic foil. This makes the soft touch lamination also a sustainable choice for your brand.

Touching experience

Laminating provides a thick rich texture that seems luxurious in the hand. This increases the Unboxing experience and provides value through touch. So, If you want the packaging to feel extra luxurious lamination gives more depth.

Brand Positioning

Laminated Finnish signal premium quality and luxury. They help create a strong, advanced brand image that appeals to intelligent customers. Its elegant appearance and protective properties help to strengthen the exclusive image of a brand.

Color intensity

Soft Touch Lamination can protect color vividness and contrasts more efficiently. The coating, although it is still attractive, can dampen the finish a bit, resulting in more subtle look.

Packaging Type

Lamination works best with rigid boxes and retail packaging that requires strong and high-end to see. In contrast, the coating is better suited for packaging that requires flexibility and mild structure.

Durability Requirements

If your packaging wants to meet a rough handling or long shelf life, lamination is an ideal option. It provides extended resistance to wear and humidity. This is making it a reliable choice for durability.

Soft Touch: Coating vs. Lamination Which One Should You Choose?

If you choose a soft touch coating it will suitable for

• raising the print material at affordable prices.
• Short -term packaging with moderate durability.
• Recyclable packaging to build a good brand image
• Customizing brochures, business cards, or promotions produces folders.
• If you choose soft touch lamination:
• Get High durability and safety
• Suitable for luxury packaging.
• Dark, rich colors will be vibrant.

Store packaging, electronics boxes, or cosmetics produce packaging.

Conclusion

A soft touch finish makes the packaging feel premium. Soft touch coating or soft touch lamination which goes best. After reading this blog you will get the idea which suits your product needs most. The coating is thin, cheap, and more environmentally friendly. The lamination is thick, and strong and provides better protection. Plus, your choice depends on the budget, product type, and brand goals.

Need Help Choosing the Right Finish?

It may not be what soft touch option is the best for your brand or packaging design. At Urgent Boxes our team of experts is here to help. We will guide you through material options, budget, stability goals, and customized solutions that increase the appearance of your brand.

Contact us today for a consultation or request a free sample package.