New at Labelisten: Screen Printing for Spot Varnish & Raised Varnish

We have a new addition to our machine park. And it can do something on a label that you don’t just see, you feel it too. A screen printing press is now up and running at our plant in Pfaffenreuth, making two types of finish possible that really make a difference on any product: spot varnish and raised varnish.

If you want your label to shine not only through its design but through its feel as well, you can now order it from us. Whatever industry you’re in.

Why screen printing at all?

You know us for digital printing: fast, precise, ideal for design and colour. Screen printing is a different discipline. Instead of ink in fine droplets, a much thicker varnish is pressed through a fine screen onto your label. This creates a layer many times thicker than any digital varnish.

And that’s where the magic lies: screen printing can do things other printing methods simply can’t deliver. Real height, real gloss and real contrast. Exactly where you want them.

Spot varnish – the glossy contrast

With spot varnish, we apply a high-gloss varnish layer only to selected areas of your label. The rest stays matt (or Soft-Touch, depending on the lamination), and it’s exactly this contrast that creates the effect.

What does that mean in practice? Your logo, a particular piece of lettering, a graphic element or an icon suddenly shines differently from the rest. Not loud, but refined. The contrast between matt and gloss catches the light and draws your customers’ eyes exactly where you want them.

The effect is especially striking on dark base colours, with minimalist designs and anywhere you want to play deliberately with attention.

Raised varnish – to touch, not just to look at

This is where it gets really tactile. Raised varnish applies such a thick layer of varnish that a tangible relief is created. Anyone who picks up your label notices straight away: something has happened here. That exact moment – the little “Oh, this feels different” – is what makes premium packaging so powerful.

Raised varnish is ideal for elements you want to make stand out: word marks, embossed effects, patterns, accent areas. Because the result can be felt and seen at the same time, it creates an effect no digital printing process can match.

And yes, you can also combine spot varnish and raised varnish if an element should be both tactile and especially glossy.

When is it worth it for you?

Short answer: pretty much whenever you want to be noticed.

Whether you’re fighting for attention on a packed drinks shelf, giving your dietary supplement a premium presence, adding an elegant touch to your cosmetics bottle or giving your artisan product a handcrafted feel: finishing is the moment your brand breaks away from the crowd. Not with loud colour, but with a detail people only notice at second glance or at first touch.

Setup: how to prepare your file

As with all special effects, your artwork file needs a little preparation. Both varnishes, spot varnish and raised varnish, are set up as separate layers with a spot colour.

Important:

• Name the spot colour clearly: “Lack” (spelled exactly like this). Whether it’s spot or raised varnish, you then choose in our ordering system.

• In the Attributes panel, set all fills and strokes for varnish to overprint – otherwise these elements would be knocked out of the print motif and stay white.

• Don’t make the elements too delicate – with very fine lines or tiny details, the varnish can spread or run together before it dries.

You’ll also find all the details on file setup in our download area. And if you’re unsure: just ask. We’re happy to look at the file together with you before it goes to print.

Want to feel it? We get it.

Describing it is one thing, but finishing comes alive when you experience it. That’s why we’re now including spot varnish and raised varnish samples in our sample pack. That way you can hold both effects in your hand, compare them and get a feel for what’s possible on your next label.

Or simply get in touch with us directly – we’ll gladly advise you on which finish best suits your design, your brand and your product.