Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Laminating labels means covering printed cardboard with a thin transparent film – matte, glossy or soft touch – which protects the print from scratches, moisture and dirt while changing the tactile feel. UV varnish is a liquid coating cured by ultraviolet light that can be applied over the entire label or selectively on certain elements, such as the logo. These two finishes are often combined.
Label Lamination: Types of Laminate
Matte Laminate
Provides a muted, understated look without glare. Colours become slightly softer and deeper, and text remains easy to read under any lighting. Matte laminate is a versatile choice for modern brands and an excellent base for partial UV varnish and foil stamping.
Glossy Laminate
Makes colours rich and shiny, suitable for bright designs and photographs. Its downside is light reflection and visible fingerprints. It is less common in premium fashion and more often used for youth and sports brands.
Soft Touch Laminate
A matte laminate with a velvety, almost rubbery feel. Buyers notice it immediately when touching the label. Soft touch is used in luxury collections, especially combined with foil or partial UV varnish, which create contrasting tactile effects.
Scratch-Resistant and Textured Laminates
There are special laminates with enhanced scratch resistance and others with fine textures (e.g., linen). These are used when labels undergo heavy handling or when an additional effect is desired without altering the cardboard.
UV Varnish: Full and Partial
Full UV varnish covers the entire label and acts as a protective layer similar to laminate but is thinner. Partial (selective) UV varnish is applied only on specific areas, creating contrast between matte and glossy surfaces.
- Glossy partial varnish on matte laminate – the logo shines on a matte background. The most popular combination.
- Raised (thick) UV varnish – a thicker layer that can be felt by touch. It creates a relief effect without deforming the cardboard.
- Special effect varnishes – glitter, sand texture or pearlescent shine.
- Matte varnish on glossy laminate – the reverse contrast, less common but interesting on dark backgrounds.
Comparison of Finishes
| Finish | Appearance | Feel | Protection | Writing and Stickers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No finish | natural | paper-like | low | yes |
| Matte laminate | soft, non-glare | smooth | high | difficult |
| Glossy laminate | bright, shiny | smooth, slippery | high | difficult |
| Soft touch | matte, luxurious | velvety | high | difficult |
| Full UV varnish | glossy or matte | smooth | medium | difficult |
| Partial UV varnish | matte/gloss contrast | raised if thick layer | only in varnished area | yes, outside varnish |
When to Choose a Finish and When Not
Finishing helps when
- the label has a dark background or large coloured areas where scratches would be visible;
- clothes are tried on frequently and labels pass through many hands;
- the product is sold outdoors or in humid environments;
- you want a premium feel (soft touch) or to highlight the logo (partial varnish).
Better without finish when
- prices will be handwritten or stickers applied that must adhere well;
- the brand communicates sustainability and prefers easily recyclable labels;
- using textured designer or kraft cardboard whose character the laminate would hide.
How to Prepare Files for Partial UV Varnish
- Create a separate layer or spot colour named e.g. “UV” with vector areas for the varnish.
- Use 100% opacity, no gradients – varnish is either applied or not.
- Avoid very thin lines and small dots – varnish tends to spread slightly.
- Leave a small tolerance if the varnish must align with printed elements.
- Check that varnish does not cover price sticker or barcode areas.
Lamination and Varnish on Kraft and Coloured Cardboard
Glossy laminate usually looks out of place on kraft cardboard because it hides the natural fibre texture. To protect kraft labels, choose matte finish or partial varnish only on printed areas. For coloured cardboard (black, dark blue), lamination enhances colour depth but leaves the label edges uncovered, showing the true material – often a desired effect. With soft touch on dark backgrounds, note that the velvety surface can retain fingerprints visible at angles.
Effective Combinations
- Soft touch + gold foil on the logo – classic luxury label.
- Matte laminate + partial glossy UV varnish – modern, affordable effect.
- Black cardboard + raised UV varnish without ink – subtle logo visible at angles.
- Matte laminate front + uncoated back – protected front with writable back.
- Glossy laminate + holographic foil – bright effect for youth and limited editions.
- Uncoated designer cardboard + partial matte varnish on dark areas – protection without losing texture.
The finish of the hang tag should harmonise with the sewn-in label. If the hang tag is matte and restrained, choose a woven label with a soft matte texture. You can see all finishing options in our cardboard labels collection.
Laminated and Varnished Labels by Polkom
Polkom manufactures custom cardboard labels with matte, glossy or soft touch lamination, full and partial UV varnish, and combinations with foil and embossing. If you are unsure which finish suits your brand, we will send comparison samples. Minimum order quantities depend on the item. Send an inquiry with your design and collection details.
