Paper bags
Paper bag finishes
Finishes are what take a paper bag from printed to premium: a gold foil logo, a glossy spot UV highlight, a soft-touch lamination or a raised, embossed mark. All of them are quoted on request, because each one needs its own tooling and set-up. Here's what each does, so you can choose.
How finishes are priced
Your logo is printed in solid spot colours. A finish is an extra step on top: a foil block, an embossing die or a spot UV screen made just for your design. That tooling is a one-off cost, so a finish adds most to a short run and least to a long one.
Finishes are usually added to luxury bags that are made to order, rather than to everyday carriers. That's why we quote them on request rather than showing a price.
Tell us the bag, the quantity and the finish you have in mind, and we can price it with and without, so you can see the difference. Get a quote.
Finishes at a glance
| Finish | What it does | Works best on | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot foil | Presses a thin metallic or coloured foil onto your logo with a heated block | Laminated bags and smooth papers; also kraft for a rustic look | Gold, silver, copper and rose gold are the classics |
| Spot UV | Adds a raised, glossy clear coat to chosen parts of the design | Matt or soft-touch laminated bags | Barely shows on gloss or uncoated paper |
| Lamination | Covers the whole bag in a thin film: matt, gloss or soft-touch | Luxury bags in any colour | Makes a bag harder to recycle than plain paper |
| Embossing | Pushes your logo up from behind so it stands proud of the surface | Heavier papers and boards | Debossing presses it in instead |
All finishes are quoted on request. They can be combined: matt lamination with spot UV or foil is a popular pairing.
Each finish in more detail
Hot foil
A heated metal block presses foil onto the bag in the shape of your logo. The result is a true metallic shine that ink can't match. Foil suits logos with clear shapes and lines that aren't too fine. It can be used on its own, as a one-colour logo, or alongside printed colours.
Spot UV
Spot UV is a clear, glossy varnish laid over just part of the design, such as your logo or a pattern. On a matt bag it catches the light when the bag moves, which gives a subtle, expensive look. It needs a smooth, coated surface, so it's used on laminated bags rather than kraft.
Lamination
Lamination seals the whole bag under a thin film. Matt is understated, gloss is bright and bold, and soft-touch has a velvety feel. It protects the print from scuffs and light rain. Our laminated bags page compares the three.
Embossing and debossing
Embossing uses a pair of dies to push your logo up from behind, so you can feel it as well as see it. Debossing presses it down into the surface instead. Both work best on heavier paper that holds the shape. Embossing can be blind, with no ink, or lined up with a print or foil.
Artwork for finishes
A finish follows your artwork exactly, so the file matters more than usual.
- Send a vector file (PDF, AI or EPS). Finishes can't be made from a low-resolution image. What is a vector file?
- Put each finish on its own layer or in its own spot colour, named clearly, such as "Gold foil" or "Spot UV".
- Avoid very fine lines and tiny text in foil and embossing. They can fill in or lose their edges.
- Tell us which parts of the design are printed and which are finished.
- Not sure your file is ready? We'll check your artwork for free.
Questions people ask
What is hot foil printing on paper bags?
Hot foil uses a heated metal block to press a thin metallic foil onto the bag in the shape of your logo. It gives a real metallic shine, most often in gold, silver, copper or rose gold. We quote it on request.
What is spot UV?
Spot UV is a clear, glossy coating applied to just part of a design, such as a logo. It stands out best on a matt laminated bag, where the contrast between matt and gloss catches the light.
Can you foil on kraft paper?
Yes. Foil on brown kraft gives a warm, rustic look. Very fine detail is harder to hold on uncoated paper, so bold logos work best.
How much do finishes add to the price?
Each finish needs its own tooling, which is a one-off cost, plus a little extra per bag. That means it adds most on short runs. Ask us to price your bags with and without a finish so you can compare.
Can I combine finishes?
Yes. Matt lamination with spot UV or foil is a popular combination, and embossing can be lined up with foil. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll quote it.
Are foil and laminated bags recyclable?
Lamination and heavy foil make paper bags harder to recycle than plain kraft. If easy recycling matters most, an unlaminated kraft bag is the better choice.
Bags that take a finish
Paper bags
Luxury rope handle bags
Heavier paper, rope handles and a reinforced top, for boutiques, beauty and gifts.
Paper bags
Gift bags
Small and medium printed gift bags for shops, corporate gifts, events and weddings.
Get a quote with a finish
Tell us the bag, the quantity and the finish you'd like. Ask us to price it with and without, so you can decide.
- A written price by email, with no obligation
- A free check of your artwork
- A proof to approve before anything is printed