Packaging Laminations: Matte, Gloss, and Soft-Touch

The Unboxing Feel: Why Lamination is Your Secret Weapon

Ever picked up a product box and instantly felt the difference? Whether it’s a luxurious velvety finish or a vibrant glossy pop, lamination can make or break that crucial first impression.

Lamination is more than just a protective layer — it’s the final polish that defines how your packaging looks, feels, and performs. In this guide, we’ll walk through the three most popular lamination finishes used in custom packaging: matte, gloss, and soft-touch. You’ll learn what makes each one unique and which finish best suits your brand.

What Is Lamination in Packaging?

Lamination is the process of applying a thin plastic film or coating over the printed surface of packaging materials like paperboard or cardboard. It serves both protective and aesthetic functions:

• Protects against scratches, moisture, and wear
• Enhances colour vibrancy and visual appeal
• Adds texture that elevates perceived value

Common Lamination Methods:

• Thermal Lamination – Applied using heat and pressure
• Cold Lamination – Applied with adhesive without heat (used for sensitive materials)

You’ll find lamination on everything from rigid gift boxes and folding cartons to luxury labels and custom printed boxes.

💡 Pro Tip: The lamination you choose directly impacts how customers perceive your product — and your brand.

Types of Packaging Laminations

Let’s explore the three main types of laminations used in premium packaging.

Gloss Lamination — Shiny & Shelf-Grabbing

What it is: A highly reflective, smooth coating that intensifies colours and makes packaging pop.

Best for:

• Cosmetic boxes
• Electronics packaging
• Food and snack boxes

Pros:

• Brightens colours
• Offers scratch and moisture resistance
• Easy to wipe clean

Cons:

• Can show fingerprints
• May feel less premium for high-end branding

✅ Ideal for brands that want to stand out on retail shelves with vibrant, high-impact visuals.

Matte Lamination — Elegant & Understated

What it is: A non-reflective, smooth finish that softens colours for a sophisticated look.

Best for:

• Skincare or perfume boxes
• Corporate or boutique gifting
• Minimalist packaging

Pros:

• Reduces glare and fingerprints
• Feels modern and premium
• Perfect for minimalist design aesthetics

Cons:

• Slightly dulls bright colours
• May show minor scuffs over time

✅ Perfect for brands seeking subtle elegance and a premium feel.

Soft-Touch Lamination — Velvet-Like & Luxurious

What it is: A velvet-feel lamination often used in luxury packaging. Sometimes referred to as “velvet lamination.”

Best for:

• Luxury rigid boxes
• Gift sets
• Premium electronics or invitation boxes

Pros:

• Feels ultra-premium
• Minimises fingerprint visibility
• Works beautifully with foil stamping or Spot UV

Cons:

• Higher cost
• Slightly more prone to surface scuffing

✅ The go-to choice for brands that want a packaging experience that customers remember.

Matte vs Gloss vs Soft-Touch Lamination — Quick Comparison

💡 Design Tip: Combine soft-touch lamination with foil stamping to create a luxe, multi-sensory unboxing experience.

Why Lamination Type Affects Brand Perception?

Packaging isn’t just functional — it tells your brand’s story. Lamination plays a critical role in that storytelling.

• Gloss signals energy, vibrancy, and affordability.
• Matte conveys class, subtlety, and confidence.
• Soft-touch implies exclusivity, care, and luxury.

A study by MeadWestvaco found that 72% of consumers say product packaging influences their purchasing decision — especially when texture is involved.

Even the feel of your box can affect how trustworthy or valuable your brand appears.

Choosing the Right Lamination for Your Product

Here’s how to decide what lamination suits your packaging:

• Your product type – Tech? Cosmetics? Gifting?
• Your target audience – Playful or sophisticated?
• Your brand tone – Bold and energetic or calm and refined?
• Your budget – Consider cost vs visual impact

👉 Combine laminations with premium finishes like foil stamping or spot UV for even more impact.

Eco-Friendly Lamination Options

Sustainability meets style — and no, you don’t have to sacrifice quality. Today’s lamination options can be both premium and planet-friendly:

• Biodegradable film laminates
• Water-based coatings
• Recyclable matte laminations

If you’re aiming for eco-friendly packaging, opt for solutions that align with your values — and your customers’.

👉 Check out our eco-friendly packaging range for inspiration.

Final Thoughts — The Right Finish Elevates Everything

From bold gloss to understated matte or sensuous soft-touch, your choice of lamination affects how your product is seen, felt, and remembered.

Want help designing your perfect packaging?

👉 At Healey Packaging, we offer full-service custom printed packaging — with lamination options tailored to your brand. Whether you’re designing luxury rigid boxes or vibrant retail cartons, we’ve got you covered.

FAQs: Matte, Gloss & Soft-Touch Lamination Explained

What is lamination in packaging?

It’s a protective film layer applied to printed packaging for durability and aesthetic enhancement.

What’s the difference between matte and gloss lamination?

Matte is soft and non-reflective, while gloss is shiny and vibrant.

Is soft-touch lamination durable?

Yes, it resists fingerprints and adds a luxurious feel, but it should be handled with care.

Which lamination is best for luxury packaging?

Soft-touch or matte, especially when combined with foil or embossing.

Are there sustainable lamination options?

Yes, biodegradable and recyclable laminates are available for eco-conscious brands.