The finishing touch: foil stamped to perfection, these six projects shine in glinty beauty

Credit where credit is due to the precision and patience of printers when a piece of packaging, a label, or a business card features an extra ‘something’ thanks to a special texture or finishing technique, such as blind embossing that creates subtle yet sophisticated depth, foil stamping, or spot UV coating. We know that designers love poring over a good tactile printed product (so we apologise that these are only visible via screen). However, we’ve rounded up some projects that highlight that – regardless of whether the application is simple or elaborate – print finishing techniques can elevate designs to entirely new heights and dimensions of sensory appeal. Any project with foil stamping awakens our inner magpies. We can’t help it; who can resist something shiny? However, there is also an art to restraint, as shown in these six projects. Intricate, detailed applications, as seen in the illustrations of Tomorrow’s bottle design and packaging for gin company Moksha, demonstrate how metallic elements can be employed sparingly yet effectively. For FEW, gold and silver accents in Pantone and foil stamping add a sense of richness and luxury to the magazine’s second issue. Not only do they create visual impact on the covers and key spreads, but they also establish a meaningful connection to the significance of gold accessories in Somali wedding traditions.