Finishing Options & Pricing

Make your prints feel premium with foil, UV, embossing, die-cut, edge finishing, and more. This page explains how finishing prices are calculated and what information we need to confirm your final quote.

Note: Pricing can vary by material, coverage, quantity, and file complexity. Final pricing is confirmed after file review.

Overview

Finishing (post-press) refers to any process applied after printing to enhance appearance, texture, or durability. Common options include foil stamping, spot UV, raised UV, embossing, die-cutting, edge foil/painting, and lamination.

How pricing works

Finishing prices are typically determined by quantity tier, coverage area, whether the finish is applied on one side or both sides, material type and thickness, and whether a dedicated plate, die, or setup is required. Turnaround time can also affect pricing when rush production is requested.

Setup fees & plates

Some finishes require a dedicated plate, die, or setup. These charges are usually applied per design and sometimes per side. If the exact same approved artwork is reused for a reorder, the setup portion may be reduced depending on policy.

Foil stamping

Foil adds a metallic or specialty film finish to selected areas using heat and pressure. Pricing changes based on foil coverage (logo only versus large area), plate/setup needs, paper compatibility, and whether foil is applied on one side or both sides.

Spot UV / Blind UV

Spot UV applies a clear glossy coating on printed areas so logos and accents catch light. Blind UV applies glossy coating without ink to create a subtle “hidden gloss” effect, often best on dark stocks. Pricing depends on coverage, alignment requirements, setup needs, and material characteristics.

Raised Spot UV / Raised Ink

Raised UV creates a tactile, glossy “bump” effect commonly used for logos and names. Pricing depends on coverage size, the level of detail, the required setup, and how the chosen stock or lamination interacts with the raised coating.

Embossing / Debossing

Embossing raises the paper surface while debossing presses the design into the paper. Blind emboss/deboss (no ink) is the most common for a clean premium look. Pricing depends on die/setup, design density, alignment requirements for registered effects, and whether the effect must run close to edges.

Die cutting

Die cutting creates custom shapes such as silhouettes, windows, and special outlines. Pricing is influenced by whether the shape is standard or custom, the complexity of the cut path, die creation/setup, quantity, and expected waste rate.

Corner rounding

Corner rounding pricing depends on the selected radius, the quantity, and the thickness or lamination type of the product.

Edge finishing

Edge finishing enhances thickness and delivers a luxury look, typically recommended for thicker stocks. Pricing depends on whether you choose edge foil or edge painting, the thickness/multi-ply structure, quantity, color/foil type, and labor intensity.

Lamination & coating

Common options include matte, gloss, soft touch (velvet), and aqueous coating. Pricing depends on size, quantity, and compatibility with other finishes such as foil and UV.

Special material surcharge

Certain materials may require a surcharge due to handling, adhesion, drying, or waste rates. Examples include metallic papers, synthetic materials such as YUPO/PP, deeply textured premium stocks, and ultra-thick or multi-ply stocks.

File requirements

For reliable finishing results, please provide print-ready AI/PDF files and separate vector mask layers for each finishing type. Masks should be 100% black with no gradients or transparency. Very thin lines and extremely dense patterns may not be suitable for certain processes, and finishing that runs to the paper edge can require additional processes and cost.

Recommended finishing bundles

A common premium combination is Spot UV on the logo with matte lamination. Another popular luxury set is gold foil on the logo with soft touch lamination. For a tactile signature feel, raised UV on the name or logo pairs well with matte lamination. For a classic heritage look, blind embossing on thick stock is often the best choice.

Request a quote

To confirm pricing, please share the product type and size, the paper/stock and thickness, the quantity, the finishing option(s) and whether they are applied on one side or both sides, and the print-ready file including mask layers. Contact: service@connectedprint.net