1. Finishes for paper and board
Edexcel AS Product Design: Graphics

2. Finishes for paper and board
Laminating
Embossing
Encapsulation
Hot foil blocking
Spray varnish
Coated card / board
Vinyl cutting

3. Laminating Not sealed Can be done on large sheets
Can laminate any flat surface
Gives durability / water resistance to surface
Print first, then cover
Applied using high pressure
Polypropelene film
Low cost
Gloss finish
Laminating

4. Encapsualtion Sealed within the plastic (at the edge)
Like laminating, but with heating system
Bought in sleeves or pouches with thickness in microns
Prevent creases / wrinkles on products (eg menus)
Can be wiped clean from food stains / grease / finger prints

5. Embossing 3D image using a raised effect Debossing (images lowered)
Recognisable sketch (1)
Raised surface/male die (1)
Female die/stamp onto rubber surface (1)
Force exerted (1)
Valid statement on on condition of paper eg damp (1)
Valid statement on condition of dies eg warm (1)

6. Hot foil blocking
Used to print reflective metal using normal inks
Adds value to conventially printed materials
Visual impact
Dry process – no fumes or vapours
Instant – goods can be handled immediately
100% opaque
Very economic short run printing
Image can spread (due to the pressure)
Limited colours available
Pressure /force indicated(1) 
Heated die (1) 
Backing plate (1) 
Foil reel / Rewind reel (1) 
Paper/card (1)

7. Spray varnish High gloss finish Quality feel
Protects the printing underneath
Takes place after printing
Oil or water based – at least 2 hours to dry
UV speeds up the processes, which dry the varnish quickly
Expensive machinery
Can be mixed with other items;
metalic flakes for “spparkle”
Fragrant inks (scratch and sniff)
Silver latex (scratch off with a coin etc)

8. Coated card / board Coated before printing
Can make printing more difficult – no water based inks

9. Vinyl Cutting PVC (vinyl) being cut in sheets / stickers
Good for one off / batch production
Designed on CAD, cut out using CAM
Once cutting is complete the background vinyl is removed, leaving only the required graphic
Adhesive on back (peel off)
Layer of application tape applied over the graphic so it can be removed from the backing sheet and put onto the required surface (shop signage, backs of busses etc)
Soft and flexible, can be applied to a variety of surfaces