Explore Materials, Printing Techniques & Finishes for Custom Packaging

At CustomPrintLine, we believe packaging should be designed around your product—not the other way around. Custom packaging means creating boxes and displays from scratch, tailored to your product’s size, protection needs, and presentation goals.

Substrates (Base Materials)

A substrate is the base material onto which printing, coating, or finishing is applied. Common substrates include:

• Plastic films or foils
• Release liners
• Textiles
• Plastic containers
• Various paper types (lightweight, heavyweight, coated, uncoated, paperboard, cardboard, etc.)
• Parchment

Paper & Board Options

Recycled Paperboard (CRB/CCNB)
Coated recycled paperboard, also called clay-coated newsback, is produced from 100% recycled paper. It’s eco-friendly, durable, and has a smooth surface for printing.

Kraft Board
Kraft paper or board is known for its strength, elasticity, and tear resistance. It’s ideal for packaging that requires durability and a natural, rustic look.

Corrugated Board
Corrugated fiberboard features a fluted layer sandwiched between liners, making it perfect for shipping cartons and protective packaging.

Design Tools

Templates
Templates are vector files showing the flat layout of a package. They display fold lines, panels, and cut areas, making it easy to visualize and edit designs before printing. Templates come in a wide range of shapes—everything from simple folding cartons to pyramid boxes and tray cards.

Dielines
A dieline is the precise outline that defines cut and fold lines for packaging. Created in design software like Adobe Illustrator, dielines ensure accuracy and allow for prototyping before full production.

Printing Colors

Process Color (CMYK)
Uses four inks—Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black—to produce a full spectrum of colors, ideal for projects with photos or complex graphics.

PMS Color (Pantone Matching System)
Spot colors mixed with unique inks for precise, consistent shades. Perfect for logos and branding that require exact color reproduction.

Coatings & Finishes

Coating
Adds a protective or decorative layer to printed materials. Options include:

• Aqueous (water-based): Fast-drying, eco-friendly finish
• UV or Electron-Beam Coating: High-gloss, durable protection
• Spot Coating: Highlights specific design elements

UV Gloss
A shiny, high-gloss coating cured with UV light—great for postcards, folders, catalogs, and business cards.

Lamination
A clear plastic layer applied for durability, moisture resistance, and protection.

Soft Touch®
Creates a velvety, matte texture that resists fingerprints. Ideal for premium brochures, tags, and cards.

Specialty Effects

Embossing & Debossing

• Embossing: Raises text or graphics above the surface.
• Debossing: Presses the design into the material for an indented look.
  Both techniques can be combined with foil stamping or printing for dramatic results.

Foil Stamping
Enhances designs with metallic or special-effect foils:

• Metallic foils (gold, silver, copper, etc.)
• Gloss and matte pigment foils
• Specialty foils (marble, leather, woodgrain, pearl)
• Holographic foils for a high-tech, reflective effect

✅ With CustomPrintLine, you have access to a wide range of materials, finishes, and techniques to create packaging that not only protects your products but also enhances your brand identity.