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What Is Soft Touch Finish in Packaging? A Complete Beginner’s Guide

In today’s competitive market, packaging isn’t just about protection—it’s a powerful tool to communicate your brand’s identity. One of the most effective ways to elevate your packaging is through soft touch finish. Whether it’s soft touch paper, soft touch varnish, or soft touch lamination, this luxurious technique creates a distinctive feel that adds sophistication and impact to your packaging.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore what soft touch finish is, how it’s applied, its benefits, and which products or industries can benefit from it.

Soft Touch Paper Cosmetics Box

Soft Touch Paper Cosmetics Box

What Is Soft Touch Finish?

Soft touch finish refers to a special coating or lamination applied to printed packaging materials to give them a velvety, smooth texture. Often described as “suede-like” or “peach skin,” it creates a pleasant tactile experience that instantly communicates quality and elegance.
There are three main types of soft touch finishes:

  1. Soft Touch Lamination: A thin film is laminated over the printed surface to create a soft, matte texture.
  2. Soft Touch Varnish: A liquid coating is applied to selected areas or the entire surface, curing to form a soft, tactile layer.
  3. Soft Touch Paper: Specialty paper made with a naturally soft surface, eliminating the need for additional coatings.

How Is Soft Touch Finish Applied?

1. Soft Touch Lamination

After printing, a polypropylene or polyester film is laminated onto the paperboard using heat and pressure. This method provides both tactile softness and enhanced durability, making it resistant to scratches and fingerprints.

2. Soft Touch Varnish

Soft touch varnish is a liquid-based coating applied using offset or screen printing methods. Once dried or UV-cured, it delivers a similar feel to lamination but is more suitable for lighter applications.

3. Soft Touch Paper

Some manufacturers offer pre-finished soft touch paper that doesn’t require additional coatings. This option is ideal for premium packaging that wants to avoid film-based lamination for eco-friendly reasons.

Soft Touch Lamination Packaging Boxes

Soft Touch Lamination Packaging Boxes

Why Choose Soft Touch Finish?

1. Luxurious Feel

The soft, velvety texture creates a tactile experience that instantly conveys premium quality.

2. Elegant Appearance

Soft touch finishes have a matte, non-glossy look that pairs beautifully with other effects like foil stamping or spot UV.

3. Enhanced Brand Perception

Touch influences emotion. Packaging that feels premium can influence how customers perceive your brand, even before they see the product inside.

4. Durability

Especially with soft touch lamination, the packaging is more resistant to scuffs, scratches, and fingerprints.

Who Should Use Soft Touch Packaging?

Soft touch finishes are ideal for:

  1. Luxury Cosmetics & Skincare
  2. Premium Wine & Spirits
  3. High-End Tech Gadgets
  4. Jewelry and Gift Boxes
  5. Fashion and Lifestyle Brands

If your brand aims to stand out on the shelf or online, soft touch is an excellent choice for creating a memorable unboxing experience.

Soft Touch Varinish Boxes with Hot Stamping

Soft Touch Varinish Boxes with Gold Hot Stamping

Soft Touch + Special Effects = Unforgettable Packaging

Soft touch finishes can be combined with:

  1. Spot UV for a glossy contrast
  2. Foil stamping for shine and metallic details
  3. Embossing to add texture and dimension

These combinations are perfect for creating eye-catching and tactile packaging that customers can’t help but notice—and remember.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking to enhance the appeal of your packaging, soft touch finish is more than a trend—it’s a strategic branding tool. It brings together elegance, emotional connection, and high-end feel, all in one smooth touch.
As a professional paper printing factory in China, we specialize in custom packaging solutions with a wide range of finishes, including soft touch lamination, varnish, and paper options. Let us help you create packaging that not only looks beautiful but feels unforgettable.

Lxury Soft Touch Finish Jewelry Boxes

Lxury Soft Touch Finish Jewelry Boxes

Ready to give your packaging that premium edge?
Contact us today to explore soft touch options tailored to your brand.

CONTACT US

Contact: Lisa Lee, Andy Chou

Phone: 0086-13811205110

Tel: 0574-83026853

Email: sales@unicopacking.com

Add: Liangzhu Village, Gaoqiao Town, Haishu District, Ningbo 315016, Zhejiang, China