Custom Printing Of Metallic Inks
Make your prints sparkle with metallic inks
If you want to make a lasting impression on your next print job, sometimes plain black or coloured inks just aren't enough. A vast world of colour opens up for you when you venture beyond the familiar realms of cyan, magenta, yellow and black. Whether you're after a vibrancy that craft colours just can't achieve, or you want to add some vibrancy to your prints, it may be time to consider adding something extra by incorporating some bespoke print finishes such as spot colours, embossing, foil printing, spot varnishes and, of course, metallic inks.
What is metallic ink?
Metallic inks have reflective metal particles such as copper, bronze, zinc or aluminium suspended in them. When the ink dries, the metallic particles reflect light and produce a metallic sheen. Metallic inks can add colour and shine beyond what conventional inks can produce, but with less shine and reflection than the more sophisticated and expensive aluminium foil stamping. They are available in a variety of pure metallic colours such as gold, silver, bronze, blue and red, as well as combination shades.
Metallic Madness - a glossy addition
Metallic inks are special inks that create a shine that you don't see in standard inks. Silver and gold are the most common metallic colours, but metallic inks are also available in bright blues, vibrant purples, blazing reds and polished coppers. Metallic inks are perfect for rendering high-end images as they add an eye-catching shine to any print without the need for expensive foil stamping. There are a variety of different ways to incorporate metallic inks into your organisation's print materials. Consider the following ideas :
Mark headings or bullet points on postcards, brochures and flyers
Add some elegance to invitations or stationery with gold or silver metallic ink
Add some pizzazz to your company name or logo
Create a memorable business card with subtle metallic highlights
Use several different metallic inks together to create a unique image or design
Make a special element or monogram on your presentation folder pop
Get it Right: Things to Consider When Using Metallic Inks
If you are considering using metallic inks for your next offset printing project, there are a few things you should consider to ensure you get the best possible results.
1. Be prepared - not every printer has experience with metallic inks. Before you award a job in metal to a printer, ask to see samples of the various metal projects the shop has produced in the past.
2. Advance - Show the printer your design early in the production process. If either of you are concerned about how the metallics will read, it may be worth negotiating a small press proof - this is the gold standard insurance policy for getting the look you want.
3. Coating is key - if you're aiming for maximum shine, print on coated paper - the shinier the better. Coated base paper has a higher ink non-joule rate, which means less ink is absorbed by the paper fibres. Instead, it sits on the paper where it can produce some serious gloss.
4. Protect your artwork - because they are made up of thin sheets of metal, metallic materials are somewhat prone to chalking and flaking, so a protective water-based coating will help keep them in place.
Not only do metallic inks look beautiful, they can also help take your marketing materials to a new level and break the status quo. Often the focus is on the layout and colour of the artwork and the use of inks can sometimes be overlooked. If you use metallic inks you will create a glossy effect that will make your full colour postcards, business cards, catalogues or brochures stand out.