PACKAGING GUIDES

Gold-Ink Packaging Printing: Confirm the Ink, Surface and Finished Sample

Gold-ink packaging printing should be approved as a specific ink, printing surface and finishing combination. Confirm that the proposal actually uses metallic ink, then review the proposed system and a finished sample instead of applying a universal mixing recipe.

Gold-colored decoration on gift-box panels; the printing or foil route is specified per project
Gold-colored decoration on gift-box panels; the printing or foil route is specified per project

Name the printing route before discussing precautions

Separate a metallic-ink proposal from a foil or gold-colored surface proposal. A gold appearance in a photograph does not identify the process. Ask for the proposed ink system and printing method to be stated in the quotation so that the sample and the production specification refer to the same route.

Review the proposed surface and finishing combination

Identify the intended substrate and any coating, lamination or later decoration. Request the ink supplier’s applicable technical guidance for that combination and have the printer confirm its suitability for the job. Mixing amounts, storage conditions and press settings must follow the specified system rather than instructions copied from an unrelated process.

Approve a representative finished sample

Review the metallic appearance with the surrounding artwork under the agreed viewing conditions. Check the proposed finished surface and record any required handling or application checks before authorizing production. Keep the approved ink, substrate and finish identifiable so that a substitution is reviewed instead of assumed equivalent.