Let’s be honest - we’ve all been handed a flyer and binned it five seconds later. Most go unnoticed, forgotten, or end up as coffee coasters. But the good news? The ones with a bit of texture, a bit of shine - the ones that feel nice? Those are the flyers people actually hang on to.
That’s where print finishes come in.
At Colour Print, we’re all about helping your ideas look their best on paper. Whether you’re promoting an event, launching a new product, or just trying to grab someone’s attention, choosing the right finish can make a big difference. So here’s our quick, no-jargon guide to the best print finishes that really help your flyers stand out.
1. Lamination - The Polished One
Lamination gives your flyer a smooth finish and a bit of extra strength (handy if it’s going in someone’s bag or pocket). You’ve got a few options here:
Great for: Product launches, menus, event flyers - anything you want to look slick and professional.
2. Spot UV - A Bit of Shine in All the Right Places
Spot UV is where you add a clear, glossy coating to just one part of your design - like your logo, a headline or a pattern in the background. It’s not shouty, but it catches the light just enough to stand out.
Top tip: it looks amazing when paired with a matt laminate. That mix of shine and smooth works well.
Perfect for: Premium flyers, brand promotions, when you want a touch of class.
3. Foil Blocking - Because Sometimes You’ve Got to Sparkle
Foil’s a real head-turner. Gold, silver, copper, rose gold - even holographic if you’re feeling a bit bold. It adds instant luxury to a flyer and makes your message feel that bit more special.
Use it sparingly and it has a real impact - great for highlighting names, logos or offers.
Ideal for: Weddings, boutique promotions, anything that needs a bit of glam.
4. Embossing & Debossing - Texture That Talks
Embossing (raising the design) and debossing (pressing it in) are subtle, tactile finishes that people love to run their fingers over. Great for logos, slogans, or anything minimal that needs a bit of texture.
It’s the kind of thing that makes people stop and go “Ooh, that’s nice.”
Best for: Premium brands, minimalist designs, when you want to say more by doing less.
5. Die Cutting - Break the Mould
Why stick to a plain rectangle? Die cutting lets you trim your flyer into any shape you fancy - think rounded corners, cut-outs, or completely custom shapes to match your product or brand.
It’s playful, creative and definitely gets noticed.
Great for: Creative businesses, kids’ events, promotions with a twist.
6. Special Inks - Bold, Bright and Brilliant
Fluorescent and metallic inks aren’t for the faint-hearted, but if you want to stand out in a crowd, they’re brilliant. Neon inks shout for attention, while metallics add shimmer and depth.
Perfect for: Club nights, festivals, high-energy promotions, or brands with a bold personality.
So, Which Finish Should You Choose?
Honestly? It depends on what you’re trying to say - and who you’re saying it to. If you’re not sure, we’re happy to chat it through and recommend something that fits your vibe and your budget.
Sometimes a simple matt laminate does the job. Other times, it’s all about foil and embossing. It’s not just about looking good - it’s about helping your flyer feel right too.
Let’s Bring Your Ideas to Life
At Colour Print, we’re passionate about making print exciting again. We love helping businesses in Norwich (and beyond) make their marketing stand out - whether it’s a stack of flyers for a local gig, a beautifully finished invite, or something totally bespoke.
If you’ve got an idea, we’ll help you shape it. If you’ve got a finished design, we’ll help you elevate it. And if you’re figuring it out, no worries - our team is here for that too.
Get in touch with the team today and let’s make something brilliant together.
From the Colour Print printworks in Norwich, we print and fulfil orders throughout the UK.
Get in touch to chat about your latest print project.
Call us on 01603 488001, email sales@col-print.co.uk or fill out this contact form and someone from our team will be in touch.