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Metallic
Reflective, eye-catching finishes for premium packaging
Varnish vs laminate: choose the right finish for your labels
Labels come in all shapes and sizes. But before they head off onto bottles, jars, boxes, or packaging, there’s one final detail to consider: the finish.
A label finish affects both how your labels look and how well they hold up over time. Some are built for moisture and heavy handling. Others focus on appearance, flexibility, or sustainability. So, how do you know which one is right for your labels? Good news, I'm here to tell you.
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TL;DR:
What’s the difference between varnish and laminate?
Varnish is a liquid coating that adds light protection and enhances appearance. Laminate is a protective film that provides greater durability and water resistance.
Which finish is best for labels exposed to moisture?
Laminate. It protects against water, oils, friction, and everyday wear.
Is varnish waterproof?
No. Varnish offers light scratch protection but isn’t designed for wet environments.
Which finish is more recyclable?
Varnish. Because no additional plastic film is added, it’s generally the more recyclable option.
Can I write on labels?
Yes, but only on uncoated Kraft paper labels.
Which finish should I choose?
Choose varnish for dry goods and cost-efficient packaging. Choose laminate for products exposed to moisture, friction, or frequent handling.
What's the difference between varnish and a laminate?
At first glance, varnish and laminate can look surprisingly similar. But they do have different jobs.
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Varnish is a liquid coating that is applied directly onto the printed label and then cured.
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Laminate is a separate layer of film that is applied over the print, creating an additional physical barrier between your design and the outside world.
The result? Two finishes that may look similar on the shelf but perform very differently once the label starts being handled, transported, refrigerated, squeezed, or exposed to moisture.
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Glossy varnish
The everyday all-rounder. Glossy varnish enhances colours, adds a subtle shine, and provides light protection against scratches and everyday handling.
Applied directly onto the label rather than as a separate film, it keeps labels thin, flexible, and cost-efficient. A great choice for product packaging used in dry environments.
Best for:
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Dry goods and retail packaging
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High-volume production
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Brands prioritising recyclability
Glossy laminate
When durability matters, glossy laminate steps in. A protective film covers the entire label, creating a barrier against water, oils, friction, and frequent handling.
The glossy surface makes colours appear richer and more vibrant, helping products stand out on crowded shelves while staying protected throughout their journey.
Best for:
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Beverages and food packaging
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Cosmetics and personal care products
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Moisture-prone environments
Matte laminate
All the protection of laminate, with a more understated look. Matte laminate reduces reflections and creates a smooth, premium finish while still protecting against water, oils, chemicals, and abrasion.
It’s a favourite for brands that want a sophisticated appearance without compromising on durability.
Best for:
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Premium product packaging
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Beauty and skincare brands
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Labels exposed to moisture or friction
What about uncoated labels?
Oh, and let’s not forget the uncoated labels. While varnish and laminate tend to steal the spotlight, uncoated labels have their own little fan club. We offer uncoated labels exclusively on Kraft paper, letting the natural texture of the material take centre stage.
Since there’s no varnish or laminate applied on top, what you’re seeing and feeling is simply the paper itself. That means less protection against moisture and wear, but it also means a more tactile, authentic look that coated labels can’t quite replicate.
Uncoated labels are also your best friend if you need to write on them. Batch numbers, expiry dates, signatures, little handwritten notes, you name it. The exposed paper surface makes all of that easy. For an earthy, handcrafted look, uncoated Kraft paper is hard to beat.
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Meet the label materials
Choosing the right finish is only half the equation. The material itself has a big impact on the final result too
Most of our label materials can be paired with either varnish or laminate, giving you the freedom to balance appearance, durability, and cost. The one exception is Kraft paper, which is available exclusively as uncoated to preserve its natural texture and writable surface.
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This or that?
Both finishes improve the look of your labels, but they’re built for slightly different jobs. Choose varnish if you want a cost-efficient finish for labels used in dry environments. It keeps labels thin, flexible, and more recyclable while still adding a polished look and light scratch protection.
Choose laminate if your labels need extra durability. The protective film helps resist water, oils, friction, and frequent handling, making it the better choice for beverages, cosmetics, food packaging, and other demanding applications.
Choose varnish for:
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Lower cost
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Better recyclability
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Dry goods and standard packaging
Choose laminate for:
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Waterproof protection
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Maximum durability
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Products exposed to moisture or wear
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Author
Emma