Finishes
Gloss lamination
Gloss lamination fuses a clear, high-shine protective film across your printed packaging, deepening blacks, boosting color saturation and shielding ink from scuffs, splashes and crease cracking.
Custom dielines · Free 3D mockup before you pay · Free US shipping
- AI-to-print studio includedAI concepts rebuilt onto exact dielines + 3D mockup
- 4–5 day rush specialistsPriority press lanes built for tight launch deadlines
- 3D mockup before you payAnd a digital proof of your design
- Free US shippingTo all 50 states · worldwide DDP shipping available
What is gloss lamination?
Gloss lamination bonds a smooth, transparent polymer film onto printed paperboard, corrugated liners or label stock under heat and roller pressure. Because light reflects cleanly off the mirror-smooth surface instead of scattering, photographs, gradients and saturated brand colors appear noticeably richer and deeper than on uncoated or matte stock, while the flexible film holds heavy ink coverage together along sharp 90-degree box folds.
How it works
How does gloss lamination work?
- 01
Artwork prints in CMYK or Pantone
Your design prints onto smooth white coated paperboard, corrugated liner or label stock for crisp detail.
- 02
Clear high-shine film is bonded
Heated pressure rollers fuse a transparent gloss film across the exterior sheet, locking the ink underneath.
- 03
Die-cut, creased and folded cleanly
The flexible gloss film bends smoothly over every score line so dark panels fold without white crack marks.
Is it for you?
When to choose it, and when to skip it
Choose it when
- Snack, confectionery, beverage, toy and game boxes that rely on vivid, appetite-appealing photography and punchy colors
- Retail shelf cartons that need eye-catching shine from across the aisle
- Packaging handled frequently in transit or stores that needs strong scuff, wipe-down and splash resistance
- Full-bleed dark or saturated designs that could crack along unlaminated fold lines
Skip it when
- Boxes where you plan to use glossy spot UV accents: spot UV needs a matte or soft-touch base so the shine contrasts
- Quiet, minimalist skincare or natural kraft packaging where a low-glare matte or raw paper look fits the brand better
How it works
Request a quote with gloss lamination
Tell us what you’re packing and how many. The form opens with gloss lamination ticked. Your dedicated account manager prepares pricing for each quantity.
- 01
Tell us what you’re packing
Pick your box, bag or label, enter a rough size and up to 3 quantities — or drop in an AI design.
- 02
Compare custom pricing
Your dedicated account manager prepares tailored pricing for each quantity tier you picked.
- 03
Dieline & 3D mockup, free
Our studio prepares print-ready artwork on your exact dieline and sends a 3D mockup. Nothing prints until you approve.
- 04
Printed & shipped free
Produced in 10–14 business days (4–5 day rush available) and delivered free to all 50 US states.
Prefer to talk? or see how ordering works.
Compare
Gloss lamination vs matte lamination vs soft-touch lamination
| Finish | What you see | What you feel | Best on | Pairs with | On labels? | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gloss lamination | Bright, deep, shiny color | Slick and smooth | Photos and bold color | Full-color artwork | Yes | Get a quote |
| Matte lamination | Flat, calm color with low glare | Smooth and dry | Modern designs, store shelves | Spot UV or foil | Yes | Get a quote |
| Soft-touch lamination | Deep color with a low sheen | Soft and velvety | Gift, beauty and candle boxes | Foil or spot UV | No | Get a quote |
Where it works
Which packaging can have gloss lamination?
Pick any of these in the quote form. Each button switches the form to that packaging, with the option ticked where the form has it.
- Card / product boxesGet a quote
- Mailer boxesGet a quote
- Rigid boxesGet a quote
- Labels & stickersGet a quote
- Paper bagsGet a quote
- Thank you & insert cardsGet a quote
Ready to order? See custom product boxes and custom mailer boxes.
Ready to add gloss lamination?
Send a rough idea: a product, a size and a quantity, and we’ll tailor your quote across up to 3 volume tiers.
Artwork
How to set up your artwork for gloss lamination
Not sure? Our free artwork check sets it up for you.
- No extra mask layer is needed: gloss lamination covers the entire printed exterior automatically
- Supply high-resolution photos (300 DPI at print size), as a glossy finish keeps every sharp edge and detail crisp
- Glue flaps are automatically kept free of film by our prepress team so cartons bond securely
- Unsure between gloss and matte? Ask your account manager to quote both options side by side
Popular on
Packaging often ordered with gloss lamination
Get a quote for any of these right here.
Products 8
Custom Cosmetic Boxes
Custom printed cosmetic boxes for makeup tubes, compacts, palettes and jars.
From 1,000Custom Skincare Boxes
Custom printed skincare boxes for serums, jars and cleansers from 1,000 units.
From 1,000Custom Perfume Boxes
Custom printed perfume boxes from 50 rigid cases or 1,000 folding cartons.
From 50Custom Apparel Boxes
Custom printed apparel boxes from 250 mailers, 1,000 cartons or 50 rigid boxes.
From 250Custom PR Boxes
Custom printed PR boxes and media kits with fitted foam or card inserts from 250 mailers.
From 250
Cost
Does gloss lamination cost more?
Gloss lamination adds only a modest finishing cost, typically in line with matte lamination and lower than soft-touch film. Your account manager prices it across your chosen quantities. Common searches we quote include gloss finish custom boxes, gloss vs matte lamination, glossy laminated boxes, high gloss packaging finish, gloss laminated cartons, shiny protective film on custom boxes, vibrant color high shine box finish, moisture and wipe clean gloss lamination, gloss laminated food and toy boxes, high contrast photo gloss packaging, gloss film on labels and pouches, crack resistant gloss box coating, shelf pop glossy retail cartons and when to choose gloss lamination.
Every quote is free, with tailored pricing for each quantity tier you compare.
Get a quote with gloss laminationWays to pay less
- 10% off your first order
- We beat a written US competitor quote for the same specs
- A lower unit price at bigger quantities
Why CubitPack
One account manager, from first question to delivery.
- 1-on-1
Dedicated account manager
Work with one packaging specialist from sizing and dielines through proof approval and delivery.
- Free
AI & custom design studio
Bring print-ready files, a rough logo, or an AI-generated box idea — we rebuild every element onto your exact dieline for free.
- 3D
Approve before you pay
Review a high-detail 3D mockup and flat digital proof of every panel, flap and finish before paying a cent.
- 10–14
Business days to deliver
Counted from proof approval and payment, with free shipping across all 50 states. Rush orders ship in 4–5 days.
Our promises, in writing
- Reprint or refund. If we get it wrong, tell us within 14 days with photos and you choose.
- Pantone guaranteed. If a Pantone color is clearly off, we reprint it.
- Damaged in transit. We reprint the damaged units free and handle the carrier claim.
- Cancel free. Any time before you approve your proof, with a full refund.
At a glance
Gloss lamination at a glance
- Works on
- Card / product boxes, mailer boxes, rigid boxes, labels and stickers, paper shopping bags and thank-you / insert cards.
- Best for
- Maximum color vibrancy, deep blacks, photo clarity and wipe-clean surface protection.
- Cost
- Gloss lamination adds only a modest finishing cost, typically in line with matte lamination and lower than soft-touch film.
- Pairs with
- Full color (CMYK) printing, Foil stamping, Embossing, Window patching
- Before you pay
- A digital proof and a 3D mockup
- Account support
- One dedicated account manager from quote to delivery
FAQ
Gloss lamination: questions
What is the difference between gloss lamination and matte lamination?
Gloss lamination reflects light for a shiny finish that makes colors brighter and blacks deeper. Matte lamination diffuses light for a calm, low-glare look. Both protect printed boxes against scuffs, light moisture and corner cracking.
Does gloss lamination show fingerprints?
On solid jet-black backgrounds, gloss can show smudges more than matte, though busy patterns, photography and bright colors hide handling marks well and wipe clean easily.
Can I put spot UV over gloss lamination?
We recommend pairing spot UV with matte or soft-touch lamination instead. Because spot UV is itself a high-gloss coating, applying it over a glossy film leaves almost no visual contrast.
Can foil stamping and embossing go over gloss lamination?
Yes. Metallic foil stamping and raised embossing both work cleanly over gloss-laminated folding cartons and rigid boxes.
Is a gloss finish available on custom labels and stickers too?
Yes. Custom labels and stickers can be ordered with a gloss finish for jars, bottles, pouches and seal stickers.
Can I request a free digital proof and 3D mockup showing gloss lamination on my box?
Yes. Every order with gloss lamination includes free design help, a custom dieline, a 2D digital proof, and a 3D mockup before you pay so you can check placement and finishes.
Are there any die or plate charges when adding gloss lamination to my custom packaging order?
No. CubitPack charges zero die or printing plate fees on gloss lamination, and standard US shipping to all 50 states is included in your written quote.
How fast can I get a custom quote comparing unit prices with and without gloss lamination?
Send your product dimensions and up to three quantity tiers in the quote form, and your dedicated account manager replies in 5–7 minutes, 24/7, with side-by-side pricing.
Can I see gloss lamination in person inside the CubitPack sample kit or on a physical prototype?
Yes. You can order our physical sample kit (credited to your first order) to feel board and finish swatches, or request a custom pre-production prototype before a full run.
Sources
Sources for this page
- Wikipedia: Lamination: how clear gloss polymer film bonds over printed paperboard to boost optical contrast and protect folded creases
- TAPPI — High-Gloss Film Lamination & Print Protection: gloss BOPP film lamination for color contrast, moisture resistance, and score durability
Finishes
More finishes
Foil stamping
A heated die presses thin foil onto your logo or text.
Card / product boxes (folding cartons), mailer boxes, rigid boxes, paper bags, thank-you and insert cards, and labels and stickers.Get a quoteDetails about foil stampingEmbossing
Matched dies push your logo up from the board so you can feel it.
Card / product boxes, mailer boxes, rigid boxes, paper shopping bags and thank-you / insert cards.Get a quoteDetails about embossingDebossing
A die presses your logo into the board for a quiet, pressed look.
Card / product boxes, mailer boxes, rigid boxes, paper shopping bags and thank-you / insert cards.Get a quoteDetails about debossingSpot UV
A clear, glossy coating on chosen areas, hardened with UV light.
Card / product boxes, mailer boxes, rigid boxes, labels and stickers, paper shopping bags and thank-you / insert cards.Get a quoteDetails about spot UVMatte lamination
A thin film with a flat, low-glare look that guards against scuffs.
Card / product boxes, mailer boxes, rigid boxes, labels and stickers, paper shopping bags and thank-you / insert cards.Get a quoteDetails about matte laminationSoft-touch lamination
A matte film with a velvety feel that also protects the print.
Card / product boxes, rigid boxes, mailer boxes, paper shopping bags and thank-you / insert cards.Get a quoteDetails about soft-touch lamination
Get started
Get a price with gloss lamination.
Bring a rough size, a logo, or an AI concept. One dedicated account manager guides your custom packaging from dieline and 3D proof to delivery.