What Is Specialty Paper? (Pearlescent / Metallic Board / Flocked / Textured)

What Is Specialty Paper? (Pearlescent / Metallic Board / Flocked / Textured)

Pearlescent Paper

Definition
A coated paper with mica/TiO₂ pearlescent pigments that create a subtle, angle-dependent shimmer.

Key Features

Elegant sheen with fine, even sparkle; cleaner color appearance than standard coated stocks.

Dense, smudge-resistant surface; available in cool white, champagne gold, pink pearl, and iridescent tints.

Applications
Cosmetics/fragrance cartons, invitations, sleeves, gift cards, labels, premium stationery.

Production Tips

Suits offset, UV digital, and screen; pearl base can mute colors—test ink density or add white underprint for solids.

Beautiful with foil stamping, emboss/deboss, spot UV.

Deep score before folding to reduce cracking.

 

Metallic Board (Gold & Silver Card)

Definition
Paperboard with a metallized film/foil laminate or high-reflective metallic coating, delivering mirror or brushed metal effects (gold, silver, rose gold, matte/bright).

Key Features

Strong reflectivity, high visual impact, crisp edges and good stiffness for rigid-feel cartons.

Applications
Luxury gift boxes, wine/spirits and jewelry cartons, limited editions, covers, premium tags.

Production Tips

Use white ink base + CMYK/spot to control show-through on colored artwork.

Surfaces can scuff—consider protective varnish or anti-scratch film.

Pairs well with additional foils, embossing, and spot UV.

Check recyclability guidelines for metallized laminates in your region.

 

 

Flocked (Velvet) Paper

Definition
A paper surface electrostatically flocked with short fibers (e.g., rayon/nylon) over adhesive, creating a velvet-like nap.

Key Features

Soft, low-gloss tactile feel; saturated color; excellent light absorption for a “luxury” look.

Applications
Jewelry and fragrance boxes, premium liners/inserts, frames, rigid box wraps, upscale shopping bags (panels).

Production Tips

Not ideal for conventional offset on the nap—prefer foil, screen inks, spot UV (on de-flocked/flat zones).

Validate die-cut and gluing to avoid fiber lift and glue strike-through.

Specify high fastness fibers; run rub/soiling tests and use dust protection during transit.

 

Textured Paper

Definition
Paper embossed or cast-textured (linen, canvas, sand, leather-grain, pinstripe, pebble, etc.) to enhance tactile depth and light play.

Key Features

Strong hand-feel with low glare; hides minor handling marks; uncoated variants give warm, natural color rendition.

Applications
Brand covers, certificates/invitations, shopping bags, premium box wraps, wine/tea labels, stationery.

Production Tips

Texture can affect solid coverage—proof first and consider UV or screen for dense areas.

Foil, blind emboss/deboss, spot UV deliver striking contrast on textured surfaces.

Score with the grain where possible; use high-tack adhesive while controlling penetration.

For dark shades, consider anti-scratch matte coating or protective varnish.

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