Keeping Up With The Pace
A blog by Pacer Packaging
Gloss, Matte, Soft-Touch & More: Choosing the Right Finish for Your Custom Mylar Bags
When it comes to mylar bag packaging, the design isn’t finished until—well—the finish is chosen. While we often talk about structure, color and material, how your packaging feels and looks in-hand can have just as much impact as the logo on the front.
**Glossy, matte, soft-touch, satin, spot UV, foil accents—**the options are endless. But how do you choose the right one for your brand and product?
In this post, we’re breaking down the most popular types of mylar bag finishes. We’ll also cover an often overlooked detail: the difference between varnish and lamination and how that impacts durability, feel and cost.
Why the Finish Matters
You’ve probably heard the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover.” That’s great in theory, but when it comes to packaging, most customers do exactly that. Your custom mylar bag is the first tactile and visual impression people get, especially if they’re shopping online or picking something off a crowded shelf.
The right finish can:
• Make your mylar bag look high-end and intentional
• Add protection against scratches, moisture, and wear
• Highlight certain design elements
• Influence how the customer feels about your brand
At Pacer Packaging, we offer every finish available on the market—but for the sake of simplicity, we’re focusing on the three most popular: gloss, matte and soft-touch.
Gloss Finish
Let’s start with one of the most common: Gloss.
What It Looks & Feels Like:
• Shiny and reflective
• Smooth to the touch
• Colors appear more vibrant and saturated
Why Use It:
Gloss finish gives your mylar bag packaging a bold, polished look. It enhances bright colors, photographs, and complex designs by boosting contrast and detail.
Gloss will make your custom mylar bags pop on a shelf, but it’s also more prone to fingerprints and glare, which might not suit every brand vibe.
Matte Finish
If gloss is flashy, matte is its laid-back, modern cousin.
What It Looks & Feels Like:
• Smooth but not shiny
• Slight texture, soft in the hand
• Creates a more muted, sophisticated aesthetic
Why Use It:
Matte gives your packaging a luxury feel. It’s elegant, minimal, and doesn’t scream for attention—but still draws the right kind of eye. It’s also more resistant to fingerprints.
Matte can sometimes dull vibrant colors slightly, so it works best with strong type or minimal design elements.
Soft-Touch Finish
Soft-touch is like the velvet rope of packaging.
What It Looks & Feels Like:
• Velvety, almost rubbery to the touch
• Matte appearance with a slight texture
• Instantly gives a sense of luxury
Why Use It:
Soft-touch finishes offer a tactile experience that’s memorable. It invites the customer to hold onto the pouch, turning a quick glance into a lingering interaction.
Soft-touch tends to cost more, but the perceived value it adds is hard to beat.
BONUS: Design Enhancements
In addition to base finishes, we also offer design enhancements that take your custom mylar bags to the next level.
Spot UV (Spot Gloss)
This isn’t a full finish but a design enhancement.
What It Looks & Feels Like:
•High-gloss applied only to specific areas
•Tactile contrast when paired with matte or soft-touch
•Makes logos or text stand out
Why Use It:
Spot UV is a clever way to draw attention to certain elements—like your logo, a pattern, or a call to action—without overwhelming the design.
Note: Spot UV works best on darker or matte backgrounds for contrast.
Foil Stamping
A metallic, reflective finish that screams premium.
What It Looks & Feels Like:
• Shiny metallic or holographic effect
• Available in gold, silver, copper, rose gold, etc.
• Slight texture where applied
Why Use It:
Foil gives an instant high-end look. It can highlight brand names, seals, or limited-edition products.
Embossing
This isn’t a full finish but a design enhancement that adds dimension.
What It Looks & Feels Like:
• Raised surface effect on selected elements
• Adds texture you can see and feel
• Often used with foil or spot UV for extra impact
Why Use It:
Embossing gives your packaging a premium, tactile feel by physically lifting key elements—like your logo, a symbol, or important text—off the surface.
Note: Embossing pairs beautifully with matte or soft-touch finishes for contrast and elegance.
Varnish vs. Lamination: What’s the Difference?
This is a key distinction that can affect how your packaging holds up over time.
Varnish
Varnish is a liquid coating that’s applied to printed surfaces and cured with heat or UV. It’s thinner and more economical than lamination.
Pros:
• Adds basic protection
• Enhances visual appeal
• Budget-friendly
Cons:
• Less durable over time
• Can scuff more easily
Lamination
Lamination applies a thin plastic film to the surface—either gloss, matte, or soft-touch. It’s more durable and provides a premium tactile feel.
Pros:
• Strong barrier protection (moisture, scratches, etc.)
• Enhances longevity
• Feels smoother and more premium
Cons:
• More expensive than varnish
• Not always ideal for eco-conscious packaging unless using biodegradable films
How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Mylar Bags
Here are a few simple questions to help guide your decision:
1. What is your brand vibe?
Bold and fun → Go gloss or spot UV
Clean and minimal → Matte or satin
Luxe and sensory → Soft-touch or foil
2. Where will this packaging be used?
On shelves? Focus on shelf appeal (gloss, spot UV)
Mailed to customers? Think about durability and feel (lamination, soft-touch)
Handled often? Choose a finish that resists scuffs and fingerprints
3. How important is texture to your customer experience?
If touch and interaction are part of your unboxing or retail strategy, opt for soft-touch, embossing, or contrasting finishes.
4. What’s your budget?
Gloss and matte varnishes are more affordable
Lamination and specialty finishes (like soft-touch or foil) cost more, but can boost perceived value significantly
Final Thoughts
Custom mylar bag finishes aren’t just about looks—they’re about how your brand is experienced. Whether you want to make a bold statement, add luxury, or create a memorable tactile moment, the right finish can take your packaging from standard to standout.
At Pacer Print, we don’t just print packaging—we craft packaging experiences. From design to production, our in-house team helps you create custom mylar bags that showcase your brand, protect your product and makes a lasting impression. We offer everything from low minimums to high-volume production, fast turnarounds and free press samples with every order. Need help deciding on materials or sizing? We’ve got you.
Request a free, competitive quote today.
We’re real people and we’re super easy to work with!
Call us: (888) 305-3144
Email Us: info@pacerprint.com
Website: www.pacerprint.com
Call us: (888) 305-3144 Email Us: info@pacerprint.com Website: www.pacerprint.com
Contact Us
Have a question or need a quote? Leave us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
For immediate assistance, call us!
Corporate Office
4101 Guardian St. Simi Valley, CA 93603
Phone Number
888-305-3144
Email Address
info@pacerprint.com
