Matt & Gloss Labels
Achieve the perfect look and feel with the right label finish
The finish of your labels can make a massive difference to how your product is perceived. At Kingfisher Labels, we offer a choice of matt and gloss finishes to help you create the perfect look and feel for your brand.
What are Matt and Gloss' labels?
Matt labels have a smooth, non‑reflective surface that gives a subtle, understated look. They’re ideal for conveying quality, sophistication and natural ingredients. Gloss labels, on the other hand, have a shiny, reflective surface that creates a vibrant, eye‑catching effect. They’re often used to convey energy, excitement and value.
Why choose matt or gloss labels?
Create the right brand impression.
The finish of your labels is a key element of your brand’s visual identity. Matt labels can convey a sense of understated elegance, while gloss labels can create a bold, attention‑grabbing effect. Choosing the right finish helps you communicate your brand’s personality and values to your target audience.
Enhance readability and legibility.
Matt labels reduce glare and reflections, making them easier to read in bright lighting conditions. This is particularly important for labels with small text, barcodes or QR codes. Gloss labels, on the other hand, can enhance the vibrancy of colours and make images pop – ideal for bold graphics and product photography.
Protect your labels from damage.
Both matt and gloss laminates or varnishes can protect your labels from scuffing, scratching, moisture and UV light, helping to keep them looking pristine throughout the product’s life. This is especially important for products that are handled frequently, stored in challenging environments, or exposed to sunlight.
Create a tactile experience.
The texture of your labels also influences how customers perceive your product. Matt labels have a soft, smooth, tactile feel that’s often associated with quality and craftsmanship, while gloss labels have a sleek, polished feel that conveys energy and innovation. Both can be combined with other decorative finishes to create a truly multi‑sensory experience on the shelf.
When to use Matt labels
Cosmetics and personal care products seeking a sophisticated, natural or organic look
Gourmet food and beverage products emphasising quality and craftsmanship
Wine and spirits bottles want a premium, understated feel
Pharmaceutical and healthcare products need clear, legible information with low glare
Products with longer text descriptions, multi‑language copy or detailed instructions
Brands positioning themselves as sustainable, artisanal or minimalist
Cost‑effective matt and gloss label solutions
We understand that budget is a key consideration. We offer a range of materials and finishing options to suit different price points, and we’ll work with you to optimise your design, material choice and print method to get the most from your budget. For example, a varnish may deliver the look you want at a lower cost than a laminate, depending on your application. By combining efficient digital printing for shorter runs and flexographic printing for larger, repeat orders, we can keep unit costs low while maintaining consistently high quality across all your SKUs.
Our matt and gloss label printing capabilities
Wide range of paper and film stocks
We offer a variety of paper and film stocks that are suitable for both matt and gloss finishes, including:
- Gloss-coated papers for vibrant colours and sharp imagery
- Matt coated papers for a smooth, premium, low‑glare finish
- Uncoated and textured papers for a natural, tactile feel
- Polypropylene (PP) films for excellent water and chemical resistance
- Polyethylene (PE) films for flexibility and conformability on squeezable containers
- Clear and metallic films that pair beautifully with both matt and gloss finishes
Matt and gloss varnishes
Varnishes are transparent coatings applied to the surface of the label to protect the ink and enhance the finish. We offer both matt and gloss varnishes, which can be used on the entire label (flood varnish) or to specific areas for a spot varnish effect that highlights key elements of your design.
Laminates for added durability
Laminates are thin films applied over the printed label to provide extra protection against scuffing, scratching, moisture, chemicals and UV light. We offer both matt and gloss laminates, which can significantly extend the lifespan of your labels and keep them looking as good on the last day of sale as on the first.
Combination finishes
For a truly distinctive look, we can combine matt and gloss finishes on the same label. For example, you might choose a matt laminate over the whole label with a high‑gloss spot varnish on your logo, product name or hero imagery. This contrast draws the eye to key details and gives your packaging a premium, high‑end feel.
Digital and flexographic printing
Our combination of high‑quality digital and flexographic presses means we can match the print method to your order size and design complexity. Digital printing is ideal for short runs, multiple SKUs and variable data, while flexographic printing excels on long, repeat runs where unit cost is critical. Whatever the method, you can choose from a full range of matt and gloss finishes.
Need help & advice?
Speak to one of the Kingfisher Labels team experts?
Sustainable matt and gloss label options
We’re committed to reducing the environmental impact of our label printing services. We offer a range of sustainable options, including:
- Recycled and responsibly sourced paper stocks
- Water‑based varnishes and low‑migration inks where appropriate
- Materials and finishes compatible with standard recycling streams
- Liner‑light and linerless options to reduce waste where the application allows
If sustainability is a priority for your project, we’ll guide you through the best options without compromising performance or aesthetics.
Our Label Printing Finishes
Why partner with Kingfisher Labels for matt and gloss finishes?
- Extensive experience producing high‑quality labels with a wide variety of matt, gloss and combination finishes
- Both digital and flexographic presses are used for maximum flexibility and efficiency.
- Wide choice of paper and film stocks, adhesives and specialist finishes
- Expert guidance on design, material selection and print techniques to achieve your desired look
- Stringent quality control and colour management for consistent results across every run
- Competitive pricing, realistic lead times and a responsive, reliable service
- A friendly, solutions‑focused team committed to helping your products stand out on the shelf
Whether you’re looking to create a sophisticated, understated matt look or a bold, eye‑catching gloss design, we’ll help you produce labels that enhance your brand and captivate your customers.
The matt and gloss label printing process
Project consultation and material selection
We start by understanding your product, packaging, brand positioning and the environments your labels will face. From there, we’ll recommend suitable paper or film stocks, adhesives and finishes, and advise on the most efficient print method for your run size and artwork.
Artwork preparation and proofing
You can supply press‑ready artwork, or our in‑house team can help you create or refine your design for matt, gloss or combination finishes. We’ll check your files, advise on any adjustments needed for the chosen material and finish (such as knock‑outs for spot varnish), and provide a digital proof – and physical samples where required – before we go to print.
Printing and finishing
Once approved, we print your labels using our state‑of‑the‑art presses, then apply your chosen matt or gloss varnishes or laminates. Labels are then die‑cut, stripped and wound to your preferred roll size or sheet format, ready for manual application or automated labelling lines.
Quality control and delivery
Every batch of labels is checked for colour accuracy, registration, adhesion and finishing quality before it leaves our factory. We then carefully pack and ship your labels so they arrive on time, in the correct format, and ready to go straight onto your production line.
Get your Matt & Gloss Labels quote today
To speak to one of the Kingfisher Labels team, call 01454 321456 or click on the link below