Specialty Inks & Coatings

Today’s consumers are more design-savvy than ever, and we take pride in helping brands achieve their aesthetic goals and stand out on the shelf. Our 12-color UV flexo, screen, and combination presses provide cost-effective, in-line branding and decoration opportunities, allowing you to incorporate specialty inks and coatings that enhance both the tactile and visual appeal of your product.

Request a Quote

Countless Ways to Elevate Your Packaging

From metallization techniques to UV-raised tactile coatings, we offer a wide range of specialty printing and finishing options that reinforce the premium quality of your product. Below are some of our most popular solutions. Don’t see exactly what you’re looking for? No problem—our technical and sourcing teams can help find or create the perfect solution to match your vision.

Specialty Inks & Coatings Options

Texture

  • Raised images and patterns for added dimension 
  • A cost-effective alternative to embossing 
  • Improves grip for products like shampoos and shower gels

Glitter

  • Specialty inks with reflective flakes suspended in translucent ink
  • Available in numerous colors, shapes, and sizes

Pearlescent

  • Adds a luxurious pearlescent luster
  • Can be incorporated into process graphics or used as a standalone color
  • Available in soft hues like pink, blue, yellow, peach, and cream

Cast & Cure

  • Holographic film applied to base material for added depth and dimension
  • Can be applied as a full flood coat or to select areas
  • Reusable film available in a variety of patterns

Foil Tints

  • Creates visual effects by applying translucent ink over foil or metallized material
  • A cost-effective alternative to custom foil colors
  • No additional tooling costs

Prysmatic

  • Patterned coatings applied over metallized material or metallic ink 
  • Variable patterns create movement, texture, and depth 
  • A customizable, cost-effective alternative to specialized materials and embossing

Metallic Ink, Metallure, Foil

  • Metallic ink provides a brushed or matte metal look 
  • Metallure offers a shiny or brushed effect, depending on the printing technique 
  • Foiling delivers high reflectivity; cold foil requires no additional tooling

Color Change

  • Includes thermochromic, photochromic, color-shift, and glow-in-the-dark inks
  • Activated by temperature changes or exposure to light

Scratch & Sniff

  • Scratch & Sniff Clear coatings with encapsulated fragrances
  • Available in both standard and custom scents

Varnishes That Finish the Look

Our robust UV varnishes not only enhance visual appeal but also provide added protection. Available in finishes ranging from high-gloss to matte and soft-touch, these coatings create a premium feel. By layering multiple varnishes, you can achieve unique effects that elevate your brand’s shelf presence.

Specialty Inks & Coatings for Any Industry

With an extensive range of specialty inks and coatings combined with advanced application techniques, QAL serves industries that demand high-end, premium labels, including: 

  • Health & Beauty – Luxurious finishes for cosmetics, skincare, and personal care products
  • Food & Beverage – Elegant coatings that enhance brand brand prestige, especially suitable for wine and spirits
  • Automotive & Specialty Chemicals – Sleek, industrial looks achieved through metallization

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Many brands use a mix of enhancements—such as pearlescent effects with raised textures or foil tints with prismatic coating—to create striking visual and tactile appeal. Our experts can help you find the right combination for your brand.

Yes. Certain coatings, like UV varnishes, offer added protection against moisture, chemicals, and abrasion. If your labels require extra durability, we can recommend coatings suited for high-wear environments.

The cost varies based on the complexity of the effect. Some options, like foil tints and tactile coatings, offer cost-effective alternatives to custom foils and embossing. Our team can help you balance aesthetics and budget.

Yes. Let us know what you are looking for and our team will engineer or source the effect or look you desire.

Reach out to our team! We’ll help you explore your options, provide samples, and guide you through the selection process to ensure your labels make a lasting impression.

Start Your Project Today

Our packaging professionals are ready to help you find the perfect combination of specialty inks and coatings to meet both your aesthetic and functional packaging needs.

Copyright 2025