What You Should Know Before Using Custom Metallic Ink in Print Products

If you want to make a lasting impression with your next print project, you should know that plain black or colored ink is not always the way to go. Take a step beyond the familiar hues of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black to find a whole world of color possibilities. Whether you want to gain a vibrancy that is hard to attain using process colors or you want to add some flair to your printed piece, consider custom metallic ink printing that adds that “special something”. Keep in mind options such as spot colors, foil stamping, embossing, spot varnish, and metallic inks applied through custom metallic printing.

How Do Metallic Inks Work?

Metallic inks provide a shine and luster missing from standard inks. While silver and gold metallics are quite common, custom metallic printing can be delivered in bright blues, flaming reds, popular purples, and burnished coppers. Metallic ink printing is perfect for presenting a high-end image and shine to any printed piece without the high cost of foil stamping. Consider the following ideas for incorporating metallic inks into your next project: 

• Spotlight important points and headlines on postcards, brochures, and flyers
• Give an elegant look  to invitations or stationery using gold or silver 
• Add some extra style to your company name or logo
• Design a memorable business card with subtle metallic ink highlights
• Include special elements or lettering that make your presentation folders stand out

Enhancing Print Materials with Xerox Iridesse Metallic Ink

The Baldwin Press team uses the Xerox Iridesse Production Press to add elegant, iridescent effects to your digital printing by combining four-color CMYK imagery with one or two specialty dry inks (including Silver, Clear, and Gold). The final result is a shiny finished product that shimmers after a single digital print run! 

Keep these items in mind when designing your product using Iridesse metallic ink: 

• Silver is the best underlay thanks to its sparkle and shine
• Pastel colors create an ideal metallic hue
• Metallic colors, with a gold base under it, creates warmer hues
• The most vibrant colors need an underlay set at 60%.
• CMYK overlays of 10%-20% allow metallic colors located underneath to shine through

Four Things To Consider Before Using Metallic Ink

• Apply a Varnish Coat Over the Ink 

Metallic inks have small particles of metal in a pigment close to the color of the metal that is being used. As the ink dries, the small particles rise to the surface of the ink. These particles might begin to flake off (leafing) so putting a varnish coat over the ink can prevent this problem from happening on your project.

• Use An Experienced Printer 

Make sure you have the right printer before you start your project. Some print companies are experienced in using metallic inks while others have little or no experience with this print technique. Use a printer who knows how to print these inks on a regular basis.

• Choose Less Porous Paper Stock 

When picking metallic inks, look for a less porous paper stock because a softer and more porous surface causes the metal to shine through less than you desire. Soft porous stock lessens the reflectivity of the metal particles in the ink.

• Consider a Coated Paper Stock

If you are printing business cards with this specialty ink, use coated paper for the best possible appearance. A gloss-coated stock works better than matte coated or dull paper stock. Remember that a premium gloss coat combined with a high print gloss can deliver the best possible results.

Contact our team about making a lasting impression thanks to business cards created with metallic ink printing using our Xerox Iridesse Production Press.

Contact Us Now for More Information

Phone: (707) 927-1315