Packaging guide
Foil Stamping vs Spot UV for Custom Packaging
Compare foil stamping and spot UV by appearance, artwork, substrate, production, and best-fit packaging applications.
Published · Updated · By PackWorks Co editorial team
What foil stamping does
Foil stamping transfers a metallic, pigmented, or specialty film with heat and pressure. It creates an opaque decorative area and can provide strong contrast on dark or uncoated surfaces when the material is compatible.
What spot UV does
Spot UV places a clear gloss coating on selected artwork. It is often used over a matte surface so logos, patterns, or type catch light without adding another printed color.
How to choose
Choose based on the desired visual effect, substrate, artwork detail, rub resistance, budget, and production quantity. Neither finish is universally better.
- Foil: metallic or opaque accent
- Spot UV: clear gloss contrast
- Prototype small type and fine lines before production
Prepare finish artwork separately
Supply finish areas as clearly named vector layers and confirm registration tolerances with the converter. Keep essential legal copy out of effects that could reduce legibility.