From the way a brochure feels in someone’s hand to how signage performs under bright lights, print finishes play a key role in how your brand is perceived.
For businesses looking to print in Leeds, understanding which finishes suit your purpose and which don’t, can make a real difference to the impact and longevity of your materials.
Print finish affects more than just appearance. It influences how your brand feels, how long your materials last, and how effectively they do their job.
A well-chosen finish can:
Elevate your brand’s professionalism
Improve durability in high-traffic or public environments
Help key messages stand out
Create a more memorable first impression
Whether you’re investing in business printing for day-to-day use or for a specific campaign, the finish should always be chosen with the end use in mind.
Different finishes suit different objectives. Below are some of the most commonly used options and when they work best.
Matte lamination offers a smooth, non-reflective finish that feels understated and professional. It’s ideal for corporate brochures, folders, and materials that will be read under bright lighting.
Gloss lamination enhances colour vibrancy and creates a high-impact look. It’s often used for flyers, posters, and promotional materials where bold visuals need to stand out.
Soft-touch lamination creates a premium, almost velvet-like feel. It’s particularly effective for:
High-end brochures
Presentation folders
Brand-led marketing materials
This finish works well when you want your printed piece to feel considered and high quality, rather than purely functional.
Spot UV allows specific areas, such as logos, headings, or imagery, to be highlighted with a glossy finish against a matte background.
Used carefully, it can:
Draw attention to key brand elements
Add contrast and depth
Create a more tactile experience
The key is restraint. Overusing Spot UV can reduce its effectiveness.
Foil blocking is often associated with luxury and premium branding. Gold, silver, and coloured foils are commonly used for:
High-value marketing pieces
For Leeds businesses looking to make a strong first impression, foil can add a sense of quality and credibility when used appropriately.
Uncoated and textured papers are popular with brands that want a more natural or tactile feel. They’re often used by:
Creative and artisan brands
Organisations wanting a softer, more organic look
While visually appealing, these stocks may not be suitable for all designs or heavy-use materials, so guidance is important.
The best finish depends on how and where your materials will be used.
For event and exhibition print, finishes need to perform well under lighting and frequent handling. Gloss or Spot UV can help visuals stand out, while durable lamination protects against wear.
Menus, signage, and point-of-sale materials often benefit from finishes that are both durable and easy to clean. Matte laminates are popular for readability, while gloss can enhance imagery in promotional displays.
Presentation folders, reports, and stationery typically suit more subtle finishes that reflect professionalism and consistency.
For campaigns with a short lifespan, the goal is often impact rather than longevity. Gloss finishes or selective enhancements can help materials stand out without unnecessary cost.
Choosing a print finish without proper advice can lead to disappointing results. Common pitfalls include:
Selecting finishes based on price alone
Using premium finishes where they add little value
Not considering lighting or handling conditions
Skipping physical samples before print
Working with a knowledgeable print shop in Leeds allows you to see, feel, and compare finishes before committing. avoiding costly mistakes.
Print finishes are not one-size-fits-all. A local print partner can:
Recommend finishes based on real-world use
Provide physical samples for comparison
Advise on timelines, quantities, and budget
Support projects from design through to delivery
If you’re planning to print in Leeds and want confidence that your materials will look and perform as intended, having expert guidance makes the process simpler, and the results stronger.
Choosing the right print finish is about aligning quality, purpose, and brand impact. With the right advice, your printed materials can do far more than just look good, they can work harder for your business.
We take care of every stage of your print project — from artwork checks and proofs to production schedules, storage, fulfilment, and delivery. Instead of managing multiple suppliers, you get one consistent point of contact who keeps everything running smoothly and professionally.
Whether you’re a small business needing consistent, high-quality print or a multi-site organisation coordinating nationwide campaigns, we adapt to the way you work. Our service scales effortlessly — from simple repeat orders to complex, multi-location rollouts.
We now offer a full in-house design service, with just your brand colours and logo we can have your stationary designed and printed for you. From large scale designs to business card mock ups, our team of creatives know what to do to achieve your marketing goals with design and print.
A Leeds-based print partner offers something online printers can’t: personal communication, dependable turnaround times, and a deep understanding of local business needs. It’s one of the reasons people searching for “Print Leeds” or “My Print Leeds” often prefer working directly with a dedicated, hands-on team like ours.
Local Hand Delivery & Express Shipping We offer delivery for orders within Leeds and West Yorkshire, ensuring your print materials arrive safely and on time. For customers across the UK, we provide reliable express delivery options to meet your deadlines wherever you are.
Local to Leeds? Collect Your Print Order In-Store! If you're based in Leeds and prefer to collect your order in person, feel free to pop into our print shop. Kieran and Andrew will be ready to hand over your print materials promptly and with a smile. We’re here to make your pickup experience quick and easy!
Absolutely. Our experienced print specialists recommend the best stocks, formats, and print methods for your goals and budget. We’ll guide you through creative options as well as practical considerations like durability and cost-effectiveness — helping your brand look its best.
Decades of industry experience and a meticulous proofing process. Every project goes through detailed artwork checks and quality assurance before production, ensuring the final output reflects the professionalism of your brand.
Yes. We manage distribution to offices, retail locations, franchise networks, events, or directly to customers. Whether you’re rolling out a campaign across Leeds or coordinating deliveries nationwide, you’ll receive clear updates every step of the way.
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the project, but we’ll always be transparent from the outset. With coordinated planning and clear communication, we ensure your print lands exactly when and where you need it.
Our support is ideal for marketing teams, agencies, growing SMEs, and multi-site organisations that want dependable, coordinated print. If you’re juggling suppliers or struggling to find time for artwork checks and logistics, we can take that weight off your team.
We'll design your print requirements for you, our inhouse design team are on hand ready to assist your needs.
Phone
0113 203 6030
Email
info@activeprintsolutions.com
Address
Unit A4 Wyther Drive
Wyther Park Ind Est
Leeds
LS5 3AP
Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm
Closed Weekends & Bank Holidays
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