Soft touch, matt, shiny coating
Definition. The coating is the application of a thin transparent plastic film (15 to 30 microns thick) on a printed medium to protect it from friction, stains and tearing, while changing its final appearance. It is a standard finishing step in the manufacture of board, box and board.
What is a board game for?
On a board game, filming performs three critical functions that cannot be achieved by printing alone.
Mechanical protection first A game is handled hundreds of times - cards mixed, slided on the table, stacked, picked up. Without film-coated, the printed card undergoes moisture from the fingers, stains, folds at the corners. A non-film-coated card is used in 50 to 100 parts. A film-coated card holds 1000 to 5000 parts under normal conditions of use.
Then slide : for a pack of cards to mix properly, the cards must slide on each other with very little friction. The coating creates this smooth surface. A non-film-coated card sticks to the next one, making the mixture laborious and imprecise - a playoff defect for a professional game.
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The three coating finishes: visual and tactile differences
Glossy lamination
Glossy lamination is the most common and least expensive. The polypropylene film (BOPP) reflects light at about 90% reflectance. The result: highly saturated colours, maximum contrast, a "glossy magazine" effect. It's the default choice for mass-market family games, children's games (where shine matters more than restraint) and budget editions. Drawbacks: troublesome reflections in direct light, visible fingerprints, sometimes perceived as "cheap" in premium B2B.
Matte lamination
Matt filming uses a treated BOPP to absorb light (reflexance ~10%). It offers a sober, non-reflective look with a slightly dry and velvety touch. The colors lose a bit of saturation (about 5% to 10% compared to the gloss) but gain in elegance. It is the B2B premium standard: business games, VIP gift boxes, limited editions, serious educational games (read more about our complete serious game guideDisadvantage: shows slight deep scratches after intensive use, and some blacks appear less dense.
Soft-touch lamination
Soft-touch lamination is a BOPP with an extra polymer film that imitates the peach skin or velvet sensation. To the touch, it's immediately recognisable: the surface is soft, almost rubbery. Visually, it's a deep matt with slight extra light absorption. The cost is 15 to 25% higher than standard matt, but the perceived effect on a premium gift box or VIP box more than justifies the extra cost. Ideal for brands wanting quality to be noticed from first pickup.
Comparison table of the three film-coated products
| Criterion | Glossy | Matt | Soft-touch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relative cost | 1× | 1.0-1.1× | 1.15-1.25× |
| Colour saturation | Maximum | Slightly attenuated | Mitigated |
| Direct light reflections | Yes (gingling) | Very little | None |
| Finger tracks visible | Yes | Not very | Very little |
| Feel | Slippery smooth | Dry smooth | Velvet / peach skin |
| Rubbing durability | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Positioning | General public, dynamic | Premium B2B, sober | Luxury, prestige |
| Recommended use | Family cards, child | B2B cards, pro boxes | VIP Boxes, Limited Editions |
More information on this term in the detailed fact sheet.
Bio-based coating
Definition. Bio-based filming replaces the classic petrochemical polypropylene film with a film made of renewable vegetable materials (sugar can, cellulose, corn starch). Visual and tactile performance equivalent to polypropylene, a carbon footprint that is greatly reduced.
The 3 types of bio-based filming
Three main families are available in 2026:
- Bio-PP (bio-based polypropylene) - Polymer equivalent to PP fossil but produced from sugar cane. Recyclable in the same line. Cost ~+10-15% vs PP standard.
- Cellulose - Transparent film from certified wood pulp. Industrially compostable, biodegradable in 90 days. Cost ~+30-50% vs PP.
- PLA (polylactic acid) - Corn starch or beet. Compostable. Acceptable performance but high temperature limits.
Performance vs. PP classic
On visual performance (transparency, shine, touch sensation), the bio-PP is indistinguishable from the fossil PP. The cellulose offers a slightly matte and warmer look, appreciated on premium covers.
On mechanical resistance (frottements, tearing), bio-PP is equivalent. The cellulose is slightly less resistant but largely sufficient for standard uses (cards, boxes).
On storage, all hold at least 5 years. PLA is the most sensitive to heat (deformation above 50°C).
Recycling and compostability
The bio-PP follows the traditional polypropylene industry: industrially recyclable. Its upstream plant composition reduces the carbon footprint by 60-80% vs PP fossil.
Cellulose and PLA are industrially compostable (EN 13432 certified centres). Not compostable in domestic compost bins. For the general public, follow the specific sorting instructions.
More information on this term in the detailed fact sheet.
3D varnish
Definition. 3D varnish (or selective thick varnish) is a printing finish that deposits a 1 to 2 mm thick UV varnish layer on specific areas of the support. It creates a real touch relief, distinct from the classic selective varnish (~30 microns) or embossing (relief without ink).
Principle and process
THE 3D varnish is applied after printing and film coating by screen printing UV in several successive passes. Each pass deposits a thin layer (~100-200 microns) which instantly hardens under UV lamp. By stacking 5 to 10 passes, one reaches a final thickness of 1 to 2 mm.
The result is a striking relief to the eye and touch, which transforms a printed cover into a premium object. Particularly marked effect on logos, titles, and central illustrations.
When to use a 3D varnish
3D varnish is reserved for exceptional finishes on premium B2B projects. Typical scenarios:
- Top-of-the-range business game box - Customer logo in glossy relief on matte cover.
- Hero or rare cards in a card game - Visual and distinctive touch mark.
- Official discount pouches or packages - Wahou effect sought on a prize award, seminar leaders, VIP customer event.
Our advice: a 3D varnish is not justified on all components. Focus the effect on the element seen first (box, cover) and keep the interior components in standard finish.
Cost and MOQ (minimum order quantity)
3D varnish typically adds +25 to +50% The cost of the component concerned. Seeding cost: ~a moderate envelope per varnish file (preparation of UV masking film).
Minimum realistic MOQ: 200-300 copies. Below, the serial cost makes the process uneconomic - prefer the single selective varnish or the hot foil.
More information on this term in the detailed fact sheet.
Selective varnish
Definition. Selective varnish is a printing finish consisting of a varnish (usually glossy or structured) on specific areas of a print, as opposed to a full-page varnish. The desired effect is a visual and tactile contrast between the varnished area (glossy, light relief) and the rest of the medium (often matt film-coated).
What is selective varnish for?
Selective varnish has two main functions: attract the eye on important graphic elements (logo, title, key illustrations) and create a touch experience which immediately distinguishes the product from the rest of the market.
On a matt film-coated board game box, the eye is attracted to the shiny varnished areas - it is the same mechanics as on a connected book: the title in relief on a sober cover creates an immediate visual hierarchy. The selective varnish is also tactile: passing the finger on the visual makes the varnish feel relief, which reinforces the perception of quality at the time of unpacking.
On a box corporate gift or a premium B2B game, the selective varnish is one of the three levers of "premiumization" of packaging with soft-touch coating and the hot foil. The three are often combined on limited editions.
The two main techniques
Selective UV varnishes
The most common: a liquid acrylic varnish is deposited via a screen printing machine, then instantly hardened by exposure to UV lamps. Result: a glossy layer of 8 to 15 microns thick, perfectly transparent, with a fine relief perceptible to the touch. Compatible with almost all supports (carton, thick paper, film-coated). Moderate cost, immediate drying.
3D varnish (or structured varnish)
Variation of UV varnish with a higher thickness (up to 100 microns) that creates a real visible and touch-up relief. "Crystal layer" effect on the varnished area. Used for very high-end editions or luxury gift packaging. Higher cost, multiple-pass drying constraint.
Use of selective varnish on board games
On the game boxes, the selective varnish typically applies to the title of the game, the logo of the publisher, the main illustrations (personages, central tray) and some decorative elements (frames, frames). The effect is maximum on matt film-coated background because the matt/gloss contrast is visible from all lighting angles.
On the playing cards, selective varnish can be applied on the back (recurring pattern glossy varnish on matt background) or on certain elements of the front (key character illustration). Rarer because less visible once the card is in hand, but fearlessly effective in distinguishing a collector edition.
On the rule books or record books, selective varnish can dress the cover to create consistency with the box. Often neglected effect that pleasantly surprises at opening.
More information on this term in the detailed fact sheet.
Hot foil stamping
Definition. Hot marking is a customization technique consisting of transferring a pattern (usually coloured or metallic) to a support such as wood, leather, fabric or some plastics, via an engraved and heated matrix pressed against a thermo-stick film.
The principle of hot marking
THE hot foil stamping is a direct cousin of hot gold, with a different target: while hot gold is applied on printed paper or cardboard, hot marking targets rigid or flexible non-paper supports such as wood, leather, raw cardboard or fabric.
The process: a metal matrix engraved in the shape of the pattern is heated to 100-150°C, then pressed against a thermo-stick film placed between the matrix and the holder. The heat melts the adhesive layer of the film, which transfers to the holder exactly in the pressed places.
Supports compatible with hot marking
| Support | Compatible films | In-game use |
|---|---|---|
| Wood (beech, maple, MDF) | Gold, silver, opaque colors | Pions, dice, wooden boxes, trays |
| Leather (true or imitation) | Gold, silver, holographic | Premium boxes, case |
| Crude carton (kraft) | Matte gold, colours | Natural boxes |
| Fabric (toilet, felt) | Opaque colours | Component pockets |
| Rigid plastics (PP, ABS) | Special plastic films | Premium parts |
Our main application: Hot marking on the lid of kraft cardboard bell boxes for "natural premium" effect without coating.
Hot Marking vs Laser Woodcut
| Criterion | Hot foil stamping | Laser engraving |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Coloured / metal surface | Burned in hollow |
| Available colors | Gold, silver, white, bright colors | Brown (carbonised wood) |
| Relief | None | Light hollow |
| Matrix cost | a moderate one-shot envelope | None (vector file) |
| Cost-effective MOQ | 50+ pieces | 1 piece |
| Visual effect | Premium / luxury | Natural / artisanal |
In practice, we often combine both: laser engraving for a natural visual in hollow + gold hot mark for the title of the game in person.
More information on this term in the detailed fact sheet.
Hot foil stamping
Definition. Hot-stimping is a printing technique that transfers a coloured metal film to a printed medium via a heated and pressed matrix. It produces an opaque metallic effect (gold, silver, copper, hologram) very different from a classic metallic ink.
The principle of hot gilding
Unlike a classic print where ink is deposited on paper, the hot foil transfer a polymer film metallised (composed of several layers including a thin film of aluminum) from a roller to the support, under the effect of heat (110-130 °C) and pressure of a matrix engraved to the desired shape.
The result: a perfectly metallic, opaque area with a radiance impossible to reproduce with traditional inks. The layer is extremely fine (1 to 2 microns) but the visual effect is striking - this is what gives the high-end bound books their golden title on leather, or the wedding invitations their luxurious effect.
Available colours and finishes
The range of gilding films goes well beyond the simple "gold":
- Or. - From pale yellow (Venitian gold) to intense yellow (gloss gold) to rosé (pink gold).
- Money - Brilliant or matte, sometimes iridescent.
- Copper / bronze - For warm and natural atmospheres.
- Metal colours - Blue, red, green, black metallic. Modern effect, less traditional.
- Holographic - Movies with rainbow effect or patterns (stars, waves, pixels). Very popular on collector editions.
- Pigmentary - Opaque colours without metallic effect (used for maximum readability on dark background).
Use of hot gilding on board game
Hot gilding sublimates some elements of a board game:
- Title of the game on the box - Immediate effect of quality, especially on dark matt film-coated background.
- Publisher or brand logo - On the box, the booklet, the cards or the board.
- Special cards / limited editions - Gold cards in a standard game, or fully gold collector edition.
- Rule Book Coverage - When the game is like a collectible.
- Limited edition numbering - Golden number engraved at the bottom of the box (1/500, 2/500...).
More information on this term in the detailed fact sheet.
Gaufring
Definition. Waffle is a finishing technique consisting of creating a three-dimensional relief on a paper or cardboard medium, by pressing between two complementary matrices (one male, one female). The pattern is raised on one side and hollowed on the other.
The embossing principle
THE embossing uses two engraved matrices that fit perfectly: the matrix male (in relief) and the matrix Female The holder is positioned between the two, and the press exerts a high pressure which physically distorts the paper or cardboard according to the profile of the matrices.
The result is that the pattern appears in relief (front face) and in hollow (back face) with a typical thickness of 0.5 to 3 mm depending on the matrices and the pressure applied. The touch is immediately perceptible - it is a haptic finish above all.
Variants of embossing
Dry wafer
Without ink or film. The relief is the only one with the visual effect. The effect is sober, elegant, ideal for subtle decorative elements (logo in relief without color).
Gaufrage with printing
The embossing is applied after printing. The color comes in relief, accentuating its visual impact. Ideal for highlighting a colored title or visual.
Gaufring with simultaneous gilding
Breading combination + hot foil The matrix is heated, the gilding film transferred, and the embossed pattern simultaneously. Ultrapremium effect, high cost.
Use of embossing in the board game
- Premium lift-off box - Logo of the publisher, title of the game, decorative ornaments on the lid.
- VIP gift box - Fully embossed cover for "art object" effect.
- Special cards / collector - Gold or platinum cards with differentiated relief.
- Cover for rulebook luxury - Logo in dry relief or golden embossing.
- Premium Card Boxes - Branding with touch relief.
More information on this term in the detailed fact sheet.
Embossing
Definition. Embossage is a decorative finishing technique that creates relief on a printed medium. In French, the term is largely synonymous with embossing although some professionals distinguish both: embossing for a lightweight unilateral relief, embossing for a more marked relief with opposite hollows.
Embossing or embossing: Semantic confusion
The word "embossage" comes from English embossing. In French-speaking practice, two schools oppose:
- School 1 (most common) : embossing = embossing. Both terms are synonymous and refer to any technique of creating relief on printed.
- School 2 (purist) embossing means a subtle unilateral relief (light deformation on one side only), embossing means a deeper relief with opposite hollow visible on the other side.
At Craft Your Games, we use both terms interchangeably. When a customer asks for "embossing", we check the desired depth and the expected rendering on the reverse.
Embossing techniques
Matrice embossing (most common)
Identical to classical embossing: two die-shaped (male/female) frames that press the support. Difference: one speaks of embossing when the relief is low (< 1 mm) and the reverse remains relatively flat.
Embossing by screen printing thick
A very thick silkscreen ink (3D varnish) is deposited to create a surface relief without distorting the cardboard. Visual effect similar to embossing, without engraved matrix. Reduced cost for small run.
Cross-collection
A piece of cardboard cut to the shape of the pattern is glued to the main surface, creating a real relief. High cost, very different artisanal effect.
Use of embossing in the board game
Embossage is less common than embossing in the board game, but useful for specific effects:
- Discrete logos on boxes - Subtle Embossing for brand signature without visual rupture.
- Premium special cards - Gold cards with light embossing on the central visual.
- Gift box labels - Embossing the recipient's name.
- Luxury booklet cover - Title embossed for linked book effect.
More information on this term in the detailed fact sheet.
Rounded corners
Definition. The rounded corners are a cutting finish to the shape applied to all professional playing cards. Standard radius 2 to 4 mm. Avoids premature wear of sharp angles, improves ergonomics in hand and gives a finished look of quality.
Why Round Corners
Three technical reasons justify the rounded corners on any professional playing card:
- Sustainability - The sharp angles are getting dizzy and deteriorate in a few hours of play. A rounded corner remains intact for hundreds of hours.
- Ergonomics - Rounded-angle cards are taken in hand, mixed and distributed more easily.
- Aesthetic - The eye immediately distinguishes a premium card (net rounded corners) from an amateur card (right or approximate corners).
Standard radius
The most common rays in game making:
| Ray | Use |
|---|---|
| 2 mm | Play cards small format (poker, bridge), classic look |
| 3 mm | Standard Educational Cards, A7-A6 format |
| 4 mm | Large cards, thick tiles, modern playful look |
| 5-6 mm | Kids cards or special format, very rounded look |
Production process
The rounded corners are obtained by cut to shape A blade-shaped coin cutter sets the contour of the map with its 4 rounded corners. For large series (5000+), a continuous rotational press is used.
The additional cost of rounded corners vs. straight corners is low: ~2-5% of the serial cost. It is a market standard that all serious manufacturers apply by default.
More information on this term in the detailed fact sheet.
Edge polishing
Definition. The polishing of the songs (or edge gilding in English) is a finishing applied to the slices of a card or book to make them smooth, coloured or metallic. It is a distinctive sign of the game cards and premium books, traditionally reserved for luxury editions.
The techniques of polishing songs
Simple polishing (smoothing)
Applying a wax or transparent resin on the songs to make them perfectly smooth (deletion of the micro-asperities of the cut carton). Effect: silky touch, improved slippage between cards, less cutting edge. Discreet visually.
Coloring of songs
Applying a coloured ink or paint to the songs to create a marked visual effect. Colors: black, gold, silver, red, blue, green. Effect: strong visual signature, visible immediately at the grip of the package.
Hot dorm of songs
Application of a film of hot foil (gold, silver) on the songs. Effect: absolute luxury, equivalent of the ancient books connected with golden slice. High cost.
Game card usage
THE Polishing of songs remains rare in the public society (high cost, little visible once in hand) but is increasingly asked about premium editions:
- Professional card games (poker, bridge) - Black or red colored songs to differentiate two packages and facilitate shuffled visually.
- Collector/limited editions - Gold or silver songs on numbered editions (1/500, 2/500...).
- Magic cards - Polished songs for perfect slipping to mix and manipulation.
- Premium B2B cards (VIP customer gifts) - Black or gold songs for signature of high-end brand.
Technical constraints and costs
- Significant cost - Count 0.30 to 1.5 free per card for colorful songs, and 1.00 to 3.0 free for golden songs. Compare with the cost of a standard card (~0.10-0.3 free).
- Minimum MOQ - Cost-effective from 500 packages to amortize the cost of starting the process.
- Additional lead time - Count 5-8 working days in addition to this finishing step.
- Compact carton required - Polishing works only well on homogeneous compact boxes (350g+). The micro-canneled gives imperfect songs.
More information on this term in the detailed fact sheet.
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Request a quote in 48hSources and references
- INSEE — French games & toys market studies 2025
- European standard EN71 — toy safety (EN71-1 mechanical, EN71-2 flammability, EN71-3 chemical)
- FFJP — French federation of toy and childcare industries
- AFNOR — responsible paper labels PEFC and FSC
- Bpifrance study — SMEs and B2B purchasing 2026
If you are planning a B2B game, we manufacture in the EU with EN71 compliance, plant-based inks and responsible-paper certifications. Costed quote within 48 hours.
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