How to Upgrade Your Packaging with Metal Foil Labels

Metal foil labels offer a simple yet impactful way to elevate your packaging!
Do you want to give your products a luxurious upgrade? This guide will walk you through the different types of foil materials, the differences between foil materials, and how you can edit your artwork to turn our custom printed silver foil material into any color!
What are Metal Foil Labels?
Unlike standard materials such as paper or vinyl, foil labels are known for featuring a thin metallic layer that can highlight key design elements like the title, ingredients, and more, making products stand out.

Blank Metal Foil Labels
We offer blank metal foil labels in two colors, gold and silver, for inkjet and laser printers. These labels are commonly used for luxury goods, gourmet foods, cosmetics, and packages with a special promotion.
Custom Printed Foil Labels
We offer silver BOPP foil material for custom printed roll labels. By using different combinations of CMYK colors, businesses can achieve unique color effects while maintaining the reflective and metallic qualities of the foil; here's how:
CMYK Values for Different Metallic Effects
One of the most effective ways to create different color tones is to print directly on silver foil. Since the foil has a reflective base, colors printed on top will take on a metallic sheen. Customization with CMYK values can also be applied through silver foil labels. Here are the different combinations:




Using White Underprint for Controlled Effects
White underprint is a key tool when designing with silver foil. It allows you to control where the metallic shine appears.
- Partial white layer: applying white ink selectively lets you mix metallic and non-metallic areas, making certain design elements stand out with a foil effect.

The label above is a good example of this. The white underlayer is applied to everything but the gold seal. The foil material can shine through by leaving that label area without a white underprint, showing a foil design on the circle. Gold was achieved using a specific CMYK value for the seal.
Gradient and Transparent Effects
Using gradients or lower ink opacities, you can blend the silver foil with printed colors, creating unique transitions and a softer metallic look.
- Lighter ink opacity allows the silver foil to shine subtly, making the color appear like a mirror.
- Darker colors: printing darker inks over the silver foil gives a deep, rich tone while maintaining a metallic shine.

When Should You Use Each Metal Foil Color?
Gold and silver foil labels are popular choices for customized packaging. But how do you choose between these two?
Elements of Gold Foil
Gold foil labels portray warmth and exclusivity. They are usually paired beautifully with dark, rich colors like black, navy, emerald green, or burgundy. If you want to add words to your label, they work best with Sans Serif and Times New Roman fonts, which create a timeless appeal. Combine them with embossing for a three-dimensional effect.

Design details: OL805GI, Gold Foil for Inkjet Printers by Amyette Bridges.
Elements of Silver Foil Labels
Silver foil labels portray a sense of modernity. Its cool-toned, reflective finish gives products a modern appearance, making it ideal for minimalist designs. This label works better on cool tones like white, gray, blue, and purple and complements modern sans-serif fonts and geometric designs very well.

Design details: OL172SP, Weatherproof Silver Polyester Laser by Jim Sykora.
Key Design Differences Between Gold and Silver Foil
Although gold and silver labels are both metallic foil materials, there are a few differences to consider when it comes to creating labels, which include:
Label Guidelines | Gold Foil Labels | Silver Foil Labels |
---|---|---|
Appearance and aesthetics | Provides a warmer look associated with winning and elegance. | Offers a cooler but modern aesthetic. This works well with casual and minimalist looks. This gives a sophisticated and contemporary vibe. |
Compatibility with color | It pairs well with rich, deep colors like navy and black. It contrasts very well with darker backgrounds and adds warmth to lighter tones. | It combines perfectly with light and dark colors, but it is better to blend with crisp colors for a more modern appeal. |
Shine and Reflection | It tends to have a softer shine with a more noticeable reflection. | It offers a crisper and more astonishing shine with a higher level of reflection, making it the brightest option because it can replicate a mirror. |
Are You Ready to Start Using Metal Foil Labels?
Metal foil labels are a powerful tool for enhancing product packaging, offering a blend of elegance, sophistication, and visual appeal. Whether you choose gold for its warmth and luxury or silver for its modern and sleek aesthetic, these labels help brands create a lasting and professional impression. By understanding the different options and design strategies, you can make an informed choice about metal foil labels that elevate your brand and captivate your audience.