Metalized board carries a reflective layer across the whole surface rather than in a stamped detail. That means the shine is everywhere, which is either exactly what you want or considerably too much. Getting the balance right is the difference between premium and gaudy. We produce a lot of metalized packaging at ZEE Packaging and knowing when to hold back is most of the advice we give.
Shine Across The Whole Surface
A metalized box behaves differently to foil stamping.
- The reflective layer covers the entire board face
- Foil stamping applies metallic to a defined area only
- Metalized is cheaper than full coverage foil by a distance
- Print goes over the metallic base rather than beside it
- Colors printed on top take on a metallic quality themselves
- It catches light from across a room, which is the appeal
Most brands choosing metalized packaging want a metallic effect too large for foil stamping to cover economically.
Printing Over A Reflective Base
This is where expectations need setting.
- Colors shift when printed over a metallic surface
- Transparent inks let the shine through, which is the effect
- Opaque white can be laid down to block the metallic
- A white underlay gives you a normal color, losing the shine
- Screen previews never show the metallic quality at all
- We proof on the actual board rather than on white
- Folding carton the everyday metalized box
- Rigid lid and base with a metalized wrap the premium tier
- Magnetic closure box top end metalized packaging
- Sleeve over a plain tray metallic on the visible face only
- Drawer slide box a reveal with shine
- Window carton metallic surround with a clear panel
Sizes We Print Regular
Every metalized box is built to your product, though these run often:
- 6" x 4" x 2" for a small gift
- 8" x 6" x 3" for a mid size item
- 3" x 3" x 4" for a candle or jar
- 10" x 8" x 3" for a curated set
- 2" x 2" x 5" for a cosmetic tube
- 12" x 9" x 3" for apparel
Board And Finish
- Silver metalized board as the standard base
- Gold and holographic metalized stocks
- Rigid greyboard beneath a metalized wrap
- 18pt to 24pt on folding formats
- Matte varnish over metallic for contrast
- Spot UV and deboss for texture against the shine
Matte varnish over a metalized base is worth considering. Masking areas of shine creates contrast, which reads considerably more sophisticated than uniform reflectivity.
Honest Notes On Recycling
- The metallic layer complicates paper recycling
- Metalized board is not accepted in all curbside streams
- Foil stamping on plain board recycles more easily
- Deboss gives a premium cue with no metallic at all
- FSC certified base board, certificate available on request
- Soy based ink through the whole run
We would rather be straight about this. If recyclability is a priority, a plain board with a small foil detail is the better route.
How An Order Moves Along
- 100 unit minimum, so a small brand can order properly
- Free 3D mockup and flat proof before anything prints
- Free dieline drawn by our own designer
- Physical sample on request, since metallic never screens accurately
- Urgent turnaround at 5 to 8 business days
- Free shipping worldwide with nothing hidden
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a metalized box?
Rough estimate is $0.35 to $0.90 per unit for a folding carton, $2.00 to $4.60 for rigid with a wrap and $2.80 to $6.50 for magnetic closure at moderate quantity. Board choice moves it. Shipping is included in our price. This is estimate only, so ask our team for a exact quote.
Metalized or foil stamping?
Metalized for large area shine at a lower cost. Foil for a defined detail on an otherwise plain board.
Why do my colors look different?
Because they print over a reflective base. Transparent inks pick up the metallic, which is the effect people usually want.
Can we print normal colors on it?
Yes, with a white underlay. That blocks the metallic beneath, so you lose the shine in those areas.
Is it recyclable?
Not as easily as plain board. The metallic layer is not accepted everywhere, which we would flag before you commit.
Can we mask some of the shine?
Yes, with a matte varnish. Contrast between matte and metallic usually looks better than shine everywhere.
Will it look like my screen mockup?
No screen shows metallic accurately. We send a physical sample so you judge it under real light.
