Scratch Poster Finishing Options
So you’ve created your ideal scratch poster design. You’ve made stellar artwork, either by yourself or with the help of our handy design services. What’s next? We take a look at the various scratch poster finishing options, to ensure your finished product looks incredible.
Scratch poster finishing options
Step 1 – sizing
First things first, let’s take a look at the various options available for your scratch poster design. We’ll begin with sizing: how big would you like your poster to be? Depending on your design, it might be better to size up, to ensure it’s visible whilst on display and can be easily interacted with. As such, we offer standard sizes from A4 up to A1, and B2 as well! But if our standard sizes don’t quite fit your needs- no problem! Just get in touch to discuss your bespoke sizing needs and we’ll do our best to create your ideal poster.
Step 2 – material
Once you’ve picked your size, it’s time to choose your paper stock. We tend to print scratch posters on 300gsm silk paper as standard, as we find this gives a pleasing finish, without any extra glossiness reflecting light and compromising visibility. However, we do also offer lower gsm silk paper (for thinner posters) should you wish.
Step 3 – latex panels
The next step is to pick your latex panels. These are an integral part of your scratch off poster, as they are the part that will be directly interacted with. As such, it’s important that they complement and not detract from your design. Choose from gold, silver or black latex panels.
Opt for overprinting where appropriate. Overprinting is a technique whereby graphics and text can be printed in black over gold or silver panels. This is particularly useful for indicating what is under each panel, or for creating a two layered design – one for the base artwork and one for the completed overall aesthetic, featuring overprinting. This feature can be perfect for extra interactive designs like treasure maps!
Step 4 – additional scratch poster finishing options
Once you have a fully realised product, you can consider adding a few extra finishing options to improve aesthetic and durability. Lamination is one of the best ways to achieve both aims.
Gloss lamination can be added to your scratch poster to provide a shinier, glossier finish. Gloss is a cost-effective lamination and will help protect your poster from rips and tears. The downside with gloss is that it will show fingerprints up on your poster, but with the added benefit of making your colours ‘pop!’ It also makes your poster a little easier to wipe clean with a dry cloth (although this is not the same as wipe clean lamination, so water will eventually affect the laminate). As such, gloss lamination is the best choice for scratch posters for kids.
Matt lamination will add an elegant, classy finish to your scratch off poster. Matt is also a cost-effective lamination, but has the opposite effect to gloss. So you won’t have such an issue with dirty marks or fingerprints showing up, but it will create the illusion of a subdued and elegant colour balance. Therefore, matt lamination is best for scratch off posters that are aimed at adult interests – perhaps museums visited, countries explored or gemstones collected.
Soft touch lamination is the most expensive lamination but with good reason. Soft touch is, as it sounds, soft to the touch, offering a velvety feel. This means your scratch poster will be visually appealing, and a sensory tactile experience too! This is a great lamination to use for any kind of sensory needs poster, or for anything conveying decadence and luxury.
Should you need any help with your design or scratch poster finishing options, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today. We’d be delighted to help.