If you’re looking to add a premium, eye-catching element to your print project, metallic ink is one of the easiest ways to do it. It creates a subtle shimmer that catches light and naturally draws attention—without going over the top.
Metallic ink is created by mixing tiny metallic particles into traditional printing ink. These particles reflect light, giving printed areas a soft metallic sheen.
Unlike standard full-color printing (CMYK), metallic ink is printed as a spot color. That means it uses a pre-mixed ink and its own printing plate, allowing you to achieve colors and effects that CMYK simply can’t reproduce.
Metallic Ink vs. Foil Stamping
Metallic ink and foil stamping are often confused, but they’re very different processes.
- Metallic ink is applied during the printing process, just like the other CMYK inks
- Foil stamping is added after printing is complete using using heat-activated glue to apply a metallic foil layer
The result is two very different looks:
- Metallic ink is a softer, more understated shimmer
- Foil stamping offers a bold, highly reflective shine
When to use Metallic Ink:
Intricate Designs:
Because it’s printed like standard ink, metallic ink works well for small text and intricate artwork where foil cannnot be used. (we typically need foil areas to at least 1mm wide)
Interior Pages:
Foil stamping can only be used on hard surfaces like your book’s cover or board book pages, so if you want a metallic finish on your book’s interior pages you’ll need to use metallic ink.
Cost-Sensitive Projects:
In most cases, metallic ink is more affordable than foil stamping, especially for larger areas or multiple pages.
Choosing the Your Metallic Ink
Our 2 most popular metallic inks are Gold (PMS 871 C) and Silver (PMS 877 C):
We can print with a variety of other metallic inks. Just reach out to your PufferPrint Print Specialist with your desired Pantone PMS color and we’ll let you know if we can print with it!
Additional Considerations
Not ideal for embossing or debossing: Because metallic ink contains actual metal particles, embossing or debossing can cause the ink to crack.
Durability: Over time, metallic ink can show more wear than standard CMYK inks or foil, especially on high-use products.
Why Print with PufferPrint?
Read Our Reviews
See what other authors are saying about working with PufferPrint.
I worked with PufferPrint to publish my children’s board book and they did a fantastic job. I was really appreciative of their communicativeness and professionalism. I felt like they were truly working WITH me, and were invested in making my book as high of a quality as I wanted it to be. Will be recommending them and hopefully working with them again in the future!
Jes McCutchen
Lil’ Space Explorer
PufferPrint is the absolute best for self publishing. The Adventures of Yaya staff is very happy with the decision we made with going through this company. Customer service is second to none and the quality of our children’s book is beyond what we expected. We are looking forward to a long lasting relationship with Pufferprint because they are simply THE BEST!!
Yaya Dayiti
The Adventures of Yaya
PufferPrint guided me through the book printing process and addressed all of my questions promptly. The book looks amazing. I highly recommend PufferPrint!
Janet Beaulieu
Be Brave Little Pirate
I’m so glad I found PufferPrint and I would highly recommend their services. It was a joy to work with such dedicated, prompt and talented customer service. Such meticulous attention to detail, I’m completely satisfied with my book, and PufferPrint. Don’t hesitate, you won’t be disappointed – thanks PufferPrint!
Denise Mathus
Big Potato and Small Fry
