12 Print Tips for Corrugated Box Buyers
Corrugated boxes are essential to shipping, retail, and e-commerce—but when you introduce custom printing, the stakes (and the opportunities) rise. Print isn’t just about looks—it’s about communication, branding, compliance, and customer experience. Whether you’re designing a basic shipper or a bold, shelf-ready display, printing smart can save money and elevate your packaging.
Here are 12 essential print tips to help buyers make informed decisions when sourcing printed corrugated boxes.
Start With Purpose Before Design
Are you trying to impress in-store, create a branded unboxing experience, or simply add a logo to a shipper? Your goal will determine how much print you need—and which method is best.
Know the Three Main Print Methods
- Flexographic (Flexo): Cost-effective for simple graphics and large runs
- Digital: Great for short runs, versioning, or quick turnarounds
- Litho (Litho-Label): High-end graphics mounted to the box for premium results
Choose based on your volume, detail level, and budget.
Understand Your Print Surface
Corrugated comes in kraft (brown) and white surfaces.
- White gives better color accuracy
- Kraft offers an organic, eco-conscious look
Your surface will affect how your design prints—especially with flexo.
Keep Artwork Simple for Flexo
Flexo printing uses plates and works best with limited colors, bold text, and clean logos. Avoid gradients, fine details, or small fonts unless you’re going digital or litho.
Use Vector Files and High-Res Assets
Always supply artwork in vector format (AI, EPS, or PDF) for scalability and sharp print. Images should be 300 DPI or higher. Low-res files can distort or blur during printing.
Design Around the Dieline
Your design should be laid out directly on the box dieline. This ensures correct placement of logos, cut lines, folds, and glue areas—so nothing important gets trimmed or hidden.
Limit Ink Coverage to Reduce Cost
Full-coverage ink areas (flood coats) require more material and setup. Consider printing only on key panels or using the box’s natural color to create contrast and cut costs.
Test Color on Corrugated First
Colors will appear differently on kraft vs. white corrugated and on different print methods. Always ask for a sample or press proof to verify color before production.
Use Pantone Colors (When Needed)
For brand consistency, especially with logos or specific brand colors, use Pantone Matching System (PMS) inks instead of CMYK—especially in flexo.
Balance Design with Function
Your print layout should enhance the box, not interfere with it. Avoid placing fine graphics near flaps, folds, or high-stress areas where cracking or misalignment can occur.
Consider Print Inside the Box
Want to wow customers or reinforce your brand? Add inside print for messaging, graphics, or product instructions. It adds impact—especially for e-commerce or subscription boxes.
Always Review a Physical Proof (If Possible)
Before full production, ask for a printed sample or digital proof to catch any errors in layout, registration, or color. This step can save time, cost, and frustration down the line.
Final Thoughts
Printing on corrugated boxes adds incredible value—but only if it’s done right. From selecting the right method to preparing artwork properly, these print tips help ensure your packaging performs as well as it looks.
Need guidance on printed corrugated boxes?
We’ll help you choose the best structure, material, and print approach to match your goals and your brand.
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When it comes to printing on packaging, color is one of the most important components in attracting a consumer. Most people aren’t aware that there is a variety of different color process options to choose from including; CMYK, PMS, and GCMI. Understanding the difference between them all, will help you make the best decision for your business needs. It is important to take into consideration accuracy, pricing, lead time, and cost. What is 4 color process: CMYK Four color printing utilizes Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK), to create the visual effect of a full-color image. The process is applied through adding tiny dots, overlapping in different concentrations to create a match as exact as possible to the desired colors. CMYK can be applied digitally or with other printing methods, and is best for full-color images. It is not 100% accurate when it comes to color matching, which means your image could look different run to run. If you need 10 colors for your print, this process will create the image as close as possible using only 4 colors. On traditional printing when a specific color cannot be produced by the 4 color process, you can choose to incorporate a specific PMS color into the CMYK colors. Although this adds on to the overall cost, it will give the ability to create more color variations. If you aren’t sure about your artwork and think there might be some changes, always stick to CMYK digital printing because there is no initial investment and it is easier to change. Ultimately this method is cheaper when deciding which color printing process to choose. Advantages of CMYK: Cheapest Fastest No startup cost Easy to change/edit image Prints images with wide range of color Disadvantages of CMYK: Not 100% accurate Not consistent run to run Shade variation What Are Specific Colors: Pantone Matching System Pantone Matching Systems also known as (PMS) is created using a specific numbering system and is applied using a spot color method. This system is printed using flexographic printing, which has a numbering system that allows for exact color matching and consistency. There is currently over a thousand colors, each given a number and a name, which creates a universally recognized matching system. Although this system is overall more expensive, it is necessary when needing an exact color match. PMS color process is best for those who need their image, logo or design to be an exact color or have perfect attention to detail. Glass Containers Manufacturers Institute Glass Containers Manufacturers Institute also known as (GCMI) is a water-based ink used in flexographic printing. It is similar to PMS, in which they both ensure the perfect match to your prints. This coloring system has less than a hundred colors and is targeted to corrugated and paper board. PMS GCMI Advantages of Specific Colors: Exact coloring Consistent results run to run Has a universally recognized matching system Disadvantages of Specific Colors: More expensive Limited applications GCMI can only be used on corrugated and paper board Summary 4 Color Process VS Specified Colors: Overall each color process has their own benefits. CMYK is best used for images and for an affordable and almost accurate color print. Both PMS and GCMI are best for exact color match printing, but are more expensive and have limited application. GCMI is accurate when it comes to color match but is only used for printing on corrugated boxes. It is best to weigh out your options to determine which color printing method would be best for your business needs. It is important to take into consideration cost, lead time, consistency, and accuracy. If you need help determining which color method to choose, please contact Brown Packaging today so one of our packaging experts can assist you. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Folding Carton Display Packaging Rigid Box Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
Printed packaging plays a crucial role in brand perception, shelf appeal, and the overall customer experience—but the work doesn’t stop once the ink hits the surface. Without the right finish, that print is vulnerable to scuffs, fading, moisture, and friction during production, handling, or shipping. Whether you’re working with corrugated boxes, folding cartons, or rigid boxes, finishes do more than elevate appearance—they’re your first line of defense in protecting print. Here’s how the right finish keeps your packaging looking sharp from press to doorstep. Why Finishes Matter Your packaging travels through a lot—automated fulfillment, stacking, freight, climate changes, and customer handling. Finishes act as a protective shield, sealing the printed surface and improving the durability, longevity, and professional appearance of the box. Without a finish, print can: Rub off or smudge Fade under UV exposure Scuff or tear during shipping Absorb moisture or oils from hands A finish helps maintain the integrity of the design and branding under real-world conditions. Common Finishes That Add Protection Aqueous Coating A water-based coating that dries quickly and provides light protection against scuffing, fingerprints, and dirt. ✅ Ideal for folding cartons and corrugated boxes✅ Cost-effective, eco-friendly, and adds a subtle shine or matte finish✅ Can be applied inline during printing for fast turnaround UV Coating A high-gloss or matte coating cured with ultraviolet light, offering stronger protection than aqueous. ✅ Great for high-touch surfaces✅ Resists abrasion and moisture✅ Frequently used on folding cartons and rigid boxes Soft-Touch Coating A smooth, velvet-like matte finish that enhances tactile feel while offering surface protection. ✅ Popular in rigid boxes and premium folding cartons✅ Pairs well with foil stamping and embossing✅ Resists fingerprints and minor scuffs Lamination (Gloss or Matte) A plastic film applied to the printed surface, offering the highest level of protection against tearing, moisture, and surface wear. ✅ Common in litho-labeled corrugated and rigid boxes✅ Adds structure and premium feel✅ Excellent for high-end retail packaging or long shelf-life applications Spot UV A selective UV coating applied only to certain parts of the design (like logos or images). ✅ Protects key branding elements✅ Adds contrast and visual depth✅ Best used in combination with other finishes How Finishes Vary by Box Type Corrugated Boxes Corrugated boxes are often exposed to rough handling and shipping abuse. For printed corrugated: Aqueous coating protects basic graphics in litho-label or digital runs Laminated litho labels offer the best protection and visual appeal Inside print (protected by the box itself) is an option for minimal damage risk Folding Cartons Folding cartons are more likely to be handled in retail and must look good under bright lights. Gloss or matte coatings resist scuffing on shelves Soft-touch adds luxury while improving grip Spot UV can highlight key details while protecting them Rigid Boxes Often used for luxury goods, rigid boxes require both durability and a premium finish. Lamination protects litho labels from edge cracking or peeling Soft-touch and foil can be layered for both tactile appeal and surface protection Embossing with a finish ensures your raised designs stay clean and sharp Final Thoughts A finish isn’t just a design choice—it’s a functional upgrade that preserves the quality, readability, and impact of your printed packaging. Whether you’re shipping across the country or selling on a shelf, the right finish protects your investment and keeps your brand looking its best. Need help selecting the right finish for your boxes?We’ll guide you through coatings, lamination, and protective treatments tailored to your packaging type and brand goals. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
In today’s fast-paced market, packaging needs to be more than just protective—it needs to be agile, customizable, and visually compelling. That’s where digital printing steps in. Whether you’re working with corrugated boxes, POP displays, folding cartons, pouches, or roll stock, digital printing offers unmatched flexibility to bring your packaging to life—fast. This blog breaks down why digital printing is becoming the preferred solution for brands that want speed, precision, and the freedom to scale or switch designs with ease. What Is Digital Printing? Digital printing is a method that transfers artwork directly onto the packaging surface using inkjet or laser-based technology—no printing plates required. Unlike flexographic or lithographic printing, which need costly tooling and setup, digital allows brands to go from concept to press quickly with full-color, high-resolution results. Why Digital Printing Matters in Custom Packaging For businesses handling multiple SKUs, frequent promotions, or small-batch runs, digital printing solves many traditional production challenges: Fast turnarounds No plate or setup fees Easy design updates and personalization Lower minimums Reduced waste Whether you’re testing a new SKU or running a seasonal promotion, digital keeps you nimble without sacrificing quality. Packaging Types That Benefit from Digital Printing Corrugated Boxes Digital printing allows brands to produce full-color graphics on corrugated boxes without the high volume requirements of flexo or litho. Great for e-commerce packaging, subscription boxes, and branded shippers that require quick runs or custom versions per region, SKU, or campaign. POP Displays For retail displays, digital printing enables fast production of high-impact visuals, especially for short-term promotions or limited launches. Designs can be versioned per product, retailer, or store location without creating delays or extra costs. Folding Cartons Brands in food, beauty, and wellness use folding cartons with digital printing to achieve photo-quality results on small or medium runs. It’s ideal for startups or established brands that need design flexibility and fast turnaround. Pouches Digital printing is widely used on flexible packaging for products like snacks, supplements, and pet treats. You can quickly create multiple pouch designs in a single run, making it perfect for multi-SKU product lines, samples, or limited editions. Roll Stock For brands that form-fill-seal pouches in-house, digitally printed roll stock delivers speed and precision without large MOQs. This reduces inventory pressure and simplifies changeovers between product runs. Other Products Digital printing is also ideal for belly bands, labels, sleeves, and custom inserts—anywhere variable data, fast updates, or small runs are required. When Digital Printing Makes the Most Sense Digital printing is best when you need: Fast speed to market Multiple design versions Frequent content updates (ingredients, regulations, offers) Personalized or regionalized packaging Low-to-mid volume production with high visual quality Minimal risk when testing new designs or SKUs For growing brands, digital printing enables test-and-learn agility. For larger brands, it offers flexibility for campaigns, events, or seasonal promotions without tying up your main production line. Final Thoughts If your brand thrives on innovation, variety, or speed, digital printing is the tool that keeps your packaging agile and aligned with market demands. From boxes and pouches to displays and roll stock, this technology opens the door to more creativity and less complexity. Need help choosing the right digital print solution for your packaging?We’ll help you determine where digital makes sense, what volume fits, and how to build a packaging system that moves as fast as your business does. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts