Metallic Ink

Instructions for Submitting Artwork for Metallic Ink Badges

Metallic Inks add a reflective, foil-like shine to your badge design, highlighting specific areas with a metallic effect. This is done by placing vector artwork on a dedicated layer that tells the printer exactly where the metallic effect should appear. To prepare your artwork correctly:

• Create a Metallic Ink Layer
  Place all metallic ink vector art on its own layer and name this layer “Silver.” This ensures the metallic effect is applied only to the intended areas.
  
  
• Define the Spot Color
  In Illustrator or InDesign, open the Swatches Panel and create a new swatch:
  
  • Name it “Silver.”
  • Set the Color Type to Spot Color.
  • Apply this swatch fill to all elements on the “Silver” layer.
    
    

• Use Solid Vector Shapes
  Keep metallic elements as vector art (PDF, Illustrator). Use a single, solid spot color fill—gradients and effects will not translate to metallic ink.
  
  
• Carefully Align Elements
  Double-check positioning so metallic areas align properly with your design. Avoid placing metallic ink in areas where thermal printing will be applied.
  
  

Visual Results

• Colors aligned with the Metallic Ink Layer will have a reflective metal shine.
• Areas without the layer remain standard print.
• Metallic effects work best with lighter colors for maximum contrast.

Submitting artwork with a properly built “Silver” layer ensures your metallic ink prints cleanly, consistently, and with the intended shiny finish. See below more detailed instructions, or download this PDF.