## **The Texture Revolution in Print**

The printing industry is experiencing a seismic shift as textured UV products command **300-500% price premiums** over flat prints. From **luxury packaging** to **high-end home decor**, customers are paying extraordinary prices for one simple reason: **they can't resist touching these products**.

## **Why Texture = Profit**

### **The Psychology of Touch**

- 92% of purchase decisions are influenced by tactile experience (MIT Sensory Lab)

- Textured products achieve **38% higher perceived value**

- **72% longer engagement time** vs. flat prints

### **Price Comparison: Flat vs. Textured UV Prints**

| Product | Flat Print Price | Textured UV Price | Premium |

|---------|------------------|-------------------|---------|

| Phone Case | $12 | $65 | 442% |

| Cosmetic Box | $8 | $45 | 463% |

| Wall Art | $35 | $175 | 400% |

| Business Card | $0.50 | $3.50 | 600% |

## **3 Game-Changing Texture Techniques**

### **1. Spot Varnish Layering (Beginner)**

- **Effect:** Glossy raised elements

- **Layers:** 2-3

- **Best For:** Packaging, premium stationery

- **Profit Tip:** Combine with die-cutting for luxury cosmetics packaging

### **2. True 3D Texture Building (Intermediate)**

- **Effect:** 0.5-2mm physical depth

- **Layers:** 5-15

- **Best For:** Leather/fabric simulation, braille

- **Pro Machine:** Mimaki UJF-7151 plus with 3D Mode

### **3. Hybrid Material Embossing (Advanced)**

- **Effect:** Combines UV with foil/thermography

- **Layers:** 3-5

- **Best For:** Award plaques, high-security documents

- **Secret Weapon:** Use translucent inks over foil

## **The Texture Production Playbook**

### **Step 1: Substrate Selection**

- **Best Performers:** Acrylic, coated paper, PVC

- **Avoid:** Uncoated porous materials (absorbs texture)

### **Step 2: File Preparation**

- **Design Rule:** Minimum 0.3mm line width for textures

- **Software Must-Have:** Channels for texture height mapping

### **Step 3: Print Parameters**

| Texture Type | Passes | Ink Density | Cure Power |

|-------------|--------|-------------|------------|

| Light | 2-3 | 70% | 80% |

| Medium | 4-6 | 85% | 90% |

| Heavy | 7+ | 100% | 100% |

### **Step 4: Post-Processing**

- **24-hour full cure** before handling

- **Matte topcoat** preserves delicate textures

- **UV-resistant clear coat** for outdoor products

## **5 Texture Products That Sell Out**

1. **"Touchable" Business Cards**  

   - Raised logos + spot textures  

   - Sells for $3.50-$7 per card  

   - 89% client retention rate  

2. **Luxury Cosmetic Packaging**  

   - Simulated crocodile skin texture  

   - 5X markup over standard boxes  

   - Chanel/Dior suppliers use this technique  

3. **ADA-Compliant Signage**  

   - Braille + tactile wayfinding  

   - Government-mandated market  

   - $85-$120 per square foot  

4. **Textured Wall Art**  

   - 3D brushstroke effects  

   - $175-$400 per piece  

   - Etsy's fastest-growing decor category  

5. **Premium Tech Accessories**  

   - Leather-like phone cases  

   - $65-$125 retail  

   - 70% repeat purchase rate  

## **The Texture Profit Calculator**

**Example: 100 Textured Phone Cases**

- Production Cost: $9.20 each  

- Wholesale Price: $32  

- Retail Price: $65  

- Profit: $55.80 per unit  

- **Total Profit: $5,580**  

vs. Flat Print Profit: $1,120  

## **Overcoming Texture Challenges**

### **Problem: Cracking on Flexible Materials**  

**Solution:** Add 5-8% flex additive to ink  

### **Problem: Uneven Texture Height**  

**Solution:** Use vacuum bed + 20% slower print speed  

### **Problem: Color Shift in Layers**  

**Solution:** Program separate ICC profiles for texture passes  

## **The Future of Textured Printing**

Emerging technologies will soon enable:

- **Temperature-reactive textures** (changes with touch)

- **Scented texture coatings** (linked to design)

- **Conductive textures** (for smart packaging)

## **Your Texture Action Plan**

1. **Start Small** - Test spot varnish on existing products  

2. **Identify Premium Clients** - Interior designers, luxury brands  

3. **Showcase Samples** - Texture sells when experienced  

4. **Re-price Your Catalog** - Texture justifies 3-5X increases  

*"We added texture options and our average order value jumped from $87 to $420 overnight."*  

— Jessica R., Etsy Store Owner  

The texture revolution is here. Will your shop be left printing flat in a 3D world? The most profitable future in printing isn't just seen—it's felt.  

**Which textured product will you launch first?** Share your ideas below! ✨