One of the biggest trending topics at PRINTING United 2025 was embellishment – the art of adding depth, shine, and texture to print to create unforgettable visual impact. This year, the buzz was all about how innovative materials and new print technologies are making these effects faster, easier, and more cost-effective than ever.
Leading the way was Kernow Coatings, showcasing a stunning range of printable metallic films and specialty materials designed to transform ordinary graphics into extraordinary pieces – all in a single print process.
In our latest blog, let’s take a walk through the Kernow booth and explore how each panel demonstrated the power of embellishment using Kernow’s innovative materials.
Traditionally, achieving a gold foil effect has meant multiple steps – printing, cutting, and then hand-applying foil. But with KernowJet Metalik Gold Permanent, that entire process has been simplified and reduced to a single print step.
In this panel, we used white ink to mask areas where the print should remain neutral, while black ink printed directly over the gold film creates a stunning contrast. The result? A luxurious gold embellishment that catches the light and elevates the entire design – with significant savings in time, cost, and effort.
At the centre of our booth, we showcased the versatility of KernowJet Metalik Silver Permanent printed on a Mimaki UCJV300-160 using Color-Logic Inc software.
By combining white ink with CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black), we achieved dynamic effects that highlight shadows, shimmer in gold tones, and reflect natural light. The sky and leaves glimmer, while windows reflect back at you, creating a truly lifelike depth.
All of this was achieved in one print process – no foiling, no lamination, no extra steps. Just load, print, deliver, and done. It’s the ultimate retail-ready solution that gives printers the ability to offer premium reflective signage without the added production time.
Silver embellishment effects have traditionally been a labour-intensive process, requiring manual cutting and application. With KernowJet Metalik Silver, you can skip the hassle entirely.
Using white ink masking and CMYK print, the metallic base material on the panel shines through, creating the look of secondary embellishment directly from the printer. This approach not only saves time, money, and energy, but also produces a clean, professional finish that looks like it’s been through multiple finishing stages – when in actual fact, it hasn’t.
The final panel brought everything together in a striking example of a shadowbox construction that showcased the power of layering and reflection.
Here, we started with a layer of KernowJet Metalik Gold Permanent to deliver the reflective gold base. Then, we added another layer for depth using KernowJet KlearView Clear Polyester, a material that enhances perceived dimension.
For the final layer, we printed a striking image of a woman onto KlearView Clear Polyester, giving her a sense of presence and depth. Behind her, another layer of Metalik Gold Permanent added a luminous reflection, creating a shadow and visual depth that made the image appear almost 3D.
The result? A show-stopping embellished piece that demonstrates how layering and reflective materials can completely redefine what’s possible in print.
The Kernow booth at PRINTING United 2025 was a masterclass in how embellishment can elevate print applications – from retail signage and displays to packaging and décor.
With innovative materials such as KernowJet Metalik films and KernowJet KlearView, printers can now offer clients premium metallic and reflective effects without costly post-print processes. It’s all about innovation, efficiency, and creativity – combining innovative materials with standout visuals with streamlined production.
Print smarter. Embellish boldly. Discover how Kernow’s materials can help you create unforgettable effects – all in one step.
Get in touch to find out more: customerservices@kernowcoatings.com.
