Surface decoration
Specify the finish around your paper, board, adhesive and converting process. Compare the sparkle on a printed sample, then check how the decoration handles drying, folding and transport.
Discuss this application
THE PROJECT AT A GLANCE
WHERE THE FINISH WORKS
For a decorative area on a carton, card or sleeve, identify the exact substrate and printed background. Review the sample against the artwork so the chosen particle does not obscure fine detail or extend beyond the intended adhesive area.
Develop the effect at its final viewing size. A close-up of loose glitter cannot establish the appearance of a small label, and a hand-applied sample does not establish performance on a coating or printing line.
Include scoring, folding, cutting and packing in the trial. Agree how much texture is acceptable and where the decorated surface may contact adjacent sheets or finished products.
YOUR DEVELOPMENT CHECKLIST
Use these six points to prepare the sample brief. Set the test method and pass criteria for your finished product before approving a material.
| Requirement | What to specify | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Substrate & artwork | Paper or board grade, coating, printed background, decorated area and smallest artwork detail. | Make the trial on the production substrate. Compare colour, coverage and edge definition with the agreed design. |
| Particle size & equipment | Selected cut and shape with units; screen opening, nozzle or coating-gap limits. | Run the intended delivery path. Agree acceptable detail, texture and any equipment interruptions before selecting the cut. |
| Adhesive & application | Adhesive or ink system, mixed-in or surface-applied route, loading and application sequence. | Check adhesion and particle release after drying using the agreed method. For plant-fiber material, review the selected-grade handling guidance first. |
| Drying & curing | The complete time/temperature schedule, repeated passes, topcoat and lamination steps. | Evaluate the finish after the full production sequence. Agree acceptable changes in colour, surface and particle retention. |
| Converting & handling | Scoring, folding, die cutting, stacking orientation and expected handling. | Inspect crease lines, cut edges, rub-off and transfer to adjacent sheets or packs. Set the acceptance limits together. |
| End use & market | Destination market, intended package use and whether any food-contact assessment is relevant. | Have the responsible packaging team approve the finished construction and required evidence; a glitter sample alone is not that assessment. |
CONNECT THE SAMPLE TO ITS RECORDS
Request the following for the selected grade and project. The available documents below show their own sample identity and scope.
Available documentation
Open the supplied originals and compare the tested sample with your specification. These records apply to the samples and methods identified in each document.
View originalBiodegradation test report ·
A documented CO₂ evolution test for the submitted water-degradable glitter sample.
Sample scope. The sample photograph identifies plant-fiber degradable glitter, specification 1/96. Match the purchased grade to this report.
Recorded result. 74.3% biodegradation after 60 days at 22 ± 2°C. The report records Pass against the client requirement of at least 60%.
Method. OECD 301:1992, Method 301B — CO₂ evolution test; The report also cites Appendix 15 of Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055
This result belongs to the tested sample and stated laboratory conditions. It does not establish marine or home-compost performance, or a blanket regulatory exemption.
Dated sample report; no expiry date is stated. Confirm the selected grade and the current requirements before ordering.
View originalChemical test report ·
Selected chemical tests for XUCAI’s submitted water-degradable series sample.
Sample scope. Submitted multi-colour powder, sample 002, SGS sample ID CAN24-0244497-0001.C002.
Recorded result. The listed cadmium, restricted-phthalate, lead and element-migration requirements are marked Pass. Additional phthalate measurements are listed as See Results.
Method. REACH Annex XVII: selected cadmium and phthalate requirements; EN 71-3:2019+A1:2021: migration of certain elements; CPSIA / 16 CFR: selected lead and phthalate requirements; ISO 8124-3:2020/Amd.1:2023: migration of certain elements; ASTM F963-23: selected surface-coating requirements
Selected material tests do not certify the finished packaging, toy or cosmetic. Review the exact test scope, colour and grade against the intended use.
Dated sample report; no expiry date is stated. Confirm the selected grade and the current requirements before ordering.
View originalChemical test report ·
A colour-series report for the submitted plastic-glitter sample.
Sample scope. Reference report for this colour series; confirm the current ordered grade, colour and particle size with XUCAI.
Recorded result. The listed cadmium, restricted-phthalate, lead and element-migration requirements are marked Pass. Bisphenol A and additional phthalates are reported as See Results.
Method. REACH Annex XVII: selected cadmium and phthalate requirements; EN 71-3:2019+A1:2021: migration of certain elements; CPSIA / 16 CFR: selected lead and phthalate requirements; ISO 8124-3:2020/Amd.1:2023: migration of certain elements; ASTM F963-23: selected surface-coating requirements
Applies to the submitted sample and listed tests. This is not a full REACH, toy-safety or cosmetic certification and does not cover every colour, batch or finished formulation.
Dated sample report; no expiry date is stated. Confirm the selected grade and the current requirements before ordering.
View originalChemical screening report ·
SVHC screening of the submitted PET glitter sample against the substance lists specified in the 2024 report.
Sample scope. Gold, silver, coloured and rainbow PET glitter in the submitted sample. Review the full report and request updated screening where the current market or product requires it.
Recorded result. The report records Pass, with screened SVHC at or below 0.1% by weight in the submitted sample.
Method. 240 ECHA Candidate List substances published on or before 23 January 2024; Additional consultation / intention substances expressly listed in the report
The substance list is dated and may have changed. This is not proof of compliance with the current entire REACH regulation or approval for cosmetic, food-contact or other finished-product uses.
Dated sample report; no expiry date is stated. Confirm the selected grade and the current requirements before ordering.
A test report records a result for a submitted sample. An SDS or MSDS provides safety information. Neither should be presented as a certification of every colour, series or finished product.
FROM PROCESS TO PARTICLE
Send the paper or board specification, printed base colour and location of the decorative area. Include a reference pack or a physical colour target when available.
Ask the printing team to review particle dimensions against the screen opening, dispensing equipment or coating gap. Confirm the size convention and proposed cut before treating two samples as equivalent.
Use the intended adhesive or ink, loading and drying schedule. Compare both the appearance and edge definition, including any topcoat or laminate that is part of the final construction.
Keep an agreed finished panel and a loose-material retain. Record the material code, application conditions and acceptance checks before confirming the order specification.
PHYSICAL MATERIAL REFERENCES
Compare these material candidates after reviewing your process and document needs. The photographs below show glitter samples for product selection.
A metallic visual direction to compare on the actual printed background. Approve the chosen colour and cut after adhesion and converting trials.
A multicolour direction for decorative areas. Test whether the selected combination and particle distribution preserve the intended artwork detail.
Discuss only when the application can follow the supplier’s selected-grade handling advice. Its existing guidance describes application onto fast-drying water-based adhesive and does not recommend premixing for later printing or coating.
ON YOUR SAMPLE BENCH
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Use the card to identify candidates, then confirm the dimensions and test the cut with your printing equipment. Do not assign units to an unlabelled fraction on a card; ask for the specification of the selected grade.
Do not assume that route is suitable. The existing supplier handling guidance for the water-degradable range does not recommend premixing into oil or adhesive for later printing or coating. Share the exact process and request current instructions for the selected material.
No. State the intended pack use and contact conditions in the enquiry. Ask the responsible assessor which material and finished-pack evidence is required; a decorative sample does not establish that conclusion.
YOUR APPLICATION. YOUR REFERENCE.
Tell us the paper or board, printed background, adhesive or ink, application equipment, drying conditions and converting steps. Add the target effect, particle reference, destination market, order quantity and packing needs. Mention any contact-related requirements for the finished pack.
Enquire with this application brief