Aluminum Can Printing Methods & Finishes
Most aluminum beverage cans are decorated using dry-offset lithography, a high-speed printing process that applies ink directly to the can surface before a protective varnish.
Dry-Offset Lithography
- Uses flexible printing plates wrapped around a blanket cylinder.
- Prints up to 7 colors in a single pass.
- Compatible with glossy, matte, frosted and tactile varnishes.
- Cost-effective at high volumes compared to labels or sleeves.
Available Finishes
| Finish | Effect |
|---|---|
| Glossy | High shine, vibrant color, mainstream look |
| Matte | Soft, premium feel, reduced glare |
| Frosted | Cool, textured appearance for luxury brands |
| Tactile | Raise-able varnish for textured graphics |
| Metallic | Exposed aluminum highlights for shimmer |
| Fluorescent | Neon colors for energy and youth brands |
Artwork Best Practices
Design files should include color separations, bleed, trapping and varnish specifications. Avoid extremely fine text near seams and maintain sufficient contrast for mandatory regulatory information.