ARTWORK MAP / 01
Base artwork
The continuous visual layer: colour, image and type—built to the approved size and substrate assumptions.
- Use the agreed colour mode and scale.
- Keep critical content inside the reviewed safety area.
SERVICE 05 / FINISHING & EMBELLISHMENT
The final surface is part of the design.
Protection, reflection, dimension and final form—selected only after the material, artwork, construction and intended use are understood.
Surface
Metallic
Dimension
Shape
CURATORIAL PRINCIPLE
A finish should earn its place.
It should protect, direct light, create hierarchy or complete the physical object. If it does none of those things, it does not belong.
Finishing is not a decorative afterthought. It changes how a piece is handled, read, assembled and experienced. HDC reviews the complete job before confirming the appropriate route, sequence and achievable result.
Availability and method remain job-specific.
FINISH STUDYMATERIAL BEHAVIOUR
SELECT BY INTENT
Four ways to change the final object.
Use the index as a creative starting point. The final specification follows material and production review.
FINISHING FAMILIES
A material-led catalogue.
Each family can shift appearance, performance or construction. Open the ledger to see what the result asks from the job.
01Protection & lamination
Film, coating or overlaminate can change sheen, hand-feel and surface resilience. It should be chosen around the actual stock or substrate, folds, handling and environment.
- Possible direction
- Matte, gloss, low-glare or application-specific protection.
- Review first
- Adhesion, folds, edge behaviour, exposure and end use.
02Foil & metallic detail
A controlled metallic accent can create contrast without covering the whole piece. The route may be conventional or digital after the stock, coverage, geometry and quantity are reviewed.
- Possible direction
- Reflective accent, fine linework, mark or focal detail.
- Review first
- Stock, coverage, registration, construction and run size.
03Relief, emboss & dimension
Raised, recessed or built-up effects turn visual hierarchy into a tactile one. Material thickness and the reverse side of the piece are part of the design decision.
- Possible direction
- Emboss, deboss, raised clear, tactile texture or layered relief.
- Review first
- Material body, detail size, pressure, reverse-side impact and handling.
04Selective coating & varnish
A selective effect can direct the eye, separate image areas or add tactile contrast. It is an effect layer—not a universal durability claim.
- Possible direction
- Spot gloss, full coating, highlight or raised effect where supported.
- Review first
- Coverage, registration, substrate, folds and required protection.
05Cut, route, edge & mount
The perimeter is part of the artwork. Contours, corners, apertures, drilled points, folded returns and mounting details should be resolved before production.
- Possible direction
- Die cut, contour cut, routing, edge treatment, holes, standoffs or framing.
- Review first
- Material, tolerances, radii, load, fixing method and installation location.
PRODUCTION LAYER STACKARTWORK LOGIC
BUILD THE FILE LIKE THE OBJECT
Separate what prints, finishes and cuts.
Clear layer logic helps artwork, finishing and fabrication stay aligned through production review.
ARTWORK MAP / 02
White / opacity
A separately named opacity layer may be needed for clear, coloured or dark surfaces when the confirmed route supports it.
- Define where white is selective or continuous.
- Review choke, spread and registration with production.
ARTWORK MAP / 03
Finish / effect
Spot varnish, raised detail, metallic or texture instructions should be isolated from the base artwork and named unambiguously.
- Let one finish lead the visual hierarchy.
- Keep effects away from folds, scores, glue and trim unless reviewed.
ARTWORK MAP / 04
Cut / route
Final contours, apertures and routing paths belong on their own production layer, separate from visible artwork.
- Use clean vector paths and agreed dimensions.
- Confirm radii, bridges and material tolerances.
ARTWORK MAP / 05
Install / safety
Drill points, fixings, folds, scores, glue areas and no-print zones communicate how the finished piece must function.
- Dimension every functional position.
- Check clearance against the real installation condition.
This map explains file logic; it is not a visual proof or production guarantee.
METHOD COMPARATOR
Start with the result, not the machine.
These are starting territories for discussion. HDC confirms the production route after reviewing the complete job.
| Desired result | Starting territory | Review before confirmation |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet protection or changed sheen | Lamination, coating or application-specific overlaminate | Stock, folds, adhesion, handling and environment |
| Metallic focal point | Foil or another reviewed metallic route | Stock, coverage, detail, registration, construction and quantity |
| Tactile hierarchy | Emboss, deboss, raised clear or layered relief | Material body, reverse-side impact, detail scale and use |
| Clean silhouette or aperture | Die cut, contour cut or routing | Material, radius, tolerance, nesting and edge expectation |
| Installation-ready object | Edge treatment, drilling, folds, returns, mount or frame | Substrate, load, fixing method, access and location |
FINISHING REVIEW PATH01–05
FROM INTENT TO INSPECTION
A finish is a sequence, not a last-minute add-on.
- 01
Define intent
Name the role: protect, reflect, add dimension or complete the form.
- 02
Review material
Check the stock, substrate, geometry, handling and environment.
- 03
Map layers
Separate base, white, effect, cut and installation information.
- 04
Proof or test
Review representative output where the material and risk require it.
- 05
Finish & inspect
Produce in the agreed sequence, then check the final physical result.
PROJECT ENQUIRY
Bring the object—and the ambition.
To review a finish properly, share the project conditions rather than a finish name alone.
- 01Artwork or concept PDF
- 02Dieline, dimensions or object geometry
- 03Quantity and required date
- 04Stock, material or surface
- 05Handling, environment and visual reference
HDC confirms suitability, availability and production scope from the actual job before release.