What exactly are VFX UV Holographic Foil Prints?

Our VFX UV printing is a specialized process that overlays vibrant color and clear varnish UV ink directly onto special visual effect (VFX) vinyl substrates. Instead of using traditional hot foil stamping, we use flatbed UV printers. This allows us to create dynamic, multi-color holographic foil effects and physical raised textures on your posters.

What is the standard turnaround time for VFX UV Prints?

Our standard production time for UV VFX prints is at least 2-3 weeks, including sending proof, working on adjustments, and editing out mistakes. If you are preparing for an upcoming convention and need a shorter turnaround or a rush order, please contact us directly for a custom quote.

How durable are these prints? Will they survive the hustle of a convention floor?

Yes! They are highly durable to outdoor UV light, scratch, water. However, we recommend handling artwork with utmost care, especially corners.

Do you offer B2B discounts for artists and small businesses?

Yes, we offer a Business Advantage/B2B discount specifically designed for Artist Alley vendors, small businesses, retail shops, and studios. You can apply for this discount through our B2B printing service application page.

Can I use more than one foil color in my design?

Absolutely. Traditional foil stamping limits you to single colors (like standard gold or silver). With our process, we print color over 80+ types of special visual effect vinyls (such as Aurora Rainbow, Crystal Holographic, Color-Shift, and Florentine Swirl). You can blend gradients, multiple colors, and even specific image elements directly into the foil layer seamlessly.

Can I choose between matte and glossy foil finishes?

Yes! For matte metallic effect, print your color directly on the vinyl with no white ink underneath to create a sleek, subtle metallic color blend. For glossy metallic effect: Add a clear varnish on top of that color blend for a clear glossy finish.

What is varnish ink and how can I use it?

You can use it for “spot gloss” effect, which uses clear varnish UV ink to make specific area more eye-catching (like fish scales, magical energy, or water droplets on soda can).

Can I create actual 3D textures on my print?

Yes! By adjusting the amount of clear gloss varnish, we can build actual physical textures into your print. You can create embossed, 3D effects—like raised scales on a dragon or the texture of magical energy—that your customers can physically feel when they run their fingers over the print. This required an advanced setup, and please contact us.

What file format do you accept?

We require a Photoshop document (PSD or PSB). Alternatively, you can export layer seperately, but have to be exact pixel dimension.

What are the color profile and resolution requirements?

Resolution at 300 to 600 DPI, embedded color Profile with Adobe RGB (Do NOT use CMYK), assigned rendering intent should be either perceptual or relative colorimetric with black point compensation.

How do I set up my layers for VFX UV Printing?

Your file must be sent with exactly 3 flattened layers in the following top-to-bottom order, Varnish, Color, and White layer.

Holographic Foil Prints (VFX UV Printing on Vinyl)

Name: Holographic Foil Prints (VFX UV Printing on Vinyl)
Brand: Uproar Design & Print
SKU: 47846640419003
Price: 15.0 USD
Availability: InStock

VFX UV printing on vinyl of a vibrant blue and gold holographic phoenix artwork with dimensional effects, framed on a white wall

Intro

Spot holographic prints with 3D rainsed texture

Uproar Design & Print offers complete range of specialty vinyls, as we are among the first printing service providers introduces VFX holographic foil print to artists.

Dynamic multi-color spot foiling effect
3D raised spot gloss
Over 80+ types of specialty vinyl

*We do NOT print AI-generated contents.

How VFX UV Print Works?

The Magic of UV Layering

UV printing is a unique process where ultraviolet lights instantly dry specially formulated inks as soon as they hit the printing surface. When creating high-end art prints, the printer builds the image physically from the bottom up, stacking distinct layers to create brilliant colors and textures.

Here is how the layer stack comes together:

The Substrate: Instead of standard paper, we use a VFX vinyl that acts as a holographic, metallic, or color-shifting sheet. This provides the raw, shiny effect that will show through wherever ink isn't printed.
Layer 1 - White Ink: The white ink layer acts as an opaque blocker. Wherever you want your artwork to look completely solid and hide the holographic background, the printer lays down a solid base of white ink first.
Layer 2 - Color Ink: This is your actual artwork. When printed directly over the white ink base, the colors look solid with no translucent effect. If the color is printed directly onto the bare substrate (skipping the white layer), it blends with the shiny background to create stunning, multi-colored metallic effects. By using silver vinyl, you can create any metallic foil effect; for example, silver vinyl mixed with yellow ink creates gold foil, giving you control over golden tones like 18K, 22K, pure, or rose gold.
Layer 3 - Gloss Varnish Ink: The final touch is a clear varnish. This layer can be applied flat to create a shiny "spot gloss" over specific details, and the amount can be adjusted to create raised, 3D embossed textures that you can physically feel.

Diagram of a 3-layered VFX UV printing process with labeled layers.

Image Setup Guide

Before moving on, please back up your design and save a new copy!

Canvas & Resolution: The widest side we can currently print is 24” wide, and files require a minimum resolution of 300 to 600 PPI. We recommend working on a larger file, which you can then crop down to any smaller versions you may need in the future.
Color Profile: Convert or assign your color profile to Adobe RGB 1998, using whichever setting best retains the color appearance or looks pleasing to you.

Step 1: Design the White Layer

Start with the white layer by creating a solid color fill, and mask out the shape you wish to have the VFX vinyl show through.
Use only 100% black and white for creating your mask.

Comparison of VFX UV print and Photoshop solid color fill for a dragon design.

Pro Tip: You can duplicate the white layer mask onto the color layer, which ensures the color ink will not print there either. By masking out color on your design, you will achieve a clean foil stamp effect.
Advanced Technique: For very small details, you might see the white layer protruding out and creating a halo around the area. In Photoshop, you can contract or expand the selection by 3–5 pixels (for 300 PPI artwork) or 6–8 pixels (for 600 PPI artwork) while creating your mask. This ensures the white layer does not creep out and become visible.

Step 2: Design the Color Layer

Your main art sits on this layer, directly on top of the white layer. Note that white in this layer will be left blank and will not print; white elements are controlled exclusively by the white ink layer.

Design with ornate elements and text, shown in Photoshop solid color fill and printed version on a dark textured background.

Refer to this technique table while designing your visual effects:

Technique	Color Layer	White Layer	Varnish Layer
Raw VFX Foil	Masked	Masked	Optional
Gloss Color Foil	Any Color	Masked	Add Varnish
Matte Color Foil	Any Color	Masked	No Varnish

Step 3: Design the Varnish Layer

Use a solid color fill with any color that provides enough contrast while working on the design and create your shapes with masks.

Creating Textures: You can apply different amounts of varnish by masking the area with grayscale. This allows you to turn parts of your artwork into raised gloss varnish or even create an entirely new design on top of the current artwork.
Creative Example: If you are creating eye-catching Halloween art, you could draw an empty interior of a haunted house on your color layer. Then, you can create transparent ghosts flying around exclusively on the varnish layer. To make it even more special, applying very thin varnish can make elements look near-invisible, like an ethereal spirit.
Note: Darker colors may look deeper when covered by varnish due to a wetting effect.

Decorative circular design with blue outline on a white background, black circular design on a dark background, and Photoshop color fill options.

We will show you the table of varnishing techniques below:

Technique	Grayscale on Mask	Notes
No Varnish	Black (100% Black)	N/A
Thick Varnish	White (0% Black)	To avoid flooding, apply in small areas (about 1” diameter). Avoid putting details too close to each other, or they will merge.
Raised Varnish	Light Gray (30% Black)	Don’t apply on large continuous areas (about 3” diameter). Bubbles on the surface may occur if applied too broadly.
Detailing Varnish	Medium Gray (50% Black)	Best for small detailing with raised gloss but a less tactile feel.
Gloss Varnish Flood	Medium Gray (40% Black)	For covering large areas. Don’t apply to more than 50% of the continuous area or the entire art. Small amounts of bubbles may occur.
Semi-Gloss Varnish Flood	Dark Gray (88% Black)	Turns the surface from matte into semi-gloss and somewhat enhances contrast.
Ghosting	Dark Gray (90% Black)	Near-invisible varnish that is only visible at certain angles.

Step 4: Stack It Up

When your design is complete, flatten all layers to "Normal." Do not use blending modes (multiply, darken, linear dodge, etc.) or blending effects (drop shadow, outer glow, embossing, etc.).

Diagram showing layers of varnish, color, and white with text on backup and blending modes.

Rename and organize your layers according to this table:

Layer Order	Name	Type of Layer
Top	Varnish	Any solid color with mask
Middle	Color	Graphic with mask
Bottom	White	White color fill with mask

Download Print File Examples (PSD)

We have UV print-ready Photoshop PSD files for demo:

The layer order has been set up for you. Use any color fill for varnish, whatever easy to show the difference while creating mask. The color appearance on varnish layer will NOT print.

Download example PSD files:
Holographic foil demo (drop-out technique)	Multi-color holographic foil demo (color overlay technique)
Holo foil & 3D texture demo (clear varnish ink technique)	VFX UV print demo (combined technique)

Selling Guide

This product is commonly referred to as a “VFX Print” or “Holographic Foil Print.” We recommend marketing it as a VFX Print to distinguish it from standard holographic prints, which may have a lower perceived value.

Display VFX Prints under strong lighting or use a dedicated light source. Highlighting visual effects that can attract attention to your booth. If your artwork includes raised textures, encourage customers to interact with the textured print surface.

Suggested Retail Pricing

8.5x11: $35~55+

11x17: $45~65+

12x18: $45~65+

18x24: $85~220+

24x36: $185~345+

Project Managements

Test Print (Highly Recommended)

Order small print fefore commiting full production
Make sure you have enough time: editing print files and wait for shipping

Turnaround

Usually takes 2-3 week from production to delivery, induding proofing and editing
Peak season for conventions will take significantly longer, reserve in advance to secure the spot
Rush order will add notable fee depending on the situation

Shipping to Venue

B2B Discount & Tax Exempt

We offer B2B discount as we support artists:

For verified clients, log in to see updated pricing
Discount and tax-exempt applies seperately

Looking for the best print manufacturer for your business?

Apply B2B Discount

Intro

Spot holographic prints with 3D rainsed texture

Uproar Design & Print offers complete range of specialty vinyls, as we are among the first printing service providers introduces VFX holographic foil print to artists.

Dynamic multi-color spot foiling effect
3D raised spot gloss
Over 80+ types of specialty vinyl

*We do NOT print AI-generated contents.

How VFX UV Print Works?