Coating refers to the covering applied to the surface of a substrate. It can improve surface properties of the substrate, such as appearance, adhesion, wetability, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and scratch resistance. Common coatings in printing include water-based coating, matte coating, satin coating, UV coating and acrylic based coating (OPP/AL/PE film).

Embossing is done by applying heat and pressure with male and female dyes made of copper or brass. The dyes are fit together to squeeze the fibres of the substrate. The combination of pressure and heat raises the level of the image higher than the substrate, at the same time "ironing" is done to smooth the image out.

Burnishing is an ink transfer method that involves the use of a smooth flat object rubbing the back of the paper which has been laid over an inked plate. The resultant printed piece will have a polished finish.

Debossing is similar to embossing, but lowers, instead of raises the image.