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Board Finishes and Thickness

This article will teach you about board game finish and thickness.

Finishes are applied on top of your printed boards for the purpose of adding protection and artistic style. The finish type (varnish or lamination) protects the ink and prevents scratches. The finish style (gloss or matte) adds an aesthetic appeal to your project. Keep in mind, game boards, tiles, and tokens have different finish requirements because of their thickness.

Game Board Thickness

Board Finishes

When choosing a board finish, you only need to select a style (gloss or matte). Gloss adds a reflective shine, while matte adds a duller shine and smoother touch.

Since our boards are generally produced from (at least) 2mm high-density paperboard they require lamination because it’s the best finish for thicker material. Not only that, but game boards take a beating so we’ve decided to make the most protective finish, lamination, the default board finish.

Tiles and Token Finishes

Token and tiles are produced from (at least) 1.5mm greyboard, a thinner option than game boards, so you’ll be required to pick a finish type (varnish or lamination) and a style (gloss or matte).

Varnish is the most common finish type used for thinner material, but don’t feel you have to stick to the trends, your tokens may deserve the most protective finish (lamination) that also makes your pieces *water resistant.

Gloss or matte is ultimately a creative choice, gloss adds a reflective shine, while matte adds a duller shine and smoother touch.

*water resistant is not water proof.

Matte (Anti-Scratch)

Anti-scratch matte lamination is highly recommended if you’re using a matte style finish and your board artwork has a large coverage area of dark ink. Matte is prone to showing scratches on dark ink, so if you have pieces (meeples, pawns, etc.) that are moved around the board often, we recommend adding anti-scratch matte-lamination or choosing gloss.

Thickness Options

The thicker the piece the more durable. Beyond that, this is your creative choice, but if you’re struggling here are the industry standards of each piece:

  • Game boards: 2mm
  • Tiles: 1.5mm
  • Tokens: 1.5mm

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