Metallic ink includes tiny metal flakes that bind on a printing surface as the ink dries. The flakes are usually particles such as zinc, copper, bronze, or aluminum. They add luxury and shine to labels, decals, signs, vehicle wraps, displays, etc. However, metallic ink is less reflective and complicated than foil stamping.
It’s a pre-mixed ink, also referred to as the Pantone Matching System (PMS), that uses a single printing plate, allowing it to produce colors outside the CMYK spectrum. Metallic ink gives a subtle effect and is applied earlier in the printing process. Further on, it is covered with a varnish or lamination.