Bottle decoration
Decoration Methods
Choose the finish that fits your brand — screen printing, hot foil, spray coating, frosting, electroplating or labels — individually or combined.
Compare with the Estimator
Method Comparison (planning guide)
Indicative MOQs and costs for planning; exact figures depend on artwork and quantity.
| Method | Typical MOQ | Cost guide | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen printing | 1,000-2,000 | $0.08-0.30 | Logos & text |
| Hot foil | 1,000-3,000 | $0.05-0.20 | Metallic accents |
| Spray coating | 3,000+ | $0.30-1.50 | Brand colors |
| Frosting | 2,000-5,000 | $0.20-0.80 | Premium matte |
| Electroplating | 2,000-5,000 | Process dep. | Mirror finish |
| Labels | 100-1,000 | $0.05-0.50 | Detailed, low volume |
Decoration Methods in Detail
Each method is cured or processed and tested for adhesion and alcohol resistance.
Screen Printing on Glass
Screen printing applies a logo, pattern or text directly onto the bottle by pushing ink through a fine mesh. It produces crisp, opaque graphics in a single color or multiple registered colors, uses a Pantone ink rather than process color, and is cured so the result is durable and color-accurate.
| Typical MOQ | 1,000 - 2,000 pcs |
|---|---|
| Unit cost (guide) | $0.08 - $0.30 |
| Setup | Screen per color/design |
| Color | Pantone matched |
| Finish | Cured for durability |
Best for: Best for bold logos, text and front branding on clear or colored bottles.
Hot Foil Stamping
Hot stamping transfers a thin metallic foil — most commonly gold or silver — onto the bottle using a heated die. It creates a refined, reflective detail and is widely used for logos, borders and premium accents, and can be combined with other decoration methods.
| Typical MOQ | 1,000 - 3,000 pcs |
|---|---|
| Unit cost (guide) | $0.05 - $0.20 |
| Setup | Die per design |
| Color | Gold, silver and metallic foils |
| Finish | Reflective metallic |
Best for: Best for elegant metallic accents and premium branding.
Spray Color Coating
Spray coating applies a lacquer to the glass to give the bottle an opaque, translucent, gradient or soft-touch color. The color is matched to your Pantone reference, then cured in a controlled process so the finish is even and resistant to wear.
| Typical MOQ | 3,000+ pcs |
|---|---|
| Unit cost (guide) | $0.30 - $1.50 |
| Setup | Color matched |
| Color | Pantone matched |
| Finish | Matte, gloss, gradient, soft-touch |
Best for: Best for brand colors and a distinctive, complete look.
Frosting & Acid Etching
Frosting and acid etching create a soft, matte surface that diffuses light and gives glass a premium, tactile quality. It can be applied over the whole bottle or as a partial pattern, and is often combined with print or foil for contrast.
| Typical MOQ | 2,000 - 5,000 pcs |
|---|---|
| Unit cost (guide) | $0.20 - $0.80 |
| Setup | Process based |
| Color | Clear or colored frosted |
| Finish | Soft matte texture |
Best for: Best for an understated, high-end cosmetic appearance.
Electroplating & Metallic Finish
Electroplating deposits a thin metallic layer over the glass to produce a highly reflective, mirror-like finish in gold, silver or other metals. It is used to create statement bottles and luxury accents, and is tested for adhesion and durability.
| Typical MOQ | 2,000 - 5,000 pcs |
|---|---|
| Unit cost (guide) | Process dependent |
| Setup | Process based |
| Color | Gold, silver and metallic |
| Finish | Highly reflective |
Best for: Best for bold, mirror-like luxury bottles.
Custom Labels & Decals
Pressure-sensitive labels are printed and applied to the bottle, offering photographic detail, gradients and a lower entry volume than direct printing. Labels are a flexible choice for limited editions, multi-color artwork and smaller launches.
| Typical MOQ | 100 - 1,000 pcs |
|---|---|
| Unit cost (guide) | $0.05 - $0.50 |
| Setup | Artwork per label |
| Color | Full color available |
| Finish | Gloss or matte labels |
Best for: Best for detailed artwork and lower-volume launches.
Layered finishes for a distinctive look
Methods are frequently combined — a frosted bottle with a gold foil logo, or a spray-coated bottle with crisp screen printing. When you combine methods we plan the order of application and curing so each layer adheres correctly. Send your artwork or reference and we confirm what is achievable, the MOQ and the timeline.
- Up to 7 methods in one project
- Pantone matching and physical samples
- Adhesion and alcohol resistance testing
