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ECCP Prepress Guide — Can Print Finishes

Hinterkopf Digital · Direct to Shape Printing · 2026

East Coast Canning & Printing use Hinterkopf digital inkjet technology to print direct to the surface of aluminium cans (Direct to Shape). Our printer uses CMYK, White and Varnish ink channels.

All printing is direct to silver base cans. At the top of each printed can a 4mm no-ink gap is applied for seaming and Paktech application.

K C M Y W — White V — Varnish
01 — Standard Finish No special swatch required — white base, auto flood coat

How It Works

From a design perspective, nothing unique is required. Treat the artboard as a white base — no white spot colour or white layer is needed.

During printing, a white flood coat of ink is automatically applied, with CMYK overprinting on top. Note the exact width dimension, do not edit the template size, and ensure artwork bleeds beyond the trim box.

Note: If your design is based on a white background, this is almost always the right finish. The white flood coat is handled automatically — no setup required.

Artwork Requirements

Checklist
  • No white spot colour or white layer required
  • Treat the artboard as a white background
  • CMYK artwork layer only
  • Ensure artwork bleeds 3mm beyond trim box
  • Do not change the template size
Artwork setup — CMYK layer, no white layer required
Artwork setup — CMYK layer, no white layer required
Result — full colour, vivid and opaque edge to edge
Result — full colour, vivid and opaque edge to edge
02 — Spot Silver Finish Uses Spot_White swatch — Silver Base Can Design

How It Works

A spot white colour and layer is required. When the Spot_White ink layer is printed, it leaves the silver base exposed, creating a silver show-through effect.

A unique colour named Spot_White is used as indicated in our templates. The printer automatically recognises this layer and prints as white. CMYK then overprints the spot white.

Design tip: Silver works best as a deliberate design element — a logo knock-out, a border highlight, or a texture area. Random spots of silver can look unintentional.

Artwork Requirements

Checklist
  • Spot white colour and white ink layer required
  • Name the swatch exactly: Spot_White
  • Set as Spot Color in Illustrator swatches
  • CMYK layer overprints the white layer
  • Where Spot_White is absent, silver base shows through
Artwork setup — Spot_White swatch (Spot Color, CMYK) and White Ink Layer
Artwork setup — Spot_White swatch (Spot Color, CMYK) and White Ink Layer
Result — raw aluminium shines through where white ink is absent
Result — raw aluminium shines through where white ink is absent
03 — Metallic Finish Uses Spot_White + Metallic_colour swatches — Colour over Silver Base

How It Works

A spot white colour and layer is required, exposing the silver can base. Colour ink is printed directly over the silver base. The reflective nature of the silver can creates the metallic effect.

Higher density colours work best. Lighter colour shades tend to wash out in certain light. Indicate metallic areas using the swatch name Metallic_colour.

Design tip: Stick to rich, dark colours — navy, forest green, burgundy, dark gold. Flag metallic areas using the swatch name Metallic_colour.

Artwork Requirements

Checklist
  • Spot white colour and white ink layer required
  • Name the swatch exactly: Spot_White
  • Silver base exposed where white ink is absent
  • Indicate metallic areas with swatch: Metallic_colour
  • Higher density (dark) colours give best results
Artwork setup — CMYK artwork layer
Artwork setup — CMYK artwork layer
White ink layer — maps where silver base is exposed
White ink layer — maps where silver base is exposed
Result — colour shifts and glows with the light
Result — colour shifts and glows with the light
04 — Varnish Options Spot Gloss requires Spot Gloss Varnish swatch — Bullet Proof 375ml Cans Only
Note: Varnish finish options are available on Bullet Proof 375ml cans only and are not available on other can sizes.

All Over Gloss and Matte are applied automatically during print and don’t require anything special in the artwork. Select your varnish type when placing your order.

All Over Gloss Varnish

A high-shine coat applied across the entire can. Colours sit deeper. The finish feels premium in hand.

No artwork changes needed. Applied automatically during printing.

Auto-applied

All Over Matte Varnish

A flat, non-reflective coat across the entire can. Smooth, tactile and quietly premium.

No artwork changes needed. Applied automatically during printing.

Auto-applied

Spot Gloss Varnish

Gloss applied to specific nominated design elements. The rest of the can stays matte.

Artwork changes required — see setup instructions below.

Artwork required

Spot Gloss Varnish — Artwork Setup

For Spot Gloss Varnish, create a separate spot colour in your file and apply it only to the elements you want varnished.

Design tip: Works best with intention — a logo, a key graphic, a headline. Using it across too much of the design reduces the contrast effect.
Spot Gloss Checklist
  • Create a separate spot colour named Spot Gloss Varnish
  • Apply it only to the elements you want varnished
  • Keep it on a separate layer named Spot Varnish
Layer setup — SPOT VARNISH layer on top
Layer setup — SPOT VARNISH layer on top
Spot Gloss Varnish swatch in swatches panel
Spot Gloss Varnish swatch in swatches panel
Result — gloss on nominated elements, matte everywhere else
Result — gloss on nominated elements, matte everywhere else
05 — Artwork Templates Distortion Zones & Specifications

Template Dimensions

Note the exact width dimensions. Do not change the template size — ensure artwork bleeds beyond the trim box. These measurements are critical when printing direct to shape to ensure a seamless print with no gaps or overlaps.

Can Size Width
Classic size cans 207.35 mm
Sleek size cans 182.22 mm
All cans — height 116 mm
Bleed 3 mm beyond trim box
Top no-ink gap 4 mm

Distortion Zone

The neck area is the Distortion Zone. The upper 6mm of the neck area will show image defects. It is not recommended to place fine detail, small text, or critical design elements in this area.

Rule: Keep text, logos, and fine detail out of the top 6mm neck area. An 8mm safe zone below that is fine for text.
A clear reference diagram showing the safe zone and distortion zone is included in your artwork template file. Download the latest templates from the ECC portal.
Artwork template — distortion zone (red), 8mm safe zone (green), 4mm no-ink gap, 207.35mm width
Artwork template — distortion zone (red), 8mm safe zone (green), 4mm no-ink gap, 207.35mm width
06 — Barcodes & Labels Compliance Requirements

Barcodes

If possible, place a print-ready barcode in vector format. 100% black on white gives the best scan results. Ensure the barcode is not distorted or scaled below 80% magnification, with adequate quiet zones.

If not possible, supply the barcode number and ECCP will create it for you. Refer to GS1 Australia for specifications: www.gs1au.org

Barcode requirements
  • Vector format preferred
  • 100% black on white for best scan results
  • Minimum 80% magnification
  • Adequate quiet zones on all sides
  • Or supply barcode number — ECCP will generate

Pregnancy Warning Labels

As of February 2024, businesses must comply with pregnancy warning labelling requirements for individual alcoholic beverage products.

Required Colours
  • Signal words — RED
  • Statement & Border — BLACK
  • Background within border — WHITE
  • Silhouette — BLACK
  • Pictogram circle & strikethrough — RED
These are mandatory colour specifications. Do not alter the pregnancy warning label colours or layout.
EAN-13 barcode specifications — GS1 Australia
EAN-13 barcode specifications — GS1 Australia
Pregnancy warning label — required colour specifications
Pregnancy warning label — required colour specifications
Quick Reference All Finish & Varnish Options

Standard Finish

Full colour on white base. No special artwork required. White flood coat is automatic.

Spot Silver

Raw aluminium exposed as design element. Requires Spot_White layer. Silver shows through where white ink is absent.

Metallic

Colour over silver base creates metallic glow. Requires Spot_White layer. Dark, rich colours work best.

All Over Gloss Varnish

High-shine coat across the whole can. Applied automatically. No artwork changes needed. Bullet Proof 375ml only.

All Over Matte Varnish

Soft, flat coat across the whole can. Applied automatically. No artwork changes needed. Bullet Proof 375ml only.

Spot Gloss Varnish

Gloss on specific elements only. Rest stays matte. Requires Spot Gloss Varnish layer in artwork. Bullet Proof 375ml only.

07 — Artwork Requirements Fonts, Colour, Placed Graphics & File Format

Fonts

Convert all fonts to vector outlines in final artwork. If not possible, supply packaged files with fonts included.

Font rules
  • Convert fonts to outlines in final artwork
  • Minimum 4pt for positive text
  • Minimum 6pt for reverse white text on dark backgrounds
  • If not outlined, supply packaged files with fonts

Placed Graphics

Placed graphics rules
  • Ensure all placed graphics are embedded within the artwork
  • If not possible, supply packaged files with linked graphics
  • Use CMYK images only
  • Minimum resolution 300dpi

Colour

Colour rules
  • Document colour mode must be CMYK — not RGB
  • Define colours as CMYK values — not LAB or RGB
  • If using the can base silver or metallic colour, indicate with swatch named Silver_Base or Metallic_colour
  • Ensure colour swatches are appropriately named
  • Remove unused colours from the swatch palette

Artwork File Format

File preferences
  • ECCP use a PDF workflow — print-ready PDFs preferred
  • Export PDFs using Press Quality settings
  • Ensure “Preserve Editing Capabilities” is checked on export
  • Supply 1 file per SKU — not multi-page documents
  • If ECCP need to edit, supply packaged files with all linked graphics and fonts
08 — Colour Matching & Workflow Lead Times, Proofing & Physical Samples

Colour Matching

If you require artwork matched to a previous printed label or can, please send a physical sample at least 5 weeks prior to your delivery date.

Matching to physical samples can increase lead times. While ECCP will do their utmost to match a previous printed physical sample, there will still be variations due to differences in print processes, ink type, and substrate.

How to Submit Artwork

Submission

Lead Times

Art approved to print
  • Classic size cans — 3 weeks prior to delivery
  • Sleek & 250ml squat cans — 5 weeks prior to delivery

Proofing Process

Prepress work commences once an order is placed, based on delivery dates. All artwork is checked for production compliance.

Proof approval
  • A proof is generated including both artwork and 3D renders of your design
  • Nothing is printed without client approval
  • Proofs are uploaded to ECCP’s proofing site — you will be sent a link when ready
  • Approve artwork directly on the proofing site

Questions about your artwork?

Talk to the prepress team before you submit. It’s easier to plan a finish from the start than rework artwork after the fact.

Contact Prepress
East Coast Canning & Printing  ·  ECCP Prepress Guide 2026  ·  prepress@eastcoastcanning.com.au  ·  eastcoastcanning.com.au