Xtek, a global, woman-owned manufacturer of high-performance industrial parts, needed updated product brochures. The stunning cover design printed by Evolution creative solutions was so successful it earned Gold in the 2014 Print Excellence Awards from Graphic Media Alliance and Xtek continues to ask for reprints.
The Business Problem
Xtek wanted to elevate its marketing materials while staying true to its identity as a global expert in metals. They needed printed pieces that were branded and visually reinforced their metallurgical expertise. A metallic look was essential to reflect their core capabilities and create a strong visual connection to the materials they work with daily.
Our Creative Solution
Our Creative Solutions Team recommended a standout material for the corporate brochure cover: holographic metallic paper. To keep the content readable, white ink was printed first to create a base layer, followed by black text and imagery. This technique allowed the metallic shimmer to show through strategically, reinforcing Xtek’s connection to the steel industry in a polished, professional way. The project was printed digitally, allowing for flexibility in font handling—ideal for global language variations.
Xtek also needed a wheel product brochure but the quantity for this brochure was much higher. Our Creative Solutions Team suggested a cost-effective approach to provide the same metallic look as the holographic paper at a lower cost: using white cover stock with a matte varnish and UV coating, specifically on the wheel graphics. This dual-coating method added a gloss to the imagery while controlling print costs. Precision alignment ensured the varnish and UV hit exactly where intended to recreate that metallic look.
Both brochures made the right customer impact, and now we print these every year for Xtek.
Want to elevate your brand with print that performs? Contact us at [email protected] or call 513-681-4450 to get started.
Product Specifications and Rationale
| Product Specifications | Rationale |
| Cover Stock: Rainbow holographic | Metallic paper enhances the brand’s metallurgical identity. |
| Interior Stock: 100lb Endurance Gloss Text | Glossy text stock supports vivid, professional-quality visuals. |
| Printing Method: Digital + Offset | Combined techniques ensured crisp digital layering and efficient long-run text printing. |
| White Ink | Laid beneath print to boost contrast and legibility on metallic substrate. |
| Finishing: Score and Cut | Precision scoring allowed smooth folds and polished edges. |
| Binding: Saddle-Stitched | Cost-effective binding for multipage brochures with a clean finish. |