When MIRROR first entered the scene in its classic Silver and Gold, it made a name for itself as the material that could turn even the simplest graphic application into a showpiece. Now, the family grows — and it’s going full disco. Europapier introduces two new holographic colours, Hologram and Pillars of Light, transforming MIRROR into a small collection of light-bending, colour-shifting surfaces designed to mesmerise.
Below, we dive into these new additions: how they look, how they behave, and how to print and handle them without losing a shard of their shine. Are you ready?
A Holographic Double Act
Hologram: A Prism in Motion
Hologram is the classic holographic foil treatment distilled into paperboard form — at first glance it may appear subtle, but the moment light hits its surface, it bursts into a shifting spectrum.
The effect is fluid and atmospheric — reminiscent of an oil slick, rainbow glass, or the shimmer of soap bubbles. It offers designers a lively and constantly changing surface that can be soft and elegant in diffuse light yet wonderfully explosive under spotlights.
Pillars of Light: The Spotlight Effect
Pillars of Light takes the holographic idea and turns up the volume. Its defining characteristic is a bold, vertical reflection pattern that behaves like beams of stage light.
When the sheet moves, these shafts of light glide dramatically across the surface, creating a sense of motion and depth. The result is energetic and theatrical — the visual equivalent of stepping onto a disco dance floor.
Both options are unapologetically eye-catching — perfect for packaging, covers, promotional pieces, and any design intended to grab attention (and refuse to let go).
A Growing, Shiny Assortment
With these two additions, the MIRROR range forms a compact yet beautifully structured assortment. The classic metallics — Silver in 130, 245, and 330 gsm and Gold in 130 and 330 gsm — remain the foundation of the line, offering timeless, high‑impact reflectivity. The new effects Hologram and Pillars of Light join exclusively in 330 gsm, making them ideal for packaging, shopping bags, covers, and other applications where a sturdy board truly shines. Together, the four finishes create a balanced palette: from traditional mirror effects to expressive, light‑driven holographic surfaces.
Printing on MIRROR’s Metallized Side
Because holographic materials interact strongly with light, printing on them requires a little preparation, but MIRROR works beautifully with several widely used printing methods. The metallized side is suitable for UV offset, UV LED offset, UV inkjet, and screen printing. Conventional offset is also possible when using foil or oxidative inks, although designers and printers should be aware that drying takes longer than usual. Digital printing is not recommended and must be tested, water-based inkjet very likely to be ruled out, while laser toner can work better on small parts of text, however full-surface prints could prove problematic.
No matter which technique is chosen, test printing remains strongly recommended. The material’s reflective quality can change colours, contrasts, and fine details in surprising but often delightful ways.
Finishing: MIRROR Loves to Dress Up
Finishing options for MIRROR are extensive, and the material responds well to many techniques. Film lamination can be added when additional protection or a specific tactile feel is desired. Hot foil stamping sits beautifully on top of the holographic surface — silver foil on Hologram, for example, creates a fascinating interplay between two metallic finishes. UV varnishing, whether spot or full‑surface, can be used to highlight certain areas or introduce gloss variations. Embossing, debossing, and relief work are also possible; the PET layer softens edges slightly, resulting in a smooth and elegant contour. Die‑cutting, creasing, and perforating all show good results.
A New Playground for Light
With the introduction of Hologram and Pillars of Light, MIRROR expands from an already special mirror board into a versatile, expressive playground for colour, motion, and light. These two new finishes invite experimentation — whether used across expansive surfaces or as a shimmering accent — and open the door to visual effects that feel dynamic, modern, and undeniably fun.
Want to play with Mirror? Get in touch with your local Europapier specialist now!
Images © Design&Paper
