How to Make Custom Match Boxes
Make your own custom match boxes with the right materials, tools, and a bit of patience.
Wondering how to make custom match boxes? The process is easier than it looks. Custom printed match boxes with logo are made by building a simple sleeve and tray. Then add your own artwork, printing, and finishing. This guide walks through it step by step.
Why Make Custom Match Boxes?
Custom match boxes are a small detail that people notice. They work well for:
- Weddings
- Events
- Restaurants and hotels
- Gift sets
- Retail products
- Brand giveaways
A good match box design gives even a small item a finished, thoughtful look.
Materials You Need
The following is what you'll need to get started.
|
Material |
Purpose |
|
Cardstock or kraft paper |
Outer sleeve and inner tray |
|
Matchsticks |
What goes inside the box |
|
Striking strip |
Lights the matches |
|
Glue or suitable adhesive |
Holds the box together |
|
Ruler |
Measuring and straight folds |
|
Scissors or craft knife |
Cutting the template |
|
Scoring tool |
Clean, sharp fold lines |
|
Printer |
Printing your artwork |
Most of these are easy to find at a craft or stationery store.
How to Make Custom Matchbox Packaging
Follow the following steps for a clean result.
- Measure the matchsticks. Lay your matchsticks together and measure their length and the width of the bundle. This tells you how big the tray needs to be.
- Choose the box style. Sleeve-and-tray is the standard style for matchboxes. It's simple to fold and holds up well.
- Create the box template. Using your measurements, either draw or print out a template. When determining a size for the box, consider how long the matchsticks are and the general thickness of the matchstick bundle so you don't end up making a box that's not a suitable size.
- Add your design. Add your logo, colors, and any text. Keep the layout simple. So it prints clearly at a small size.
- Print the artwork. If you're doing just one or two, your home printer will do just fine. If you decide to do many it is worth using a print shop for better, cleaner quality.
- Cut and score the template. You should always score fold lines before you cut to achieve smooth cuts and crisp folds.
- Fold and glue the box. First, fold the tray, then the cover box. Stick it well, do not apply so much glue.
- Glue on the strip. Paste the decorative strip to the outside sleeve. Let it completely dry then it is time to store!
- Try the finished box. Remove and replace the match tray a few times. The drawer will slide freely out of the sleeve; it will not tear or stick.
- Fill the box. You should already have completely dry glued parts. Load your tray up with the matchsticks, then push the drawer into the outside sleeve.
Design Tips For Customised Match Boxes
A few small decisions bring your final box forward.
- Ensure your logo and wording are crisp and legible.
- Move any art away from the fold lines.
- Leave room for the striking strip.
- Test print a single box before you order in bulk.
- Decide on a finish, whether matte or gloss, depending on the desired look.
DIY or Professional Printing?
Handmaking match boxes will be cost-effective when it comes to making samples, only a few boxes and individual one-off products. It allows a greater degree of control. Bulk orders can be handled far more effectively by professional printers, which ensures consistent box sizes, a finer quality print, and speed once you are past making 5 to 10 boxes at any one time.
This is where a supplier like The Custom Boxes USA can help. We offer custom match box printing and support for both small and wholesale custom match box orders.
Safety Note
This tutorial explains how to construct the boxes. How the matches themselves are manufactured is not covered. You should keep the matchsticks away from heat and naked flames while constructing and allow any glue to dry fully before handling or storing the completed boxes.
Conclusion
Custom match boxes really aren't a big deal to make. It all really comes down to measuring, templating, designing, printing, folding, and glueing. Pretty straightforward process when you've made one or two!
If you'd rather skip the DIY steps, The Custom Boxes USA can handle the printing and production for you. Reach out for a quote on your next batch of custom match boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What paper is best for custom match boxes?
Cardstock between 250 and 350 GSM works well. It's sturdy but still easy to fold.
- Can I print custom match boxes at home?
Yes, for small batches. A home printer works fine, though a print service gives sharper results for larger orders.
- What size should a custom match box be?
It depends on your matchstick length, quantity, and bundle thickness. Measure your matchsticks first, then build the template around that.
- How do I make a match box template?
Measure your matchsticks, then draw a sleeve-and-tray template sized to fit them, with a bit of extra room for the fold.
- Can I order custom match boxes in bulk?
Yes, wholesale custom match boxes are available through packaging suppliers, usually with design support included.
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