FAQ
Informative, interesting and well-written articles and frequently asked questions regarding Tin Packaging, Promotional Tins, Tin Can Lids, Money Boxes, Tin Boxes & more.
Here you will find expert written, informative, unique questions and answers pertaining to the Tin Packaging industry, canning, tin can closures and lids, tin preservation processes, gifting, design and assembly of tin boxes. We have been SA’s leading tin manufacturer and supplier of custom tin packaging for over 24 years.
We know everything there is to know regarding tin packaging, the value it brings to your brand and how to package products effectively. We now bring this knowledge and expertise to you, so you can also understand everything there is to know. So here you have it, everything you need to know – all in one page – a comprehensive tin packaging knowledge base.
What is a Cone Top Tin?
What is a Metal Screw Lid?
Metal Cone Top Tin Cans are screw top cans that are typically used for storing automobile additives, solvents, thinners, break fluids and other speciality products. Cone Top Cans allow for a smoothly controlled pour. Standard screw caps available, as well as child-resistant caps, Stolz closures and spout caps.
The silver tinplated steel twist top tins come with screw cover rolled edge lids. Our metal tins could be used for a variety of applications from candles and cosmetics to sweets and mints.

Paint Tins South Africa

Metal Paraffin Tins
Size: 500ml / 1 Litre
Item Code: PARAFFIN-TINS
Unbranded or Custom Printed
Lid: Pull-Cap
View Item ›

Unlike BiaxOP film, matte paper produces nice quality prints but does not have that vibrant color finish. Matte paper is not vulnerable to being marred by fingerprints and it produces a non-glare photo.
Common Properties
- Matte film is not glossy and therefore finger marks or glare from the sun are not a problem.
- When printing macro shots, portraits or other images that rely in small details, you may be better off using BiaxOp film.
- Matte finished film is typically chosen for its unique combination of smooth texture, easy readability, and bold contrast qualities. Matte is well known for its versatility and can be used with designs that contain white space, solid colors, photographs or a combination of these elements.
- Matte finish paper has a dull coating applied to the paper surface that yields a non-shiny, smooth finish that is superior for color contrast and text clarity.
- The matte finish enhances soft and simple designs such as those with a focus on text, lines or borders while complementing colorful designs like landscapes and illustrations.
We at Can It craft the perfect tin packaging for your product, a long-lasting tin box which displays your logo and conveys your message for years to come
Matte – Contrast Film Branding
Unlike BiaxOP film, matte paper produces nice quality prints but does not have that vibrant color finish. Matte paper is not vulnerable to being marred by fingerprints and it produces a non-glare photo.
Common Properties
- Matte film is not glossy and therefore finger marks or glare from the sun are not a problem.
- When printing macro shots, portraits or other images that rely in small details, you may be better off using BiaxOp film.
- Matte finished film is typically chosen for its unique combination of smooth texture, easy readability, and bold contrast qualities. Matte is well known for its versatility and can be used with designs that contain white space, solid colors, photographs or a combination of these elements.
- Matte finish paper has a dull coating applied to the paper surface that yields a non-shiny, smooth finish that is superior for color contrast and text clarity.
- The matte finish enhances soft and simple designs such as those with a focus on text, lines or borders while complementing colorful designs like landscapes and illustrations.
BiaxOP – Glossy Film Branding
When glossy film is extruded and stretched in both the machine direction and across machine direction it is called biaxially oriented polypropylene (gloss). Biaxial orientation increases strength and clarity. BiaxOP branding is primarily found in the gifting, resale and retail industries – with the branding process found throughout popular products such biscuit tins, gift tins, mint tins, wine tin boxes and more
Common Properties
- BiaxOP is resistant to moisture and humidity and is water-resistant
- It is a very strong and durable plastic material.
- BiaxOP can be manufactured in a variety of colors, both transparent and solid.
- Because of the durability of vinyl, products made from this material have a long-life span and is widely used in the packaging industry across the globe.
- Glossy finish paper has a high gloss coating applied to the paper surface that yields a smooth, shiny finish, vivid colors, vibrant images and excellent reproduction.
- BiaxOP finished film is typically chosen for its polished texture, flashy appearance and superb color-contrast qualities.
- BiaxOP is best used on full color designs that have bright solid colors, photographs or bold patterns. Designs that contain prominent headlines, rich colors and tones, lots of imagery and minimal text are well-suited for a glossy finish.
- Text heavy designs tend to be difficult to read on a glossy finish — we recommend a matte finish for them.
GSMP – Gloss Paper Film
The term GSM is far from explanatory, but you can guarantee that it will come up when talking to any printer worth his or her salt. What does GSM mean and what does it mean for your printing? It’s worth noting that the experts here at Can It, SA’s leading tin supplying company, will gladly guide you to the correct decisions.
With BRANDEDTINS.COM, you will notice that branding matters and will keep on popping up ever-increasingly in the business, promotional and gifting sectors. This trend holds true across printed tin boxes, small round tins, branded packaging, company booklets, company gift hampers, mint tins, lip balm tins, company chocolates and pretty much any printed gift product you can think of.
Common Properties
- Laser Gloss is a glossy paper that is an ideal choice for flyers, two-sided brochures and similar applications. It is an improved soft gloss with a glossier appearance. The product exists because of customer demand for a glossier brochure paper and was made possible by a more advanced paper manufacturing technique. It most closely resembles high quality magazine paper.
- Glossy Paper refers to any coated papers designed to present an ultra-smooth to shiny appearance. Applications include brochures, advertising, flyers, one sheets, photographic printing and other presentation documents.
UVV – Ultra Varnish
UV coating, often called liquid lamination, is a highly protective, ultra-shiny gloss coating that we apply over aqueous coating and then cure on a special machine using ultraviolet light.
Common Properties
- The solvent-free UV coating provides an extremely hard finish that’s chemical and abrasion resistant.
- It makes details really pop! On deep colors, it results in a stunning, almost wet appearance.
- Perfect when you want a durable, environmentally-friendly piece with a richer, high-end look and feel.
EMB or DBM – Embossing
Sheet Metal Embossing (EMB) and Debossing (DBM) are the processes of creating either raised or recessed relief images and designs in paper and other materials. An embossed pattern is raised against the background, while a debossed pattern is sunken into the surface of the material (but might protrude somewhat on the reverse, back side).
Common Properties
- Metal embossingis easy, fun, and a great technique for mixed and creative media art; embossed pieces can be used on tin boxes, handmade books, a collage and more.
- The ability to form ductile metals.
- Use in medium to high production runs
- The ability to maintain the same metal thickness before and after embossing.
- The ability to produce unlimited patterns, depending on the roll dies.
- The ability to reproduce the product with no variation.
1. Conceptualize
The definition of conceptualization is the critical and creative thinking process of envisioning an idea or concept. When you brainstorm about a new product and you come up with the brand guidelines to bring the product to market, this is an example of conceptualization.
Our product designers will assist and guide you every step of the way, in a systematic approach, conceptualizing, evaluating and collaborating new ideas with you, turning them into tangible inventions and successful products for your launch or promotion.
2. Evaluate & Rethink
Evaluate, address and clarify your project’s needs. With the creative process underway, now is the time to clarify the other important factors such as the tin size, order quantity and distribution needs for your project. Engage Can It as the custom tin manufacturer for your tin packaging requirements and we manage everything for you – tin proof samples, mass-manufacturing, packing in export cartons, freight, insurance, customs, duty, logistics and delivery to your doorstep.
Whether in the USA, Britain, South Africa or elsewhere – request and you will receive an ‘all for one’ all-inclusive price per finished item. We do all the work so you can focus on your core business.
3. Talk it and Chalk it
Now that you’ve conceptualized the finished product and clarified the other aspects to your order, it’s time to design your custom tin package from Can It. If you are using your own graphic illustrator or team of designers, please simply request the artwork size from us. In the event that you are using our creative team, please provide a comprehensive artwork brief to us.
Things to consider: colours, logo, brand guidelines, engaging text, legal terms, best before, contact details. The more descriptive brief you provide, the more we will be able to design something which presents your brand and conveys your message. Contact our team to discuss today.
4. Improve & Conclude
Discuss branding methods and the choice of branding material with your Can It expert. Finalize the changes and improvements regarding the design of your tins and conclude your order by providing artwork approval to us. Once we receive your approval, the manufacturing process is underway and there will be no further way to make changes. Ensure you are 100% happy by only providing approval once you are completely satisfied with the design.
We are passionate about creating custom tin boxes for product launches and promotions
Leave a lasting impression, with protective packaging which presents your company and brand in a unique and creative way. Your one-stop-shop for all your packaging and fundraising needs, contact us for a quote today.
Your message and logo never fades on Can It’s custom tin boxes and containers. Branded tins are never thrown away and your clients will always keep it as a sentimental token of your care and concern for them.
There’s simply no better way to package your launch and promotion than Can It!
Absolutely, you CAN! 
In terms of the design for your custom tin containers, the options are virtually endless!
With years of experience and know-how, Can It will collaborate with you to create a visually engaging tin box which meet your requirements and campaign-needs, increasing your brand recognition and boosting your product promotion. We specialize in the manufacturing and supply of custom tin boxes that turn heads, beg to be touched and held, that increase perceived value and clearly set your product, in its custom tin packaging, apart from the competition.

Our Material & Quality
Why choose our tins over others?
Tinplate, thin steel sheet with a coating of tin applied either by dipping in molten metal or by electrolytic deposition; almost all tinplate is now produced by the latter process. Tinplate made by this process is essentially a sandwich in which the central core is strip steel. This core is cleaned in a pickling solution and then fed through tanks containing electrolyte, where tin is deposited on both sides.
There’s More than a few Reasons…
Beautiful Appearance
Excellent Paint-ability & Print-ability
Excellent Form-ability & Strength
Excellent Corrosion Resistance
Excellent Solder-ability & Weld-ability

When glossy film is extruded and stretched in both the machine direction and across machine direction it is called biaxially oriented polypropylene (gloss). Biaxial orientation increases strength and clarity. BiaxOP branding is primarily found in the gifting, resale and retail industries – with the branding process found throughout popular products such biscuit tins, gift tins, mint tins, wine tin boxes and more
Common Properties
- BiaxOP is resistant to moisture and humidity and is water-resistant
- It is a very strong and durable plastic material.
- BiaxOP can be manufactured in a variety of colors, both transparent and solid.
- Because of the durability of vinyl, products made from this material have a long-life span and is widely used in the packaging industry across the globe.
- Glossy finish paper has a high gloss coating applied to the paper surface that yields a smooth, shiny finish, vivid colors, vibrant images and excellent reproduction.
- BiaxOP finished film is typically chosen for its polished texture, flashy appearance and superb color-contrast qualities.
- BiaxOP is best used on full color designs that have bright solid colors, photographs or bold patterns. Designs that contain prominent headlines, rich colors and tones, lots of imagery and minimal text are well-suited for a glossy finish.
- Text heavy designs tend to be difficult to read on a glossy finish — we recommend a matte finish for them.
The term GSM is far from explanatory, but you can guarantee that it will come up when talking to any printer worth his or her salt. What does GSM mean and what does it mean for your printing? It’s worth noting that the experts here at Can It, SA’s leading tin supplying company, will gladly guide you to the correct decisions.
With BRANDEDTINS.COM, you will notice that branding matters and will keep on popping up ever-increasingly in the business, promotional and gifting sectors. This trend holds true across printed tin boxes, small round tins, branded packaging, company booklets, company gift hampers, mint tins, lip balm tins, company chocolates and pretty much any printed gift product you can think of.
Common Properties
- Laser Gloss is a glossy paper that is an ideal choice for flyers, two-sided brochures and similar applications. It is an improved soft gloss with a glossier appearance. The product exists because of customer demand for a glossier brochure paper and was made possible by a more advanced paper manufacturing technique. It most closely resembles high quality magazine paper.
- Glossy Paper refers to any coated papers designed to present an ultra-smooth to shiny appearance. Applications include brochures, advertising, flyers, one sheets, photographic printing and other presentation documents.
UV coating, often called liquid lamination, is a highly protective, ultra-shiny gloss coating that we apply over aqueous coating and then cure on a special machine using ultraviolet light.
Common Properties
- The solvent-free UV coating provides an extremely hard finish that’s chemical and abrasion resistant.
- It makes details really pop! On deep colors, it results in a stunning, almost wet appearance.
- Perfect when you want a durable, environmentally-friendly piece with a richer, high-end look and feel.
Sheet Metal Embossing (EMB) and Debossing (DBM) are the processes of creating either raised or recessed relief images and designs in paper and other materials. An embossed pattern is raised against the background, while a debossed pattern is sunken into the surface of the material (but might protrude somewhat on the reverse, back side).
Common Properties
- Metal embossing is easy, fun, and a great technique for mixed and creative media art; embossed pieces can be used on tin boxes, handmade books, a collage and more.
- The ability to form ductile metals.
- Use in medium to high production runs
- The ability to maintain the same metal thickness before and after embossing.
- The ability to produce unlimited patterns, depending on the roll dies.
- The ability to reproduce the product with no variation.
You are excited about ordering your tins, your artwork is ready, you have decided on a tin size for your packaging requirements but you stress the final product will not be what you imagined… We are here to reassure you that your order will run smoothly and will be perfect. To ensure perfection, we will produce a sample for you to approve, prior to the mass-manufacture of your full order.
If this sample meets your approval, we will proceed with production. Or otherwise, we will revise the mold and branding to reproduce the sample for your perusal. Contact our team to get the process started, right away.
Yes, we stock over 70 standard sizes which you can request samples of. If you’d like a digital catalog which contains all our sizes with pictures, please navigate to the CONTACT US page and fill in the required information. If you require physical samples, kindly request an invoice for the sizes you need by sending us an email on info@canit.co.za – we will get back to you as soon as possible.
- Browse our vast range of sizes and shapes to find the perfect match
- Carefully select the sizes and their respective unit codes that interest you
- Provide us with all the unit codes and their required quantities, respectively.
- Receive a quotation from us for your approval
- Follow the design process as outlined in this article, or alternatively, provide your own artwork. If you require unbranded, plain samples you can skip this step.
- Proceed with placing your order by requesting an invoice and making payment
- Receive the samples via courier or collection.
Unique & creative packaging for your product or promotion
Yes, supply any contents you want – whether it be coffee, gifts or jelly beans – we can seal it inside personalized cans with your choice of closure. Unlike boxes and plastic – our cans are rarely ever discarded – leading the packaging industry with customer retention and brand recognition. Create a memorable promotion with Can It’s vast range of custom sealed cans and tin boxes, constantly driving your message and branding through, subliminally displaying your brand wherever our cans are found.
Sealed Cans with My product or gift inside
Can I supply my own contents for sealing?
Sealed Tin Cans
Can you source the contents I need?
Any contents you need
Everyone likes to get something useful for free. They will keep this product and use it. It carries your name and contact information. It’s a gift that keeps on selling. Promotional products have long been a great supplement to your marketing efforts. Selecting the right product from our extensive list of tins, mugs, chocolates, and more provides a great return on your investment. They can be distributed at events and corporate functions.

Small Branded Money Tin
Size 73 x 80 mm
Item Code BMB-A3
Unbranded or Custom Printed
With or Without Security Chain
View Item ›


Plant Cans
Product: Plant Can
Code: A6L-PLNTCAN
Unbranded or Custom Printed
Environment Friendly Gift
Unique & Creative
View Item ›

Promotional Lip Balm
Promotional Lip Balm
Product: Lip Balm Tins
Code: Cr02-LB
Unbranded or Custom Printed
Budget Friendly Gift
Unique & Creative
View Item ›

Corporate Golf Kits
Corporate Golf Kits
Product: Golf Can
Code: A6L-GLFCAN
Unbranded or Custom Printed
Executive Gift
Unique & Creative
View Item ›

Mints in a Tin
Mints in a Tin
Product: Mint Tins
Code: Cr02-TT or Cr02-BM
Unbranded or Custom Printed
Budget Corporate Gift
Unique & Creative
View Item ›

Corporate Survival Kits
Product: Corporate Survival Kits
Code: A6L-SURVIVAL
Unbranded or Custom Printed
Executive Corporate Gift
Unique & Creative
View Item ›
Can the tins be printed with my design?
Absolutely! We love crafting beautiful custom tins
Yes. A great design communicates what your business is, what it does, and why customers should choose you. Our designers take the time to understand and assist you with everything from a logo design to a high-end brochure. Collecting ideas and designs you like is the first step in helping us bring your vision to life. We can build you a company image that is professional and stylish. We’ll deliver a product you will be proud to use.
Can I seal tin cans myself?
Generally, no. But theoretically, if you plan on large order quantities such as 50 000 or above – yes, you could perform the sealing process yourself and just buy the odds and ends separately from us. It’s not simple, however, and it may be more practical to leave the process for the experts here at Can It. As you’d need large-scale, industrial machinery for preservation, seaming and printing – unless you are planning on a new retail product with guaranteed regular orders – it will cost you more to do it yourself.
If however you still want to seal tin cans yourself, send us an enquiry regarding this. We have various options available, depending on your product.
What is a Peel-Off closure?
Metal Alufix Peel-Off Lids for Tin Cans
The easy-peelable Alufix Dry membrane for sealing onto tinplate rings provides the can with a safe and convenient closure solution for canned goods. With its aluminium layer, Alufix Dry offers the best possible protection for all dry products which do not require heat treatment after filling.
The Easy Peel-Off Lid (EPOL) is a technology in the food packaging industry, which is gaining market share with respect to the well known Easy Open End (EOE) closure. The EPOL is easier to open and to produce than the EOE closure and consists of two parts: the protact ring and the alufix. The protact ring is made of polymer coated steel and the alufix is an aluminium foil, which is often coated with a peelable PolyPropylene (PP) layer. The polymer layers of protact and alufix are heat sealed together, achieving an airtight closure.
Alufix makes opening a can child’s play! Can It’s peelable lid for sealing onto tinplate rings provides the can with a safe and convenient closure solution. With its aluminium layer, Alufix offers the best possible protection for dry products.