A method for decorating substrates, in particular packaging, comprising the steps: printing at least one first decorative pattern (2) on the substrate using a first radiation-curable, preferably UV-curable, printing ink composition (3); printing at least one second decorative pattern (4), using a second radiation-curable, preferably UV-curable, printing ink composition (5), on at least part of the substrate (1) in a region near to the first pattern (2), chronologically before, after, or during the printing of the first pattern; radiation curing of the first and second printing ink compositions (3, 5), preferably directly after the printing of each pattern, the radiation-cured second printing ink composition having a lower glass transition temperature than the radiation-cured first printing ink composition; application of a decorative coating to the second pattern by means of a hot foil stamping process, a hot stamping foil comprising a decorative coating material being pressed against the printed substrate by means of a stamping tool under the application of heat and pressure such that the decorative coating adheres to the second pattern but not to the first pattern.