A system for generating a differential gloss image useful for digital printing directly on covered packaging includes a packaging transport and a laser glossing imager. The packaging transport is configured to position packaging substrate having a printed image to a laser glossing imager. The printed image is formed of toner or ink, and covered by a transparent material. The packaging substrate is aligned with respect to the laser glossing imager exposing one or more portions of the covered printed image to radiation for altering a surface of the one or more portions of the printed image for forming a differential gloss image.