How Spot UV Works

Spot UV is a clear coating applied to selected areas of a printed sheet and cured instantly under ultraviolet light. The contrast between a high-gloss spot and a matte or uncoated background is what makes it read, so the coating is as much a design element as the ink underneath it. It is typically applied by screen printing or on a dedicated coating unit, using a screen or plate made from a separate coating file. The liquid coating is laid down in register with the print, then passes under UV lamps that cure it in seconds. With no solvent to evaporate, sheets can move to the next operation quickly. Film thickness is what separates flat spot gloss from raised or dimensional UV: a heavier deposit builds a tactile layer you can feel with a fingertip. The stock plays a part as well. Absorbent uncoated sheets can soak up a thin deposit and flatten the effect, while coated and laminated sheets hold the coating on the surface.

Effects beyond gloss

• Raised gloss or matte: a thick deposit that stands up from the sheet.
• Glitter and pearlized: particles suspended in the coating for sparkle or luster.
• Textured, rough textured and reticulated: surface patterns that change both look and feel. Reticulated coating forms a fine pebbled pattern as it cures.
• Soft touch: a velvety, low-sheen surface.
• Scratch-off: a removable coating for promotions and reveal pieces.

Designing for spot UV

• Supply the UV area as 100% solid vector art on its own layer or spot color, set to overprint.
• Allow for registration tolerance. Very fine lines and small type in UV are hard to hold, so confirm minimums with your finisher.
• Consider the background. Spot gloss over a matte laminate or matte aqueous coating gives the strongest contrast.
• Check compatibility. Some coatings and laminates need a UV-receptive surface, and heavy ink coverage can affect adhesion.
• Keep UV off scores and folds where cracking is a risk, especially with raised coatings.
• For raised and textured effects, ask for a drawdown on the actual stock before approving the look.

C&H runs spot and specialty UV, including glitter, pearlized, raised, reticulated, textured, scratch-off and soft touch. Send your files and stock details and we will check the coating layer before it goes to screen.