What is UV Coating?
UV coating (ultraviolet coating) is widely used to achieve visually pleasing printed products like business cards, brochures, postcards, folders, and packaging. UV coating is a compound applied offline using silkscreen or a roller on a paper’s surface and cured with ultraviolet radiation. Compounds commonly used in the coat include calcium carbonate, kaolinite, and polyethylene. They are added to viscosifiers to create a strong bond with the paper.
What Are the Common Uses of UV Coating?
UV coating is a versatile technique utilized for all types of paper products. However, it works best for thicker and heavier weights of paper. You can also choose the extent of reflectivity you desire from your packaging, business card, or brochure surface.
The UV Coating Process:
UV coating or varnish can be applied offline or inline via a silkscreen/roller or printer, respectively. The areas to be coated and those left uncoated must be indicated first. The inks and pigments used must be UV-compatible; additionally, the inks must also be hard-drying to withstand the heat of the UV radiation. After UV coating, the sheets can be scored and then folded.
Types of UV Coating:
Depending on the appearance and feel you wish to produce with your UV coated printed pieces, you can consider the following common solutions:
Gloss UV – gloss UV, as the name suggests, provides the glossiest of all coatings. If you’re looking for brilliant gloss and a beautiful veneer, gloss UV is a good option. To avoid creating a highly reflective (and therefore less legible) surface and an over-the-top shine, you may want to reserve UV coating for specific areas, otherwise known as spot UV.
Matte UV – matte finishing gives off a feeling of elegance and luxury. Matte spot UV can be applied to specific areas that you wish to highlight. Alternatively, you can opt for flood protective UV, which covers the entire sheet and imparts a rich, vivid effect. However, as matte UV is prone to fingerprints, it may not be the right choice for all products.
There are also specialty UV coatings like glitter, pearlized, raised, reticulated, and textured. These options take your UV coating to the next level and can be used for additional differentiation.
Advantages of UV Coating:
Striking & bold – the ultraviolet coating creates a high gloss, vibrant finish that can significantly enhance the visual appeal and perceived value of the packaging or product.
Scuff resistant – it also offers a higher level of scuff resistance in comparison to aqueous coatings and varnishes. UV coated items resist abrasion quite impressively, though the type of coating will also influence the smudge resistance.
Fast drying – quick-drying helps ensure a reduction in lead time and a more efficient process overall. Oct 18 2021|Emilia Piedra Donoso.