Spot UV coating is a type of coating that gives an enhanced glossy sheen to a specific area of your artwork. When applied to printed material, it provides a thick layer of protection for long-lasting durability.
This coating makes your products look more eye-catching. You can apply this coating to various products. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Postcards
- Business Cards
- Hand-out Sheets
- Custom Boxes
- Catalogs
Now that you know what UV Coating is, let’s dive into the Spot UV coating process!
What is Spot UV Coating Made Of?
Spot UV coating is the most popular finishing process for packaging. It consists of the following substances to make sure that the coating is bonded perfectly with the packaging material:
- Calcium
- Carbonate
- Kaolinite
- Polyethylene
It is applied generously over a surface using either a silkscreen or a roller.
Types of Spot UV Coating
The type of Spot UV coating you choose can significantly influence the look and feel of your packaging. Here are some popular options to consider:
Gloss UV
As the name suggests, gloss UV provides a highly glossy finish.
- Gloss UV is perfect for creating a vibrant, polished look that grabs attention.
- To prevent excessive reflectiveness, which can reduce legibility. It is best suited for spot UV applications rather than full-surface coverage.
Matte UV
Matte UV coatings offer a refined, elegant finish.
- This type of coating adds a luxurious touch to your packaging.
- You can use matte spot UV to highlight specific areas or opt for a flood matte UV to cover the entire surface for a rich, vivid effect.
- Keep in mind that matte UV is prone to fingerprints, so it may not be ideal for every product.
Pearlescent UV
This coating creates a stunning pearlescent glow by combining gloss UV with metallic flecks.
- It delivers an iridescent effect.
- The subtle shimmer adds a sophisticated touch to your designs.
Orange Peel UV
For a textured and visually striking finish, orange peel UV is an excellent choice.
- It combines a raised design with a unique textured surface.
- This coating enhances the sensory experience of your packaging, making it more engaging to handle.
What Is The Difference Between Spot UV Coating & UV Printing?
Spot UV coating differs from UV printing in so many ways.
Standard UV printing uses digital printing that uses ultraviolet light to dry the ink instantly on all packaging material. Spot UV coating is a technique that highlights the specific part of the artwork on printed material.
Below is a detailed table on the difference between Spot UV Coating & UV printing:
| Feature | Spot UV Coating | UV Printing |
| Process | A clear coating is applied to specific areas. | Ink is printed directly onto the material. |
| Purpose | To add texture, shine, and a tactile element to specific areas. | To produce high-quality, vibrant, and durable prints. |
| Material | Can be applied to various materials like paper, cardstock, and plastic. | Can be used on a wide range of materials, including paper, cardstock, plastic, and more. |
| Cost | Generally less expensive than UV printing, especially for smaller projects. | Can be more expensive, especially for large-scale projects. |
| Appearance | Creates a glossy, raised effect on the coated areas. | Produces vibrant, high-quality prints with sharp details. |
Benefits of Spot UV Coating
There are so many reasons to consider Spot UV as your packaging finishing option.
Here are the benefits of having Spot UV Coating:
- A lustrous shine under direct lighting or even more subdued lighting is an eye-catching and attractive feature of the Spot UV finish. Adding a touch of sophistication to any package is made simple with this beautiful foil.
- In spite of the glossy appearance of your retail packaging, the spot UV printing still maintains high levels of clarity and readability. Having a unique look that attracts attention, as well as easy legibility at a distance, gives you the best of both worlds.
- There are times when your design can be marred by smudges and fingerprints, even though no one is to blame. With spot UV, packaging and constant handling are protected by a protective layer.
- It is an environmentally friendly packaging option since the coating stays exactly where it is placed and does not escape into the air.
You can reach our experts if you have any inquiries about spot UV coating. Plus, consider exploring alternate options like Varnish & AQ coating.
