What is UV Coating?
UV (ultraviolet) coating is a liquid coating applied to a (usually) printed paper sheet that cures (dries and seals) when passed under an ultraviolet light. Although most commonly used to add a glossy finish to a piece, there are many other types of UV coating including matte, satin, soft-touch matte, sand texture, and dry erase. It usually provides more protection than AQ.
UV Flood CoatingFlood coating is used to cover the entire printed sheet and is great for an overall effect with brighter and more vivid colors overall, protection, durability, and a rub resistant finish. Depending on the type of coating, it can also add a smooth and pleasant tactile experience.
UV Spot CoatingFor a more dramatic effect to bring attention to certain details like logos, product images or qualities, look to spot UV where only designated areas on the sheet are coated. Using spot UV is also a great way to easily add 3D depth to a flat printed piece. Although flood coating is generally quicker and more inexpensive, either flood or spot UV coating can be a quick, easy, and inexpensive finishing method for your project.
Aqueous coating (AQ) is a water-based, flood coating applied to printed paper sheets that cures quickly with a combination of heat and air provided by the coating equipment. Aqueous coating usually provides either a gloss or matte surface that deters dirt and fingerprints.
A key advantage over UV coating is that special aqueous coating formulas can be written on with a #2 pencil or overprinted for mailing purposes. For this reason, it’s especially popular for postcards and other mailers. Another advantage of aqueous coating over UV is that it folds better and resists fingerprints better than UV coating.
When considering aqueous coating, 80# coated text or heavier is recommended to help prevent curling and wrinkling since it is a water-based coating being applied.
If you have a print job on stock that is not HP Indigo certified we can still print it! We have the ability to coat stock with sapphire coating which renders stock compatible with HP Indigo presses. It improves ink adhesion and other printing properties. Learn more about our HP Indigo Presses
In addition to UV and AQ coating, we can also apply coatings for finish effects like pearlescent and metallic, and coatings that are either resistant to scratches or scratch off (lottery ticket style).
Don’t wait any longer to get started on this easy way to improve your product. We can help you decide what the best coating for your project is. Contact us today by emailing info@sbpack.com
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