Paper Stock is written in terms of paper weight, paper type and any optional finish that may be applied. For example, “12 pt. Gloss” means the paper has a weight of 12 points with an inherent gloss sheen. However, “12 pt UV Gloss Coated” means that an additional finish (UV coating) has been applied.
Full Answer
What is UV coating on paper?
UV coating, or ultraviolet coating, is a very glossy, shiny liquid coating applied to a printed paper surface and cured on a printing press or special machine using ultraviolet light. The coating hardens, or cures when it is exposed to the ultra violet radiation. UV coating makes your printed piece eye catching, ...
What is the difference between varnish and UV coating?
Extremely high gloss UV, or ultraviolet, coatings offer more protection than either varnish or aqueous coatings. UV coatings are applied in-line by printers or, more frequently, off-line by printers, finishers or converters.
Do you need coated paper stocks for UV coating?
Some printers insist that UV coatings require the use of coated paper stocks because uncoated papers allow the coating to sink into the sheet, leaving little of it on the surface.
What kind of varnish should I use on my prints?
One of the most common varnishes used today is an aqueous varnish, which is a water-based varnish that is applied to your printed artwork to help seal the ink. These types of varnishes are most commonly available in a matte or glossy style, and are also available as a UV varnish or soft touch varnish if required.
What is varnish coating?
Varnish Coating. Varnish coatings are available in gloss, satin or dull finishes, with or without tints. Varnishes offer a relatively low degree of protection compared to other coatings and laminates, but they are used widely, thanks to their low cost, flexibility and ease of application. Varnishes are applied just like an ink, ...
How is varnish applied?
Varnishes are applied just like an ink, using one of the units on the press. Varnish can either be flooded across the entire sheet or spot applied precisely where desired, to add extra gloss to photos, for example, or to protect black backgrounds.
Why do water based coatings dry faster?
Available in gloss or dull finishes, water based coatings offer other advantages as well. Because they seal the ink from exposure to the air they can help prevent metallic inks from tarnishing.
Why is my varnish yellowing?
One problem is that over time, they tend to yellow. Yellowing is not a big concern when the varnish is used over process colors, but it is noticeable when the varnish is applied over unprinted paper, especially today's high-brightness blue-white papers.
How are UV coatings applied?
UV coatings are applied as a liquid, using a roller, screen or blanket, and then exposed to ultraviolet light to polymerize and harden the coating, with zero emissions. The coatings can either be applied across the entire page or, while lacking the precision of a varnish, on a spot basis.
Why use 80# paper?
Because the coatings are typically applied over the entire sheet and are water based, most experts recommend using 80# text weight or heavier paper stocks to keep the paper from becoming curled or wrinkled.
Why do we use protective coatings?
Areas that are heavily covered with black ink or other dark colors often receive a protective coating to guard against fingerprints, which stand out against a dark background. Coatings are also used on magazine and report covers and on other publications that are subject to rough or frequent handling.
22nd August 2012
Go big with your flyers and posters and try spot UV varnish. This little article will explain what is it and what spot UV can do for your print marketing
What are Spot UV Gloss and Spot UV Varnish?
Well they are the same thing for a start. In essence, it is a special finish you can apply to specific areas on your print work to make it shinier. So, for example, you can apply the UV varnish to your logo, or perhaps some specific text to really make it pop.
How does Spot UV work? How do you prepare your print for Spot UV? How much does Spot UV cost?
Spot UV is applied after the actual design has been printed in the regular fashion. Printers that offer UV gloss will have a special bit of kit that locates the exact position for the varnish and applies it before bombarding the varnish with UV rays to finish the process off. The result, as explained above, is a very special printed product.
What is varnish on a label?
Varnishes are clear liquid coatings that are cheaper than laminates and UV coatings but have the least staying power. Varnishes are available in gloss and matte and can be applied to the entire label (“flood varnish”) or only certain sections of the label (“spot coating”) to create interesting visual effects.
Why are UV spots so popular?
UV spot coatings are popular for making certain design elements pop.
What is the benefit of using a finish on labels?
The benefit of using a finish – whether laminate, varnish or UV coating – is that it adds an extra layer of protection to labels, along with visual appeal, either giving the labels a glossy or matte look. Determining which finish (or finishes) to use comes down to your labeling needs and design choices.
What is laminated label?
Laminates are a film material that offer a thicker layer of protection making them better suited for labels that will face moisture, abrasion, and light. Gloss, matte, and special durable laminates are available, depending on your specific needs.
How does finish affect paper?
Finish affects the look and feel of the paper, but more importantly, it can impact printability and absorbency by dictating how the sheet will take ink. This is especially important for print and graphic designers and photographers.
What is a finish in papermaking?
Finishes are created during different stages of the papermaking process in a variety of ways, such as: Attaching a design to the dandy roll – this is how watermarking is done and how laid finish paper gets its sheer lines. The degree of wet pressing – papers that will have a low gloss, such as a matte finish, require less wet pressing.
Why emboss on uncoated paper?
Embossing often works best on uncoated papers because their finishes are softer and are less likely to crack.
What is supercalendering paper?
Supercalendering – adds additional gloss to paper. Coating can be added during the papermaking process, called on-machine coating, or afterward using a different machine, called off-machine coating, to add or enhance a finish. UV coatings provide a high level of shine, whereas an Aqueous coating lends paper a medium-gloss.
What is cardstock available in?
Cardstock is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, making it possible for you to add texture and other appealing finishing touches that will heighten the impact of your creative projects. But, like selecting the right paper weight, choosing a finish and color can be anything but straightforward.
Why are coated card stocks so good?
These qualities make coated card stocks ideal for things such as: Uncoated card stocks have an untreated surface and are often less reflective than their coated counterparts. These papers usually lend a softer look to projects because the ink is absorbed into the paper, which diffuses its vibrance .
What is satin finish?
Satin finish is a compromise between glossy and matte. It provides a higher level of readability than gloss and a more uniform print smoothness than matte while also enhancing the colors. It produces beautiful gallery-quality photographs, making it ideal for portfolios, photo albums, and scrapbooks.
What are packaging finishes?
Varnish and lamination are two types of finishes that can be added to your printed materials such as packaging boxes or book covers. Packaging finishes, also known as coating, is primarily used to protect the ink that's printed from things such as scratches, dirt, and fingerprints.
What is varnish?
Varnish is a liquid finish applied to the paper layer of your packaging. One of the most common varnishes used today is an aqueous varnish, which is a water-based varnish that is applied to your printed artwork to help seal the ink.
What is lamination?
Lamination is the process of applying a very thin, plastic film (e.g. polypropylene) to your printed materials to protect the ink and enhance its appearance.
How your packaging designs affects the finish
While you may have a preference on a type of finish for your packaging, there may be occasions where your design may indicate which type of finish you must use.
Varnish or Lamination?
Here's a table that summarizes the key differences between varnish and lamination.