Welcome to this guide, This article is about, the difference between varnish and spot UV, read on to learn more about it. Hopak Packaging es un fabricante profesional de Tube Packaging Manufacturer de China, que produces Cannabis Cylinder Packaging, Household Packaging, Food Grade Packaging, Tube Specialty Packaging, Tube Cosmetic Packaging, Wine Tube Gift Box etc. Hopak not only provides quality tube packaging solutions for your brand image but also provides value-added assembly services to our customers.
1. What is varnish?
Offset boxes are coated with packaging varnish after offset printing on coated paperboard.
2. Varnish type
Varnishes can be classified according to their gloss, gloss varnishes, matt lamination, and satin varnishes.
1) Gloss varnish
Lacquered printed boxes have a smooth, glossy, and shiny finish. The surface reflects light very efficiently in sunlight. Therefore, glossy lacquered printed boxes usually have very bright and shiny colors.
2) Matt’s varnish
Matt varnishes provide a smooth, even, and matte finish to printed boxes. The matte finish adds a luxurious touch to the printed box. Vanity and jewelry cases with this finish are most popular when sellers want to convey a sense of luxury.
3) Silk or satin varnish
The satin varnish gives the printed box surface a medium appearance, neither glossy nor matte.
3. What is spot UV gloss
UV varnish, also known as UV varnish, is a thicker and more eye-catching coating on the surface of the printed box. It appears that the printed colors are more vibrant. UV drying also helps prints dry quickly on the production line.
4. Types of spot UV gloss
There are two types of UV varnish: full UV varnish and partial UV varnish
1) Overall UV coating
In full UV varnish, UV ink is applied to the entire printing surface. High gloss can rival and replace glossy lamination. In addition, it provides excellent protection for printed surfaces while providing a pleasant tactile experience.
2) Exterior UV varnish
Spot UV varnishes accentuate specific text or images, especially logos, on the printing surface by applying UV ink to specific areas. Some luxury paper bags, boxes, gift boxes, cosmetic cases, jewelry boxes, and retail boxes use spot UV coating on branding.
The box above is a photolithographic laminated packaging carton for electronics. The surface of the display is printed with Spot UV Varnished, adding an eye-catching aesthetic to the print.
5. Advantages of printing materials
- Printing ink dries quickly.
- To make the ink rub-resistant, a protective coating is applied to it. Printed boxes will not rub off the ink when handled roughly.
- Enhance the tactile experience of the box surface by providing a smooth and consistent texture.
6. The difference between varnish, AQ coating, and UV coating
Varnish, water-based coating, and UV coating are three commonly used protective coatings for printed packaging boxes. Since varnish is a transparent ink without pigment, it was first introduced into the printing and packaging industry. The printing process uses them as common CMYK inks. There are three types of finishes: glossy, matt, and satin. Most of the coating options available are less expensive than varnishes.
Most varnishes contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are not good for the environment. Glossy finishes also have the disadvantage of long drying times. In the late 1970s, AQ paints, also known as waterborne paints, were developed. Water-based hydrous products contain 30-40% water. Because it does not emit VOCs like varnish, it is an environmentally friendly paint.
AQ coatings can be dried using infrared radiation. In the press, the powder is reduced, which is an advantage compared to the yellowing that is common in painted boxes that have been stored for some time. In addition, ghosting is eliminated and environmental regulations are complied with.
Water-based paints are usually applied to the entire paper, rather than spot-on (spot UV). Water-based paints are usually twice as expensive as varnishes. It also takes longer to dry than UV paints.
It has the highest gloss and abrasion resistance, making UV coating the most popular coating choice for folding cartons. Initially, it is a clear liquid that cures (dries) immediately when exposed to ultraviolet light. Available in a variety of glosses. Exterior UV varnishes are often used to accentuate a company’s brand logo.
7. Application of paint and varnish
Painting the surface of the printed carton serves three purposes.
- Protect ink from dirt, smudges, fingerprints, and scratches.
- Also, some coatings can make the printed surface of the box more durable.
- The third step is to add a glossy or matte finish to make the box look great and eye-catching.
8. Conclusion
Water-based coating solutions are usually applied to the entire print at the end of the printing process. More and more companies are using high-gloss UV coatings to customize packaging in different styles/colors to build their brands. Please contact our packaging experts for details.
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