What is Spot UV Printing
Spot UV is one of the many specialty printing techniques used to produce impactful packaging to differentiate brands/products from each other.
Like lamination, it increases the perceived quality of printed items. This technique can be used to enhance key elements of your packaging such as;
● Logos
● Slogans
● Artwork designs
● Images
Note that spot UV ‘printing’ is a misnomer, as it is a coating technique as opposed to a printing method.
UV printing applies ultraviolet (UV) light to white card stock or color-printed paper products. The UV light cures the varnish applied to the printed material to produce a glossy finish to any design element
This coating targets specific areas/spots of the printed product to seal their color in, produce an attractive sheen, and protect the surface against moisture and other types of wear and tear.
The use of spot finish is also to create a diversity of textures on a printed surface for a dramatic, eye-catching effect.
Spot UV Applications
The applications of coating using UV include;
● business cards
● Invitation cards
● Brochures
● Flyers
● Postcards
● Card stocks
● Packaging boxes
Several looks can be achievable, from a light glossy and highly glossy to elegant matte or satin and a neutral finish.
This is a versatile technique suitable for heavy and thinner paper stocks; having said that, it is not conducive to very fine and thin paper.
Spot UV vs. Matte UV
Matte finished paper is an ideal base for UV printing. That is because the sober matte background contrasts well against the glossy shine of the UV coating.
This logic applies to spot coating as well. Spot UV on a matte finished surface is an excellent combination to achieve an elegant, luxurious aesthetic.
If you want a premium look without the reflection of gloss, matte UV is an excellent alternative to consider.
Using Spot UV on Matte UV
Spot UV on matte lamination creates a striking effect on the packaging, brochures, and other printed material.
The glossy appearance of spot UV and soft matte laminate highlight the message or graphic by making colors appear darker.
If you want your brand logo and images to stand out from afar and offer good readability, put spot UV on matte lamination on your list.
Using Spot UV on a Matte Varnish
Matte varnish gives the packaging a smooth, even and non-glossy surface. Spot UV + matte varnish is a popular choice for luxury packaging, particularly in the case of jewelry and cosmetic products.
The combination increases the vibrancy of certain areas of the printed surface for a luxurious, contrasting look.
Using Spot UV on a Soft-Touch Matte Finish
A soft-touch matte finish enhances the tactile feel of the packaging.
Spot UV + soft-touch matte finish is yet another way of achieving a sophisticated look and velvety texture. The method of combining soft-touch and spot UV is silk spot UV.
The Spot UV Process
The client supplies a mask file with instructions on where to apply the UV coating. The use of a silk-screen adds a clear UV coating on only the areas you have selected.
Mask files cannot contain gradients, pixels must be black or white, it cannot contain blurs nor shadows, and all of the artwork must have clean, sharp edges.
Spot UV is best reserved for fewer areas of the printed item – specifically the message or artwork. Too much of it scattered across the surface area can look cluttered and unaesthetic.
The Benefits of Spot UV
● Overall presentation: The additional process of spot UV provides an undeniable & striking experience to anyone who sees it for the first time. It creates a visible textual impression that a standard coated print wouldn’t have.Environmentally friendly: UV coatings do not contain solvents, nor do they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at the time of curing.
● Quick and effective: UV coating has an extremely fast drying time, which helps ensure fast lead times. Being a quick drying technique, the precision achieved is quite remarkable.
● Protective layer: As the color on the printed item is sealed in, spot finish also offers reliable protection against moisture.
Customer’s message
I remembered it was an urgent order, I needed it in a month. But they completed my order within 20 days. It was faster than I thought and the quality was gooood!!! —— Kim Jong Suk
Post time: Aug-02-2022