What Does Packaging UV Coating Mean?
Muhammad Omair
CEO at Box Wala Packaging, Chief Executive Officer at Lucky Trading Co.
UV coating creates a high gloss surface appearance by applying a transparent liquid to paper substrates and curing it with ultraviolet light.
A UV coating equipment is used to apply the UV coating after printing.
UV coatings have the power to make your artwork ideas come to life and give your finished package design a sleeker appearance.
Let's get started by discussing the UV process and how to use it in your bespoke packaging project.
The UV Coating Method
One of the most often used package finishing techniques is UV coating.
The following components are used in this clear liquid compound to guarantee that it adheres firmly to the packaging's surface.
A roller or silkscreen is used to apply the liquid compound, spreading the coating liberally across a surface.
UV light is used to cure the wet coating once it has been applied, and it dries entirely in a matter of seconds.
UV coatings are often used to preserve the longevity of packing surfaces since they are water-resistant.
You have the option of applying the UV coating to all of the box's surfaces or just a few chosen ones.
Spot UV: What is it?
The liquid chemical used for UV coating is also used for spot UV printing.
The only distinction is that the coating is exclusively applied to certain sections of the container rather than being liberally placed throughout.
These might be photos, text, or logos.
Spot UV highlights key components in package designs, giving them greater depth.
What Are the Typical Applications for UV Coating?
UV coatings are a flexible method used on various kinds of paper goods.
However, it performs best with heavier and thicker paper weights, including corrugated packaging and stiff set-up boxes.
Artwork designs are greatly enhanced and given a sense of vitality by UV treatments.
For an extra sense of quality, you'll probably see this finish used on upscale packaging.
To improve the tensile strength of their packaging during transportation, the e-commerce sector has also begun using this coating process more often.
UV Coating Types
The following options may be taken into consideration, depending on the look and feel you want to achieve with your UV-coated printed boxes:
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UV Gloss
As the name implies, Gloss UV offers the glossiest finish available.
shine UV is a wonderful choice if you want a gorgeous patina and dazzling shine.
Gloss UV coatings may be best saved for spot UV printing in order to prevent an excessive sheen and highly reflecting (and thus less readable) surfaces.
UV matte
Matte finishing exudes sophistication and refinement.
You may also apply matte spot UV to certain spots that you want to draw attention to.
Flood protection UV is an alternative that covers the whole sheet and creates a vibrant, rich look.
However, matte UV may not be the best option for all items since it is prone to fingerprints.
UV pearlescent
A shiny iridescent glow is produced by this kind of coating.
To get this appearance, it mixes metal flakes of various hues with gloss UV treatments.
It produces an iridescent appearance that is often used in packaging for cosmetics.
UV Orange Peel
Orange peel UV adds visual intrigue and a distinctive tactile experience by combining a raised pattern with a textured finish.
In addition to being visually appealing, the textured coating gives your package a tactile feature that is enjoyable to touch.
Customize Boxes provide bespoke packaging options that align with specific brand aesthetics and product needs, offering versatility in size, design, and materials to enhance both protection and customer experience.
Benefits and Drawbacks of UV Coating
The use of UV coating has a number of benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits
Bold and striking: The UV coating produces a glossy, vivid finish that may greatly improve the product's or packaging's perceived value and visual appeal.
Scuff resistant: Compared to aqueous coatings and varnishes, it also provides a greater degree of scuff resistance. Although the kind of coating will also affect the smear resistance, UV-coated objects exhibit outstanding abrasion resistance.
Fast drying: This technique guarantees a shorter lead time and a more effective procedure all around.
Drawbacks
Chemical burning: UV coating may be vulnerable to chemical burning, depending on the PMS color used.
Deteriorated quality and appearance: A poorly configured printing process might result in a somewhat flawed outcome.