When it comes to adding a finishing touch to your print project, there are several coating options available. Gloss, dull, satin, and “soft touch” can add shine, depth, and a unique aesthetic to your piece. You’re probably familiar with gloss, dull and satin, but have you felt soft-touch yet? This relatively new coating option imparts a unique, rich, matte, almost rubbery feel. Call us at 301-424-4242 and we’ll send you a sample of soft touch, which is great for presentation folders, catalog covers, and packaging.
In the meantime, here is a guide to the three main types of coatings.
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COATING TYPE
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AVAILABLE FINISHES
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DETAILS
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Aqueous
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Gloss, Dull, Satin, Soft Touch
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- Water-based
- Applied in-line on press immediately after ink is laid down
- Dries quickly allowing for expedited turnaround
- Great for a project that needs extra protection from smudges, fingerprints, and scratches.
- Cost effective because it eliminates the need for a second pass through the press as with varnish.
- Biodegradable and recyclable and non-toxic.
- Can be used to flood an entire sheet, or as a spot coating on a particular area.
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Varnish
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Gloss, Satin, Dull
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- Ink without pigment.
- Can be applied in-line or as a second pass after ink has dried.
- Great for adding depth to the aesthetic of a piece, not so much for protecting the piece.
- Can be used to flood an entire sheet, or as a spot coating on a particular area.
- More recyclable than UV Coating, but do emit compounds that can be irritants to those applying them.
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| UV Coating |
High Gloss, Satin, Matte, Glitter, Tint, Event Scents!
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- Applied like ink and dried using ultraviolet light.
- Also known as “liquid laminate.”
- Can be used to flood an entire sheet, or as a spot coating on a particular area.
- More likely to show smudges and fingerprints and can make folding more difficult.
- Process does not emit harmful byproducts; clean-up does require strong chemicals.
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FORMost Graphic Communications
Phone: 301-424-4242