Points about UV coatings to Keep in Mind

UV Coating is a tough clear-coat applied over printed materials to 1) protect against scratches, tears and fingerprints and 2) enhance the brilliance of the ink colors.

Recommended Uses

UV Coating is recommended for printed pieces which will be handled frequently, such as presentation folders, the covers of paperback books and some types of business cards. It is also recommended for promotional pieces that aim to grab attention, such as flagship brochures and direct mail postcards.

Why is it called UV Coating?

UV Coating is applied in liquid form, then exposed to Ultra-Violet light which bonds and dries it instantly-hence its name "UV Coating." It can be applied over the entire printed piece (called Flooding) or it can be used as a Spot coating to just highlight particular areas. In addition, UV Coating is available in a variety of sheen levels, with high gloss being the most popular.

Points to Keep in Mind

Compared to other coatings, UV Coating is tougher than Aqueous Coating though not quite as hard-wearing as a plastic laminate. Also, because a UV Coating is a relatively thick coating, it will generally require pre-scoring to reduce cracking when folded.

Finally, it is important to note that because a UV Coating has such a slick surface, you will have difficulty writing, overprinting, rubber stamping, gluing or applying certain labels to its surface. Thus, if you intend to imprint or adhere anything after your pieces are produced, notify your printer in advance so he can "block out" certain areas from receiving UV coverage.