What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of UV Coating?

UV coating, also known as ultraviolet coating, is a transparent, lustrous liquid coating applied to printed materials. This coating is a popular printing technique for protecting items that are handled often during delivery.

The advantages of UV Coating

UV coating has a variety of advantages over other coating types, including: 

High-Gloss / High-Shine Finish

With the correct UV coating finish, deep, dark colors appear richer and can almost appear wet. UV coating is a popular choice for consumers who want their package design to stand out because of its vibrant appearance.

Better Clarity

Because of its capacity to make logos and photos richer and more vivid, UV coating is an excellent choice.

More Durable Packaging

If your package will be handled frequently, you’ll appreciate the fact that UV coating adds an extra layer of protection due to its somewhat greater thickness. It also resists smearing and marking while maintaining a professional and polished appearance.

Quick-Dry Finish

There is no waiting since the coating dries instantaneously when it comes into contact with UV light. Less waiting time equals less manufacturing time, allowing you to ship and deliver your goods to eager customers sooner. This is especially true for e-commerce packaging like mailers and shippers, as your container and goods are sometimes your clients’ sole physical contact point.

Eco-Friendly Coating

UV-coated packing material may be recycled with your other materials, posing no additional environmental risk.

The Disadvantages Of UV Coating

While UV Coating clearly has a long list of benefits, that doesn’t mean it’s right for every project.

Incompatible With Metallic Inks

If you are using Metallic Inks, then the addition of UV Coating can ruin the surface of the packaging. As much as we’d like to combine these two printing processes, it’s not recommended.

Lighter Paper Weight

Though UV Coating is quick-drying, if you are using a lighter paper weight, it can cause the paper to curl from the liquid being applied to the surface. So make sure you are within the tolerance ranges.

Does Not Work With Foil Stamping

This is a hot button topic in the industry because it is possible to use Foil Stamping and UV Coating simultaneously. But to get the best results, everything must be carefully designed and applied during the correct stages. So the risk of error goes up when you combine the two processes.

Ink Can Smudge

Due to the high-gloss finish of the coating, it’s possible that the ink on the surface will smudge if it is excessively rubbed. While UV Coating does make the packaging surface more resistant to scrapes and scuffs, there is a risk for smudging.

Matte or gloss lamination may be ideal for your individual requirements. UV coating, on the other hand, is frequently one of the most cost-effective and economical ways to add a layer of sturdiness and protection to the completed box design or other printed object. Plus, unlike other forms of coatings or coverings, it won’t add weight to the final product.