Make Your Colors Pop With UV Coating for Printing

UV coating, or ultraviolet coating, is a clear and shiny liquid coating that’s applied to a printed material. UV coating is commonly used in printing to protect packages that are handled frequently during shipping. It’s unique sheen makes colors pop more vividly, reflecting light in an eye catching way.

Why Is It Called a UV Coating?

The UV coating itself is applied in a liquid form. Then, as the name implies, the packaging is exposed to UV (ultraviolet) light, which then causes it to instantly dry and bond to the material it’s coating. This coating can be used over the entire area – a process known as “flooding” or it can be applied to certain areas, which is known as spot UV coating.  

In addition, there are different levels of “sheen” available for UV coating. High gloss UV coating is often the most popular choice, but if you need a more subdued look, that’s also possible with UV coating. 

Compared with other coatings, UV coating is more durable than aqueous coating, although not quite as much as direct plastic laminate. UV coating dries relatively slick, so if for any reason you’d need to write on the surface, print over it, glue it or apply certain kinds of labels to it, they likely won’t stick unless those areas are excluded before starting the UV coating process during printing. 

Benefits of UV Coating in Printing

UV coating offers a number of benefits over other types of coating, including: 

High-gloss, high-shine finish: Deep, dark colors appear richer and can almost look wet with the right type of finish on UV coating. This vivid look is what makes UV coating a popular choice for people who want their packaging design to really stand out. Learn more about the differences between CMYK vs RGB and Pantone colors as you explore if UV coating makes sense for your needs.

High-clarity: Logos and photographs are ideally suited for UV coating because of its ability to make them richer and more vivid. 

Resistant to scuffs: If your packaging will be handled a lot, you’ll be glad to know that UV coating offers an added layer of protection, as it’s slightly thicker. It also resists accidental smudging and marking, while still looking professional and polished.

Dries immediately: The moment the coating hits the UV light, it dries instantly, so there’s no waiting. Less waiting means less production time, which means you can ship out and deliver your product into the hands of eager consumers faster. This is especially true for ecommerce packaging, since your packaging and product are often your only physical touchpoint with your customers.

Environmentally friendly: UV coated packaging material can be recycled with your other materials, so it’s not hazardous to the environment. 

Drawbacks of UV Coating in Printing

There are a few cases where UV coating is not a good fit for your printed project. For example: 

If you’re using metallic ink: The metallic ink can mar the surface of the packaging. 

If you have weighted paper below 100#: Thinner paper may curl when the liquid UV coating is applied, even though it dries immediately. 

If the piece has foil stamping: This is a mixed bag in the printing world. It’s possible to get decent results because there are foil stamping options for UV coating, however, success depends on a variety of factors that need to come together precisely in order to achieve the kinds of results you want. 

If the piece needs to be written on extensively: As noted, the high gloss and sheen provides for a slick surface that causes most inks to simply rub off. 

Lamination, such as matte or gloss, may be perfect for your specific needs. With that said, UV coating is often one of the most cost effective and affordable options to add a layer of durability and protection to the finished box design or other printed piece. Plus, it won’t weigh down the finished result the way that other types of coatings or coverings can.