What is UV Coating (and Why Do You Need It)?

UV coating is an excellent way to make your print marketing materials stand out: UV coating provides a brilliant glossy sheen to your business cards, postcards, flyers and other materials. Having your print marketing materials UV coated also provides a thick layer of protection for long-lasting durability that gives you the greatest bang for your marketing buck. What does UV coating mean, how does it work, what are the advantages and benefits of UV coating on your print job? The follow details what UV coating is and why you need it for your print marketing materials.

What is UV coating?

UV coating is a clear compound that is applied to paper wet, then instantly dried by ultraviolet light (UV coating is short for ultraviolet coating). Several types of compounds are used to coat paper; UV coating chemicals include polyethylene, calcium carbonate and kaolinite. These compounds are refined and mixed with viscosifiers that help them adhere to paper. A UV coating machine is used to apply the coating after printing.

UV coatings can vary in reflectivity and thickness, depending on the application, though a high-gloss or subtle matte UV coating are typically used for premium printing applications.

UV coating can be applied to your entire product, both front and back, or just on one side. You can also opt for spot UV coating, in which an ultraviolet coat is applied only to certain spots on your design (a great way to make logos or photos stand out).

Is UV coating waterproof? 

No, UV coating is not waterproof, but it is water resistant.

UV coating shouldn’t be confused with other types of paper finishing processes, such as aqueous coating and lamination.

Aqueous coating vs. UV coating: Aqueous coating is water-based, and though it can be a good coating option for paper, UV coating offers greater gloss and better protection

UV coating vs. lamination: Lamination offers good protection, but the lamination process requires edge trimming – which can increase production costs. Lamination can offer waterproofing, where UV coating does not

As you can see, the UV coating process differs from other types of paper finishes and offers its own distinct advantages.

What can be UV coated?

Just about any print marketing tool can be UV coated, though UV coating is best-suited for heavier paper stocks, such as cover stocks and any paper weight of 80 lbs. or greater.

Whether you’re printing business cards, direct-mail postcards, booklet and catalog covers, posters and flyers, sales sheets, calendars, or other marketing tools, UV coating can help you attract attention and give your message a premium, refined look that lasts longer and helps you stand out from the competition.