Skip to content Presentation and durability matter as much as the inside product in any packaging. As you are well aware, the market today is becoming increasingly competitive, and elegance is becoming more desirable for both brands and consumers. Packaging manufacturers use different print finishing techniques to make their custom packaging boxes more resistant and sophisticated than ever. Although this premium print effect comes in a wide range of options, the UV coating is among the most prominent. It is also known as ultraviolet coating. It is a liquid coating that is simply applied to the printed surface of the box, and your cure is by ultraviolet light. As a result of applying this, you will get a smooth, dry, and visually appealing finishing to your custom boxes.
If we talk about the traditional coating, it dries over time. But the UV coating is different from it. It hardens immediately when exposed to UV light. For commercial printing, this is a modern and far more efficient finishing solution compared to traditional coating. Commercial printing requires speed, consistency, and quality, and only the UV finish provides them. Brands looking to enhance the visibility and visual appeal of their product packaging, business cards, or any paper-based solution should consider UV coating printing as a go-to option.
UV lamination printing is popular for several reasons. It provides superior surface protection and can create visual effects, such as spot gloss. With the evolution of printing techniques and packaging styles, UV coating has become one of the most reliable methods for enhancing the visual appeal of materials while ensuring maximum durability.
Now, the question is: what is UV coating used for? Although the answer is protection and enhanced presentation of the product packaging, it goes beyond that. It serves its users in multiple ways across the printing and packaging applications.
Light exposure causes severe damages of the custom product packaging, such as color fading, moisture, scratches, and fingerprints. UV coating works as a shield against all these damages and protects your packaging investment for a long, long time. Many products are handled frequently such as spot UV business cards, catalogs, and brochures. They need preservation every time; the UV finish is vital.
Besides, the UV coating increases the visual quality of printed materials. No matter the matte or gloss effect, the UV coating intensifies colors, sharpens images, and polishes prints. Your product boxes look more attractive, polished, and professional. For promotional materials and packaging enhancements, UV finishing is perfect, as it offers a great combination of resilience and aesthetics.
In short, UV coating is used for;
Understanding the UV coating process is essential for you, as it helps you understand the effectiveness of this coating. The process consists of a few steps.
Paperboard or cardstock is printed on the commercial printing press before the UV coating is applied. These created designs need to be protected from UVs.
Now, it’s time to apply liquid UV coating on the printed surface. It’s up to you whether you want to apply it to the whole surface or just to the selected parts.
A coated sheet is applied onto the surface that passes under UV lamps. It cures the coating under ultraviolet light instantly and hardens the surface.
Finally, inspect and print the material surface for consistency, gloss level, and overall quality of the UV coating.
Curing time is the real difference between UV coating and the traditional water-based or varnish coatings. Evaporation or absorption are the key players in drying traditional coatings and take quite a while. On the other hand, UV gloss coating cures instantly and speeds up the production, but makes the finishing tougher and more resilient.
Many types of UV coatings are used in printing for distinct purposes.
When the entire printed surface is UV coated it is called full UV coating. It delivers uniform protection and a consistent UV finish. Full coating UV is generally used for brochures, magazine covers, and packaging boxes.
To make a specific part of the box or card UV-protected, spot UV coating is used. Logos, text, or patterns are used to coat and protect from UVs. These specific areas attract potential buyers and indicate the product packaging’s luxury effects.
To make the printed surface shine, UV gloss coating is used. The paper surface becomes reflective, increasing color depth and boldness. This coating is ideal for making the designs eye-catching.
Spot gloss is a targeted application of UV gloss to specific areas. It combines matte backgrounds with glossy highlights, creating a dramatic visual impact.
Now let’s compare the UV coating vs lamination printing. It is one of the most common comparisons in packaging. Both are both used to improve the durability and appearance of any packaging solution. But at core, they are different in many ways.
If we talk about UV coating in packaging, it is perfect for fast turnaround times and elegance. When you do not have time, then UV coating is a priority. But when durability & rigidity are on the line, UV lamination is the best option.
UV coating is used for extended UV coating applications. That makes it versatile and perfect for all custom packaging boxes and other solutions.
It is used to enhance the shelf appeal of packaging and protect it from wear and tear.
UV coating improves the color and sturdiness of brochures, flyers, and catalogs.
Business cards and stationery need a professional look and high-end feel. So, brands look for UV coating.
In retail and luxury packaging, UV finishing is capable. It offers gloss and matte finishes to elevate the brand’s reputation.
So, from paperboard to cardstock and to speciality packaging, UV coating serves them perfectly for various applications.
In printing, the spot UV is a targeted technique. It is applied only to specific design elements. A beautiful contrast was created between the coated and uncoated areas. So, logos, printed names, slogans, or patterns remain highlighted, attracting potential customers.
Spot UV is particularly popular in;
So, spot UV adds depth and sophistication and reinforces the premium brand image. It becomes more charming when the matte background is combined with glossy highlights.
First impression matters in packaging designs. The tactile appeal and vibrant aesthetic are critical, and UV coating significantly offers them. That improves the shelf appeal of the packaging design and the value of the product inside. Glossy surfaces attract people, and a matte background just adds elegance and sophistication to the packaging design.
UV coating is used for luxury and retail packaging. It enhances the customer unboxing experience and reinforces brand identity. It also enhances the perceived value of the product inside the UV-coated box. Regardless of its use, boldly or subtly, it enhances the packaging and engages customers a lot.
Aesthetics is not only an advantage of UV coating. There are multiple others to serve you.
It enhances the colors by making them bolder and sharper, creating a striking visual impact that attracts customers.
If you want to save your paper solutions from moisture and scratches, then UV coating is a great option.
As we mentioned before, it dries out quickly and slows production.
UV coating is high-quality and communicates to customers by making the packaging look professional and valuable.
Due to these benefits, UV coating is preferred by brands in advanced commercial printing.
It is quite difficult to find a perfect packaging supplier, but it’s your lucky day that you are reading this article. We are going to mention one of the most authorized and trustworthy packaging manufacturers and UV coating appliers. The Box Zilla offers its expertise to make your mailer boxes more appealing and protective, and provides hundreds of packaging services. You can enjoy free shipping, design assist, the fastest turnaround, no order limit, green approaches, and quality assurance. So, contact it now and make your packaging functional and professional with spot UV and full UV coating techniques.
To conclude, the UV coating is an essential part of modern printing and packaging for a wide range of products. It is because they enhance the protection, speed, and visual impact of any product packaging or promotional paper. UV coating with full coverage and selective parts of spot gloss is highly beneficial as it meets the diverse design and functional requirements of product packaging.
The demand for premium, durable, and appealing printed, sustainable, and high-end materials is growing; UV coating continues to stand out as a reliable solution from The Box Zilla. It helps you to find what is best for you. In short, the UV coating of all kinds, such as matte, gloss, or spot ensure your luxury rigid boxes look impressive and functional in real-world use.
Hello, I'm Marilyn Cox, a seasoned packaging consultant and designer. With a professional journey spanning over four years, I've evolved from a budding designer to a recognized expert in the field. Currently holding the position of Packaging Consultant, I've honed my skills in creating not just visually stunning packaging but also solutions that align with strategic business goals.
