When looking at a magazine or packaging you may have observed that certain text stands out with a distinct gloss compared to the rest of the page.
This glossy finishing technique is known as “spot UV,” a printing method capable of adding extra visual interest to your project. Spot UV coating, also referred to as spot UV printing, ranks among the most widely embraced print effects in use today.
UV coating, in general, represents a category of finishing or digital embellishment involving the application of polymer resin and ultraviolet light to add a glossy, protective layer to printed materials. This coating solidifies and dries upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation, resulting in a hard and shiny finish that enhances the design and durability of packaging and paper products.
Spot UV coating, on the other hand, is a specific subset of UV coating. It is a printing process harnessed to add emphasis to particular words or images within a printed piece. The application of this coating is highly targeted, covering only selected spots or areas.
Spot UV is especially popular among businesses and individuals, for its ability to add allure and sophistication to printed materials. Its versatility makes spot UV coating one of the most frequently used finishes within the printing industry.
In traditional UV coating, sheets are fed into machines with rollers that apply a layer of UV varnish. The sheets are then subjected to infrared and UV lamps, rapidly drying the coating.
In the case of spot UV, the client provides a mask file featuring explicit instructions on where to apply the coating. The printer diligently adheres to these lines and edges down to the finest details.
The UV varnish is dispersed across a die-cut template. A delicate film is placed over the sheet to ensure that only the designated spots or areas of the design are coated, creating the desired contrast. Designers often focus spot UV on essential messages or artwork, leaving the remainder unembellished, as excessive spot UV can lead to a cluttered or overly extravagant appearance.
When preparing your artwork for Spot UV, we recommend creating two versions. The first version should contain your artwork as is, while the second version should clearly mark the elements where you want the UV varnish to be applied using a contrasting colour, such as 100% Magenta. This will help us accurately pinpoint the areas for varnish application and ensure that your order meets your precise specifications.
Our skilled artwork team will handle the file setup for you; all you need to do is identify the areas where you want to have UV treatment. Once your order is placed, we will send you a proof. This allows you to verify that we’ve correctly understood your requirements and that the UV elements are in the correct positions.
Spot UV produces a high-gloss finish that exudes a sense of quality, luxury, and reliability. This lustrous sheen, when combined with design elements, enhances product appeal.
Spot UV creates special effects that add depth and dimension to flat images, engaging the senses and making the product more memorable.
Texts with spot UV coating are more legible and clear, contributing to a visually pleasing design, and colours appear more vivid and pronounced due to the finish, making the product look livelier and inviting.
Spot UV offers a protective layer against smudges and fingerprints, maintaining the design’s integrity. In addition to protecting against wear and tear, spot UV extends the shelf life of products by safeguarding against dirt, moisture, sunlight, and water damage.
Spot UV is very versatile and can be applied to a wide range of materials, although it’s not recommended for very thin stock or packaging.
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