What is varnish？
An offset-printed box is coated with packaging varnish after it has been offset-printed on coated cardboard.
Printed materials advantages
1. Printing ink dries quickly.
2. To make the ink friction-resistant, it is covered with a protective coating. The printed box won’t rub off the ink when handled roughly.
3. Enhances the tactile experience of the box surface by providing a smooth and consistent texture.
Varnish type
Varnishes can be classified according to their gloss level, gloss varnishes, matte lamination, and satin varnishes.
Glossy varnish
A varnished printed box has a smooth, glossy, and shiny surface. The surface reflects light very efficiently under sunlight. It is therefore common for glossy varnished printed boxes to have very bright and shiny colors.
Matte Varnish
Matte varnish provides a smooth, even and non-glossy surface for printed boxes. Matte finishes add a sense of luxury to printed boxes. Cosmetic boxes and jewelry boxes with this finish are the most popular when sellers want to convey a sense of luxury.
Silk or Satin Varnish
A satin varnish gives the printed box surface a medium appearance, neither glossy nor matte.
Spot UV gloss
In UV varnishing, also known as UV coating, the surface of printed boxes is coated with a thicker, more eye-catching coating. It appears that the printed colors are richer and more vibrant. UV drying also contributes to fast drying of the print on the production line.
There are two types of UV varnishing: full UV varnishing and partial UV varnishing
Overall UV Varnishing
In full UV varnishing, UV ink is applied to the entire printing surface. High gloss levels can rival and replace glossy lamination. Additionally, it provides excellent protection for the printed surface while providing a pleasant tactile experience.
Topical UV Varnishing
A topical UV varnish highlights specific text or images on the printed surface, especially logos, by applying UV inks to specific areas. Some luxury paper bags, boxes, gift boxes, cosmetic boxes, jewelry boxes, and retail boxes use topical UV varnishing on brand logos.
The box above is a photolithographic laminated packaging carton used for electronics. Printing on the display surface is Spot UV Varnished, which adds eye-catching aesthetics to the print.
Differences between Varnished, AQ Coated and UV Coated
Coating Options
A varnish, a water-based coating, and a UV coating are three common types of protective coatings for printed packaging boxes.
Because varnishes are pigment-free, clear inks, they were first introduced to the printed packaging industry. The printing process uses them as normal CMYK inks. There are three types of finishes: glossy, matte, and satin. Most of the available coating options are less expensive than varnishes.
The majority of varnishes contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are not environmentally friendly. Glossy finishes also have the disadvantage of taking a long time to dry.
In the late 1970s, AQ Coating, also known as Aqueous Coating, was developed. Water-based aqueous products contain between 30-40% water. Because it does not emit VOCs like varnishes, it is an environmentally friendly coating.
It is possible to dry AQ coatings using infrared radiation. In the press, powder is reduced, which is an advantage in comparison to yellowing, which is common in painted boxes that have been stored for some time. Additionally, ghosting is eliminated and environmental regulations are met.
Waterborne coatings are typically applied to the entire sheet of paper rather than on a spot (spot UV). Waterborne coatings are typically twice as expensive as varnishes. It also takes longer to dry than UV coatings.
It has the highest gloss level and is resistant to rubbing, which makes UV coating the most popular coating option for folding cartons. Initially, it’s a clear liquid that cures (dries) immediately when exposed to UV light. A variety of glosses are available. A topical UV varnish is commonly used to highlight a company’s brand logo.
Coating Varnishing Uses
Painting the surface of printed cartons serves three purposes.
To protect the ink from dirt, smudges, fingerprints, and scratches.
Furthermore, some coatings can make the printed surface of the box more durable.
The third step is to add glossy or matte finishes to make the box look great and eye-catching.
Some packaging available
A matte red rigid cardboard box with a partial UV varnished logo
E flute corrugated box with high gloss disappearing print
Matte varnished and partially UV-treated CD paper packaging
Spot UV printing on foldable cardboard box
Conclusion:
An aqueous coating solution is typically applied to the entire printed piece at the end of the printing process. More and more companies are using high gloss UV coating for custom packaging with different styles/colors/ to build their brand. Please contact our packaging experts for details.
