What Is Spot UV Printing?

Ultraviolet cured coatings can be applied over ink printed on paper and dried by exposure to UV radiation. UV coatings can be formulated up to 100% solids so that they have no volatile component that contributes to pollution. This high solids level also allows for the coating to be applied in very thin films. UV coatings can be formulated to a wide variety of gloss ranges. UV coating can be applied via most conventional industrial coating applications as well as by silkscreen.

Due to the normally high solids content of UV coating/varnish the surface of the cured film can be extremely reflective and glossy. 80lb text and heavier weights of paper can be UV coated, however, cover weights are preferred.

UV can be applied on spot locations of the paper or by flooding the page. This coating application can deepen the colour of the printed area. Drying is virtually instantaneous when exposed to the correct level of UV light so projects can move quickly to the finishing department.

A printed page with UV coating applied can be very shiny or flattened to a matte finish. A good example of UV coated paper is photo paper sold for home printing projects.

If you think a Spot UV effect is for you, your printer will require a Spot UV file which is basically a mask determining where the Spot UV is to be applied. Your designer will be able to supply you with this.

So if you want to go that extra mile and give your business cards or brochures that ‘stand out’ look Spot UV is worth considering.