Spot UV is one of the various specialty printing processes used to create distinctive packaging for companies and products.

Similar to lamination, it improves the perception of the quality of printed materials. This method may be utilized to enhance important aspects of your packaging, such as;

  • Logos 
  • Slogans 
  • Artwork 
  • designs 
  • Photos

Notably, spot UV “printing” is not a printing technology but rather a coating technique.

UV printing involves using ultraviolet (UV) light to white card stock and color-printed paper goods. UV light fixes the varnish applied to printed materials, resulting in a glossy finish for every design element.

This coating seals the color in specific areas/spots of a printed object, imparts an appealing sheen, and protects the surface from moisture and other forms of wear and tear.

Spot finish is also used to generate a variety of textures on a printed area for a dramatic, attention-grabbing effect.

The Benefits of Spot UV Printing

Longevity:

Spot UV provides a gloss and durability that helps protect printed materials from damage. This, in turn, helps your products stand out on retailers’ shelves, which is ideal in an age where shelf space is at a premium.

Overall presentation:

The glossy finish of spot UV products is ideal for showcasing your brand’s image, logo, and branding artwork. It helps keep consumers’ attention and creates a more positive impression of your product in the overall “retail package.”

Easier to use:

Spot UV is a highly versatile printing process that may be utilized on clear, colored, and patterned plastics and paper materials. It makes it more attractive to consumers, especially if used to present photographs and other images.

Ease of maintenance:

Unlike lamination processes which require minimum effort on the part of manufacturers, spot UV requires no special maintenance for printed materials.

Environmentally friendly:

A spot UV coating is a water-based varnish that produces no toxic solvent waste. Its low VOC emissions are comparable to “regular” printing processes and help minimize the impact of the manufacturing process on the environment.

Versatile:

Spot UV may be used to print virtually any color combination on paper, card stock, or plastic material.

Available at competitive pricing:

Several commercial printers offer spot UV printing at competitive prices. It makes it ideal for various small and medium-sized businesses who wish to incorporate this technology into their products without breaking their budgets.

Quick and effective:

Spot UV printing is a time-effective process that can be completed in as little as 2-3 hours.

Protective layer:

It is a protectant coating applied over the printed substrate. It resists wear, tear, moisture, and other forms of damage incurred from normal wear and tear of printed materials.

Spot UV Applications

The applications of coating utilizing UV include;

  • business cards
  • Invitation cards
  • Brochures
  • Flyers
  • Postcards
  • Card stocks
  • Packaging boxes.

Several effects can be possible, from a light glossy and very glossy to exquisite matte or satin and a neutral finish.

This is a flexible method appropriate for heavier and thinner paper stocks; having said that, it is not favorable for very fine and thin paper.