Coatings: The Difference Between Good Print And Outstanding Print

Furthermore, the use of a coating can give images and text more depth and definition

, drawing attention to different areas of the piece.

Types of coating

There are four main types of coating:

Varnish Much like ink without color

Aqueous A water based coating similar to Varnish

UV Extremely durable coating

EB Similar to UV coating except for the way in which it is applied

Each of the coatings has its pros and cons and is valuable in its own way for individual print purposes. The type of coating itself is not where the choice ends, though, as each of the coatings has a range of finishes (matte, gloss, satin, etc.). The combination of coatings and finishes can take a fine print and transform it into something wonderful.

Varnish

This is the most inexpensive form of coating available. Varnish can be applied during printing, or off line. It also has the ability to be applied all over the print or simply in certain spots and patterns to highlight selected areas. Whilst this is a good option for those with a lower budget, users should be aware that varnish will eventually yellow the paper over time.

Aqueous

The water-based coating is extremely similar to varnish yet, as it is not a solvent, the Aqueous coating is safer to use and less harmful to the environment. The finishing coat will protect prints against general wear and tear just as the varnish does. However, due to the fact that the ink never fully dries properly because of the water in the coating itself, this is one of the protective films that does not offer water resistance. Available in gloss, matte and satin finishes, the coating is every bit as capable of adding detail to a print as varnish is, though because of the nature of the coating itself, it tends to be used only for flood use (overall) rather than spot or pattern treatment.

UV

UV coatings come in liquid or paste form. They are applied to the print itself and then placed under a UV light where the coating then reacts with the light and hardens to form an extremely tough coating. This particular coating is one of the hardest-wearing coatings which can be found. Because of its thickness and rigidity, if the print is bent or folded, it could crack the coating.

EB

EB coatings are similar to UV coatings in that they begin as a liquid or paste and transform into a solid protective coating. Electron beams are used in the place of UV light as a catalyst. This form of coating is also a great durable way of protecting print and adding depth to its features.

Which coating to use?

Deciding which coating to use will largely depend on different factors:

Purpose Flyers, posters, publications or artwork all have different coating needs.

Budget Different budgets will allow for certain coatings. Finding a balance between cost and function is important.

Environment Thought should be put into the environment the print will be placed in. Will temperature affect it? Or will it be handled a lot?

Answering these questions will lead to the correct coating.

by: Amanda Gonzales

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