Spot UV is a printing technique used in the packaging industry to apply a UV-cured varnish to specific areas of a printed surface.
Unlike flood UV coating, which covers the entire surface, Spot UV is localized to particular elements, like logos or text, for visual emphasis.
The process involves printing a UV-curable varnish using a plate or a digital mask and then curing it instantly with ultraviolet light.
This creates a glossy, raised effect that enhances visual contrast and tactile sensation.
In retail packaging, Spot UV improves aesthetics and durability, making products stand out.
Process of Spot UV
The process of Spot UV in the packaging industry involves multiple steps to achieve the desired glossy or matte finish on specific areas of printed material. Here’s how it typically works:
Design Preparation: The first step involves identifying which areas on the artwork will receive the Spot UV treatment. These areas are usually highlighted in a separate layer within the design file.
Pre-press: Before printing, the design undergoes pre-press preparation. A specialized mask or plate is created for the areas that will receive the Spot UV coating.
Base Printing: The underlying layer, usually made of paper, cardboard, or other materials, is printed using conventional printing techniques like offset or digital printing.
Alignment: The printed sheets are then precisely aligned to ensure that the Spot UV coating will be applied to the designated areas accurately.
Varnish Application: Using the mask or plate prepared earlier, UV-curable varnish is applied only to the specific areas earmarked for Spot UV treatment.
UV Curing: The varnish-coated sheets are passed through a UV curing machine, where ultraviolet light instantly cures (hardens) the varnish. This step is crucial for achieving the desired glossy or matte effect.
Quality Control: After curing, each sheet undergoes quality inspection to ensure that the Spot UV application is flawless.
Finishing: Finally, the printed sheets are cut, folded, and assembled to create the finished packaging product.
Through this process, Spot UV adds a premium look and tactile feel to packaging materials, making them more appealing and memorable.
