Want to add a little extra flair to your print? You would want to consider Spot UV technique! When it comes to packaging and printing, you’ve probably heard about Spot UV coating or Spot UV printing.
In brief, Spot UV is a popular printing, or better said, coating technique that has gained significant popularity in recent years. The reason? This coating can add a glossy and raised effect to printed material. Thus, Spot UV is the best way to show professionalism and give a luxury touch to your printed material. Excited to learn more? This post will describe everything you need to know about Spot UV!
What Is Spot UV?
Spot UV is a technique of applying a glossy, ultra-smooth finish to some areas of printed materials like business cards, product packaging, postcards, or brochures. The Spot UV coating involves applying a special UV-cured varnish to specific areas which are then exposed to ultraviolet light to harden the coating. This results in a shiny finish, a vibrant aesthetic, and a diversity of textures on a printed surface for an eye-catching effect. Hence, resulting in a striking contrast between the glossy spots and the rest of the design.
Why Use Spot UV for Product Packaging?
If you are searching for the ideal way to highlight your products through your packaging, applying Spot UV is the smartest one. Why?
Because this printing technique adds a protective coating that produces impactful packaging to differentiate your products and brand.
Which elements of your packaging can be applied with Spot UV?
- Your brand’s logo
- Slogan and taglines
- Your artwork design
- Images
Simply put, Spot UV is the ultimate option in deluxe printing techniques to make a lasting impression. This technique isn’t just about aesthetics—its benefits go far beyond appearance. Combining Spot UV with a Matte Lamination will add real contrast and depth to your design. Even better, the thick UV varnish will give a smooth quality to your product packaging. Hence, leaving the impression that no customer will want to skip.
Undoubtedly, there are several reasons for applying Spot UV to your product packaging. Let’s have a look at some!
- It enhances the overall product presentation: Spot UV creates a visible textual impression that a standard coated print cannot afford
- Quick and effective: With its quick drying technique, the precision achieved by Spot UV is quite remarkable.
- It adds a protective layer: As Spot UV seals the color on the printed material, this coating also offers reliable protection against moisture.
- Safe and environmentally friendly: Spot UV doesn’t contain solvents; the coating stays exactly where it’s placed and doesn’t escape into the air, making it a great option for environmentally friendly packaging.
Spot UV: Let’s Know the Process!
The Spot UV process begins by deciding which area of the mask file (a template image used to define specific areas where a special effect) you want to apply Spot UV coating. To get sharp and crisp effects, your mask file must be black and white with no gradients or soft edges—only clean, defined lines.
Then the UV varnish will be applied precisely over the designated areas. For optimal results, you should consider applying the Spot UV slightly. Plus, you should focus on key design elements, such as your brand’s logo or text. This selective use of Spot UV ensures an elegant finish and prevents a cluttered look. This way, the coating will enhance the visual and tactile experience of your product packaging.
Spot UV + Matte Varnish
Matte varnish can make a smooth and non-glossy surface. Combining Spot UV and matte varnish is a popular choice to create luxury packaging for jewelry and cosmetic products. Most importantly, this combination can add a protective layer to the packaging and prevent damage over time. Hence, it can help you elevate your brand’s image and create a premium feel for your products.
Spot UV + Matte Laminate
The glossy appearance of Spot UV combined with soft matte laminate will highlight graphics or text on your product packaging. This combination will make the color themes on your packaging appear darker. Applying Spot UV on matte laminate will make your brand logo and images more visible.
Spot UV + Soft-Touch Matte Finish
You might probably have known that a soft-touch matte finish is perfect to enhance the tactile feel of your product packaging. Well, combining Spot UV with a soft-touch matte finish is a better way to get a sophisticated look and velvety texture.
What to Consider When Applying Spot UV to Product Packaging?
So, if you’re thinking of applying the Spot UV technique to your product packaging, there are some points you must consider.
- Choose the right material
Keep in mind that the type of material you choose can greatly affect the final outcome of Spot UV. Some materials like uncoated paper and plastics will not be suitable for this technique. To get good results, you can consider using paperboard, folding carton boxes, corrugated boxes, set up boxes, and a sustainable option like kraft paper.
- Decide the suitable areas of design
Spot UV can highlight certain areas of your artwork design. However, you should consider which areas would benefit most from this technique. Mostly, brands apply Spot UV to highlight their logos and text.
- Understand the effect and results
Before applying Spot UV, you must consider the effect and results. For example, applying it on a high gloss finish will create a premium look. Meanwhile, a matte finish can create a more subtle effect. So, make sure you set the desired effect you want.
- Consider your budget
Applying Spot UV will surely add an additional cost to the printing and packaging process. Thus, you must consider your budget before deciding whether to use this technique. Plus, you should note the potential benefits of using Spot UV.
In Summary
No doubt, Spot UV is a popular coating technique that can add an extra flair to your print. This technique is the best way to show professionalism and give a luxury touch to your printed material. Moreover, Spot UV adds a protective coating that produces impactful packaging to differentiate your products and brand. Speaking of the benefits, Spot UV can help to elevate your brand’s image and create a premium feel for your products.
Still have any questions?
Contact Dream Custom Boxes to learn more about Spot UV to create the ideal look for your product packaging!
