You’ve probably seen them before—the kind of printed materials so glossy that you can almost see your reflection. This isn’t a special type of UV coated paper; it’s an eye-catching finish called a high gloss UV coating. Below, we’ll walk you through some of the top UV coating printing considerations.
What is High Gloss UV Coating?
UV (short for Ultra-Violet) coating gets its name from the process used to “cure” the finish on your printed materials. First, the UV coating machine places a special coat of varnish on your printed materials, on one or both sides according to your preferences. Next, the machine “cures” your cards using a specially calibrated ultraviolet light, the same type of light that comes from the sun. This hardens the coating on the card, drying it instantly with a super shiny finish.
What are the benefits of UV Coating?
The main benefits of UV coating are around aesthetics and durability.
First, high gloss UV coating is a very popular way to make your direct mail pop. The high gloss shine sharpens your images and locks in the vibrant colors of your design, making your printed materials more resistant to fading over time. The glossy shine adds a high-end touch and makes brochures and beautifully designed postcards even more appealing.
Second, UV coating gives your card a thicker feel. The coating on one or both sides of your stock of choice gives your card an extra layer, meaning it feels thicker and heavier in your hand. A UV high gloss coating is therefore perfect for business cards, postcards, and other materials where thickness makes a difference. The glossy finish also creates an appealing, smooth texture. Both these factors are important for physical, tangible marketing pieces.
Third, applying a high gloss UV coating is like adding a protective barrier to your printed products. The coating is designed to make your materials more tear, fold, and curl resistant, giving them more opportunity to end up in the hands of your target audience and not in the trash. Although it won’t make your printed pieces waterproof, it will also make them more water-resistant.
Is UV Coating environmentally responsible?
Although it’s true that some methods of UV coating can give off toxic fumes, at Excel Printing and Mailing we took our time to research all of the options out there and selected the UV coating machine that’s right for your needs and right for the environment. You can be assured that when you choose our high gloss UV coating for your printed products, you’re not doing so at the expense of the environment. And just like standard paper, our UV coated materials can be recycled. Your next UV coating printing project just got even better!
What Kind of Marketing Materials Are Suited to UV Coating?
Most marketing materials can be enhanced by a good quality high gloss UV coating, but premium printed materials are particularly well suited to this choice. By adding a glossy UV finish to a postcard, brochure, or menu, your marketing material is instantly elevated. Choosing a high gloss UV coating will typically cost slightly more, but you’ll instantly see the added value. Here are a few examples of pieces that would benefit from a UV gloss coating:
- Postcards and all marketing materials for high-end brands, whether you’re a luxury real estate agent or run a premium interior design business, salon, restaurant, or fashion store.
- Direct mail featuring an event calendar, a menu, a reminder, or anything you want to encourage your reader to keep for a longer period, on the fridge, for example.
- Catalogs and brochures featuring appealing photography.
- Any printed materials using heavier card or paper stocks.
A high gloss UV coating can elevate almost any direct mail piece. We’d only recommend steering clear of this choice if your printed marketing materials will need to be folded, the paper you’re using is too thin, or if your piece will need to be written on by the recipient.
Why Should I Choose High Gloss UV Coating?
High gloss UV coating helps your printed materials stand out from the rest. In addition to giving your materials more texture, which appeals to the senses, UV coating also sharpens your colors and helps your images pop off the page. Additionally, UV coating reduces smudging and makes your postcards, business cards, flyers, etc. more resistant to folds, tears, and curls. Consider giving your next printing project an extra boost by choosing to add a high gloss UV coating!
Order Printed Materials that Stand Out Today!
Excel Printing & Mailing is here to help you create beautiful printed, direct mail pieces from start to finish. From stunning design to precise printing and affordable mailing services, we offer the one-stop-shop you need to efficiently and conveniently complete your direct mail marketing projects for you.
We’re here to help with more information on applying a glossy finish, and offer UV coating printing tips! Give our friendly Illinois-based team a call, or request a quote for your next direct mail project.
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UV Coating Printing FAQs
Find answers to common questions and other UV coating printing considerations.
Do you print on UV coated paper?
No, but we can get you the look you need! The highly glossy, durable printed materials you’re thinking of are not made with UV gloss paper, or any kind of UV coated paper at all. This look is actually created using a high gloss UV coating that is applied after your direct mail piece is printed.
Is it more expensive to choose a high gloss UV coating?
Yes, it’s likely to cost a little more, but will only add around $10 to the cost of a batch of 500 postcards.
Can I choose UV printing for only one side of my postcard?
Yes, you can choose where you want us to add a UV coating, and where you’d prefer a standard finish. This means you can still get the premium look you need without UV coating areas that will need to feature a label or handwriting.
What is the difference between UV coating and gloss coating?
A glossy UV finish is similar to a standard gloss finish, but greater. A standard gloss finish gives some shine to your printed piece, but a high gloss UV coating will add a more noticeable reflective shine. Additionally, opting for a UV gloss coating will increase the durability and water resistance of your marketing piece. A UV gloss coating creates an overall premium look and feel.
What is the UV coating on business cards?
It’s a special process designed to increase shine and durability. A special varnish is added to the business cards, and ultra-violet light is used to lock it in.