Formost Graphic Communications

Finishing Touch: Adding a Coating to Your Print Collateral

When it comes to adding a finishing touch to your print project, there are several coating options available. Gloss, dull, satin, and “soft touch” can add shine, depth, and a unique aesthetic to your piece. You’re probably familiar with gloss, dull and satin, but have you felt soft-touch yet? This relatively new coating option imparts a unique, rich, matte, almost rubbery feel. Call us at 301-424-4242 and we’ll send you a sample of soft touch, which is great for presentation folders, catalog covers, and packaging.

In the meantime, here is a guide to the three main types of coatings.

COATING TYPE

AVAILABLE FINISHES

DETAILS

Aqueous

Gloss, Dull, Satin, Soft Touch

  • Water-based
  • Applied in-line on press immediately after ink is laid down
  • Dries quickly allowing for expedited turnaround
  • Great for a project that needs extra protection from smudges, fingerprints, and scratches.
  • Cost effective because it eliminates the need for a second pass through the press as with varnish.
  • Biodegradable and recyclable and non-toxic.
  • Can be used to flood an entire sheet, or as a spot coating on a particular area.

 

Varnish

Gloss, Satin, Dull

 

 

  • Ink without pigment.
  • Can be applied in-line or as a second pass after ink has dried.
  • Great for adding depth to the aesthetic of a piece, not so much for protecting the piece.
  • Can be used to flood an entire sheet, or as a spot coating on a particular area.
  • More recyclable than UV Coating, but do emit compounds that can be irritants to those applying them.
UV Coating 

High Gloss, Satin, Matte, Glitter, Tint, Event Scents!

 

  • Applied like ink and dried using ultraviolet light.
  • Also known as “liquid laminate.”
  • Can be used to flood an entire sheet, or as a spot coating on a particular area.
  • More likely to show smudges and fingerprints and can make folding more difficult.
  • Process does not emit harmful byproducts; clean-up does require strong chemicals.

 

FORMost Graphic Communications

Phone: 301-424-4242