{"id":5716,"date":"2022-12-23T13:08:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-23T18:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/?post_type=learn&#038;p=5716"},"modified":"2025-05-23T11:09:38","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T15:09:38","slug":"what-is-uv-ultraviolet-coating","status":"publish","type":"learn","link":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/learn\/what-is-uv-ultraviolet-coating\/","title":{"rendered":"What is UV Coating in Packaging?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>UV coating is a clear liquid applied to paper substrates and then cured using ultraviolet light for a high gloss-like surface effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The UV coating process is done after printing using a UV coating machine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UV coatings have the capability to bring your artwork designs to life and add a sleeker look to your final packaging design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s jump into what the UV process entails and how you can implement it into your <a href=\"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/\">custom packaging<\/a> project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The UV Coating Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>UV coatings are one of the most popular finishing processes for packaging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is a clear liquid compound and includes the following ingredients to ensure it is strongly bonded to the surface of the packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Calcium<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carbonate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kaolinite<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Polyethylene<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The liquid compound is applied using a silkscreen or a roller to generously distribute the coating across a surface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Paper Coating Operations\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/NyuS1BxyZqA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the wet coating is applied, it is cured using ultraviolet light, and in a matter of seconds, the coating is completely dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UV coatings are water-resistant, making them a common choice for protecting the durability of packaging surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The UV coating can be applied to all box surfaces or only to specified surfaces; the choice is yours!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Spot UV? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spot UV printing uses the same liquid compound as the UV coating would.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only difference is that rather than generously applying the coating to the surface of packaging, it is only applied to specified areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This could include, logos, text or images. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spot UV helps bring more dimension to packaging designs by highlighting important elements.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pakfactory-blog-media.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com\/blog1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/uncategorized\/2023_05_budy-farms-pkg.jpeg\" alt=\"example of spot uv\" class=\"wp-image-12470\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/packaging-design.html\">PakFactory<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading cnvs-block-core-heading-1585163396029\">What Are the Common Uses of UV Coating?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>UV coatings are a versatile technique utilized for all types of paper products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it works best for thicker and heavier weights of paper such as <a href=\"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/custom-rigid-setup-boxes.html\">rigid set-up boxes<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/custom-printed-corrugated-boxes.html\">corrugated packaging<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UV coatings do a wonderful job at enhancing art work designs and really bringing them to life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s why you&#8217;ll most likely see this finish applied to luxury packaging for an added high-quality feel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, the e-commerce industry have been using this coating technique more often to enhance the tensile strength of their packaging in transit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading cnvs-block-core-heading-1585163396038\"><strong>Types of UV Coating<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the appearance and feel you wish to produce with your UV coated printed boxes, you can consider the following solutions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading cnvs-block-core-heading-1585163396048\">Gloss UV<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gloss UV, as the name suggests, provides the glossiest of all coatings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking for brilliant gloss and a beautiful patina, gloss UV is a good option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To avoid creating a highly reflective (and therefore less legible) surfaces and an over-the-top shine, you may want to reserve gloss UV coatings for spot UV printing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading cnvs-block-core-heading-1585163396056\">Matte UV<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Matte finishing gives off a feeling of elegance and luxury. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Matte spot UV can be applied to specific areas that you wish to highlight as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, you can opt for flood protective UV, which covers the entire sheet and imparts a rich, vivid effect. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pakfactory-blog-media.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com\/blog1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/uncategorized\/2023_05_mag-closure.jpeg\" alt=\"example of matte uv\" class=\"wp-image-12471\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/custom-rigid-setup-boxes.html\">PakFactory<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>However, as matte UV is prone to fingerprints, it may not be the right choice for all products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading cnvs-block-core-heading-1585163396064\">Pearlescent UV<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This type of coating provides a lustrous pearlescent glow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It combines Gloss UV coatings with metal flecks in different colors to achieve this effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It gives off an iridescent finish commonly used for <a href=\"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/custom-cosmetic-packaging-boxes.html\">cosmetics packaging. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading cnvs-block-core-heading-1585163396072\">Orange Peel UV<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Combining a raised design with a textured finish, orange peel UV creates visual interest and unique tactile experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The textured finish adds a sensory element to your packaging that is not only eye catching but fun to handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading cnvs-block-core-heading-1585163396093\"><strong>Advantages and Disadvantages of&nbsp;UV Coating<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several advantages and disadvantages of using UV coating:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading cnvs-block-core-heading-1585163396100\">Advantages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Striking &amp; bold:<\/strong> The ultraviolet coating creates a high gloss, vibrant finish that can significantly enhance the visual appeal and perceived value of the packaging or product.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Scuff resistant:<\/strong> It also offers a higher level of scuff resistance in comparison to aqueous coatings and varnishes. UV coated items resist abrasion quite impressively, though the type of coating will also influence the smudge resistance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fast drying:<\/strong> Quick-drying helps ensure a reduction in lead time and a more efficient process overall.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading cnvs-block-core-heading-1585163396108\">Disadvantages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chemical burning:<\/strong> Depending on the PMS color used, UV coating can be susceptible to chemical burning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Compromised quality and appearance:<\/strong> If the process of printing is not set-up properly, the output of the print may come out a bit defective.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, UV coating provides a sleek and premium appearance to the print quality of your product and is an excellent choice if you want to make a striking first impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For alternative coating options, you can also check out:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/what-is-varnish-packaging-print\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Varnish<\/a>&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/what-is-aq-aqueous-coating\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AQ coating<\/a> <strong>or <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/contact\"><strong>disc<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>UV coating is one of the most popular finishing solutions available. Create striking designs and learn all about how you can use UV coating for your packaging!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2222,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false},"module":[83],"class_list":["post-5716","learn","type-learn","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","module-coatings-finishes-for-packaging"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/learn\/5716","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/learn"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/learn"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/learn\/5716\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6000,"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/learn\/5716\/revisions\/6000"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2222"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5716"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"module","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakfactory.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/module?post=5716"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}