If you want your packaging or printed materials to stand out, Glazing can be used to add a unique accent of color or create a subtle look that reflects your branding like magnetic closure boxes. But what exactly is Varnish? What are the different types of varnishes? Which type of Varnish is best?
What Are The Varnishes For The Printing And Packaging Industry?
Varnishes are clear coats applied to printed materials during or after packaging printing, like magnetic closure boxes. Varnishes are often used in packaging to protect printed materials from fingerprints, smudges, and scratches, improve the package’s color depth and overall appearance, and give it a unique style.
Typical Types Of Printing Varnishes
First, let’s discuss four typical types of varnishes used in the printing and packaging industry.
Gloss is usually applied to the entire surface or specific areas of the printed packaging. It can create and accentuate the contrast between colors, adding depth and detail. To the naked eye, the colors appear more “prominent”. However, shiny surfaces are highly reflective in direct sunlight, making the text difficult to read.
Matte Texture
The matte texture gives the packaging design a subtler, softer look. Matte varnishes are non-reflective, so matt varnishes are more suitable than glossy varnishes for packaging that has a lot of text or needs to be read from a distance. However, it should be noted that this effect looks much smoother than gloss varnish.
Matte Percussion
In this technique, matte and gloss varnishes are applied to different parts of the print. Matte Varnish should be used everywhere except where a more substantial gloss effect is required. That way, the matte Varnish allows the glossy effect to penetrate and shine while the rest of the pack has a softer look. In this way, two types of packaging can be distinguished.
Satin
A combination of matt and gloss varnishes resists fingerprints, stains, and scratches and gives a soft impression. It feels uncoated, so it maintains a casual look, but the packaging is better protected in transit.
Advantages Of Varnishes In Packaging And Printing
Varnish adds a literal quality to the design and printing of the box. In addition to preventing scratches, fingerprints, and smudges, it can also improve the perceived value of a product. Varnishes can be used selectively or can cover the entire panel in one process.
Varnishes can also be used to create a unique and robust impression. In wet trapping, for example, the Varnish is applied while the paint is still dry, ensuring the two mix and create a unique style. The paint is first allowed to dry in dry trapping, and more Varnish is added to the press when the pack is turned a second time.
Disadvantages Of Varnish in Packaging And Printing
- A considerable disadvantage of varnishes is that they do not provide as much protection as other types of coatings, such as UV and water-based varnishes (AQ).
- Varnishes are also less environmentally friendly and must be used carefully to ensure no harmful by-products are released into the atmosphere.
Consider how your choice of Varnish affects your choice of soft-touch coating or laminate, matte or gloss laminate, embossing, or decal.
Variety Of Varnish Effects And Styles
Influence UV Coating
Varnishes differ not only in their types, such as satin or gloss but also in their different techniques.
For example, UV gloss varnishes are one of the most popular choices because they provide protection and high impact. Glossy UV coatings are more durable in frequently processed custom magnetic closure boxes and packaging than other types of coatings.
UV light in UV coating means that after the liquid ink is applied, it is cured with a UV drying lamp. Therefore, its surface is very resistant to wear and scratches.
If you want to give your packaging a sensory effect, consider using UV-enhanced paints. It enlarges the printed area and graphics, making the raised areas perceptible and tactilely different between raised and non-raised areas. Many DVD packages are printed this way, with expanded text and other prominent areas to promote the touchscreen.
Another way to grab attention and focus on it is to use a dotted UV pattern. It means that only certain parts of the packaging, such as logos, are glossy, which reflects light and attracts attention.
Is Varnish The Same Ss Laminate?
In other words, both laminate and lacquer refer to the same process of adding a protective layer to an item to make it more luxurious or softer. Additionally, both laminates and varnishes protect sleeve packaging from damage, with laminates providing more protection than varnishes.
In many cases, especially if the product is not treated frequently, Varnish is a more economical way to add an essential layer of protection without investing in high-cost laminate.
Seemingly Endless Options And Technologies
From UV to high-gloss coatings, soft matt looks luxurious, and velvet satin adds softness and elegance – the variations seem endless.
Packaging needs to have a particular style. Whether an elegant package that invites you to open it or an appealing box with a striking sheen, every package has a readership and readers have certain expectations.
What’s more, the packaging is more important than ever, building brand loyalty through unboxing and circulation.