Coatings

Dot Graphics provides various types of coatings to heighten a gloss or matte finish and to protect the surface of your printed product from scuffs and scratches. When deciding if a coating should be used it is important to consider the application of your printed piece, its required durability and life span. The stock you are selecting will also determine if a coating is required. For many stocks, particularly uncoated papers, printing ink alone will be sufficient. It is best to discuss this with us.

Some coatings are applied like ink on press and others are applied during finishing or binding. Press coatings are thinner and cost less than bindery coatings, which are applied over dry ink at relatively slow speeds. A liquid coating can be applied to a section of a page (spot coating) or to an entire page. Different types of coatings can be applied to the same piece - for example, a satin aqueous piece might have spot UV gloss coating.

Aqueous Coating ::
Aqueous Coating is a fast-drying, protective coating which is applied while the paper stock is on the press to achieve a variety of finishes - matte, dull, satin, and gloss - at a lower price than varnish. Generally speaking, this water-based coating is only applied to 100 lb. text and heavier papers. For the most part, aqueous coatings are applied to the whole sheet, although spot treatments are available. Aqueous coating is available only on 28x40 and for long runs.

UV Coating ::
UV Coating is a clear liquid spread over the paper like ink and then cured instantly with ultraviolet light. This immediate-drying coating offers more protection and sheen than either varnish or aqueous coating. While gloss UV is the most common type, it is also available in matte, dull and satin. UV is used on a full range of coated and uncoated papers, from 100 lb. text and up.

Varnish ::
Varnish is essentially ink without pigment that can be used on any weight stock and be applied over ink without fear of bleeding. This petroleum-based sealant protects against rubbing and adds visual interest to a piece. It can be printed at the same time other inks are laid down, or run as an additional pass through the press, yielding a glossier finish. Varnish comes in gloss, dull, and satin (in-between dull and gloss), and can be tinted by adding pigment to the varnish.