You’ve likely seen business cards, brochures, or packaging with a super glossy finish—that’s probably UV coating. It’s one of the most common surface finishing techniques in the printing and packaging industry. Today’s blog will explain:
What is UV coating?
UV coating is a surface finishing process that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to cure a liquid coating applied to printed materials instantly.
Think of it like getting a gel manicure—once the coating is exposed to UV light, it hardens quickly into a glossy, protective layer.
It’s typically applied after printing and acts like a “protective jacket”—making the material look more premium, feel smoother, and resist moisture and scratches.
UV coating uses in packaging and printing
UV coating is most commonly applied to coated paper and paper-based packaging materials, especially thicker types like cardstock, cover paper, and folding cartons, where it enhances gloss, texture, and visual appeal.
It can also be used on non-paper surfaces such as plastic, metal, and glass—though proper surface treatment may be required to ensure adhesion. Among these, plastic packaging materials—like PVC or PET boxes and labels—are the most common.
You’ll often find UV coating on:
- Brochures and flyers
- Business cards
- Cosmetic or electronics packaging
- Book covers and gift boxes
- And many more printed or packaged items.
UV coating application methods
There are several ways to apply UV coating, depending on the surface and desired effect:
- Roll coating – for full-surface (flood) UV coating on flat sheets.
- Spray coating – for 3D objects like bottles.
- Screen printing – for spot UV, raised UV, or textured effects.
All methods require UV light curing at the final stage to harden the coating and achieve the desired finish.
Flood UV coating vs spot UV coating
UV coatings can be applied across the entire surface or only on selected areas, resulting in two main coverage types—Flood UV and Spot UV—each chosen based on design goals and desired visual or tactile effects.
Flood UV coating covers the whole surface of the printed material. It’s often used on brochures, postcards, and rigid boxes to enhance overall gloss and color uniformity.
Spot UV coating is applied only to specific areas—like logos, patterns, or text highlights. It creates contrast and adds a premium, tactile effect that draws attention to key design elements.
Different UV varnish formulations create different surface finishes in UV coating, ranging from glossy to matte, textured, or pearlescent, etc.
Glossy and matte UV coating
Glossy UV uses the most basic and widely applied UV varnish—a clear, highly reflective formula that creates a smooth, polished surface. It adds high shine and makes colors pop, enhancing the overall visual impact.
Common uses:
- Marketing materials like brochures, magazine covers, and promotional cards.
- Product packaging for food, electronics, and other consumer goods.
Matte UV creates a non-reflective, soft-touch surface using UV varnish with matting agents. It’s popular among minimalist brands seeking a refined, understated finish.
Common uses:
- Fashion tags
- Clean-look business cards
- Packaging with a subtle, modern aesthetic
Soft-touch UV coating
Soft-touch UV combines a matte finish with a velvety, suede-like texture that feels smooth and warm to the touch. It mimics the feel of materials like microfiber or velvet, offering a tactile experience that goes beyond visual appeal.
Common uses:
- Product boxes aiming to evoke softness or comfort.
- Premium brochures with a warm, emotional feel.
- Brand materials designed for intimacy or elegance.
Raised UV coating
Raised UV uses a thicker application of UV varnish to produce a tactile, raised effect on specific areas of the surface—such as logos, patterns, or key visuals.
Common uses:
- Cosmetic packaging boxes with embossed-style logos or accents.
- Product labels that require standout branding or added dimensional interest.
Textured UV coating
Textured UV creates fine surface textures using specially formulated UV varnishes, screen printing techniques, or a combination of both—depending on the design.
It’s well-suited for invitations, custom boxes, or printed pieces where a distinctive tactile experience adds value and character—without the pronounced height of raised UV.
Pearlescent UV coating
Pearlescent UV uses UV varnish with pearlescent pigments to create a soft, shimmering finish that reflects light with subtle color shifts.
The effect adds elegance and dimension—often associated with premium cosmetic lines and delicate gift packaging.
Ideal for designs that aim to convey refinement, femininity, or a sense of celebration.
Colored UV coating
Colored UV adds pigments to the UV varnish to produce vibrant finishes—such as red, blue, or metallic tones.
It’s widely used across industries like packaging, promotional materials, and specialty print products where bold, attention-grabbing visuals are essential.
Color-changing UV coating
This uses special UV varnishes that change color in response to heat or light exposure.
Often used for interactive packaging, novelty prints, promotional cards, and creative product designs that aim to surprise or engage users through sensory interaction.
Before wrapping up
The UV coating types above can be combined with other print finishing techniques—like foil stamping, embossing—to create unique and high-end effects.
Compared to aqueous coating or traditional varnish, UV coating offers better durability and visual impact. However, it’s still less robust than plastic lamination. Costs vary by method and effect—Spot UV and specialty finishes like raised or pearlescent coatings are generally more expensive.
Need help choosing the right finish? Just send us your design or reference image—we’ll recommend the most cost-effective UV solution tailored to your needs, often better than what you’d find locally or on Alibaba.
