The Best Coating Types for Your Commercial Printing Project

Every time you need something printed for your business, there are a variety of options to consider. From the paper type to the size, weight, and total volume of the project, you and your team may have to put your heads together to decide on every detail.

Along those lines, you should always make the right choice when it comes to print coating types for your commercial print job. Depending on the specific purpose of your printed materials, you’ll need to choose the print coating that works best to ensure it successfully lives up to the task.

From protection against dirt and wear and tear to moisture or excessive heat, the coating you choose can make a big difference. In today’s post, we’ll cover the major paper coating types and the printed materials they suit best.

Varnish Coating

Varnish coatings are some of the most affordable coatings on the market. They’re typically applied to either the entire sheet of printed material or to smaller sections to highlight them. The varnish creates additional shine to the image or large text while providing an extra layer of protection. Varnish coatings are applied in much the same way as ink and are available in satin, gloss, or dull finishes.

The process of adding a varnish coating is fairly complex, especially during the offset printing process. Offset spray powder must be applied to ensure each printed sheet does not stick together, and any powder left behind can alter the appearance of a finished piece. As a result, most commercial printing projects using varnish coatings must be handled by experienced professionals for a perfect finished product.

UV Coating

UV coatings are liquid-based coatings that come in a range of finishes, from matte to gloss and satin. Typically applied by rollers, blankets, or screens, UV coatings are then exposed to ultraviolet light to harden them. Like varnish coatings, UV coatings are applied either to full sheets of printed materials, or to certain spots for protection and highlighting.

UV coatings are both chemical and abrasion resistant and solvent free. However, the inks used on printed materials intended for UV coatings must be UV inks, wax-free, and equally resistant to heat and chemicals. Your commercial printing company partner will know the best way to prepare, print, and coat your document with UV coatings – just make sure you choose the right one!

Laminate Coating

Laminate coating are film based, allowing for a variety of textures and finishes. Each type of laminate coating is categorized by its thickness. Thinner laminates are best for rolled and folded items, where thicker laminates are best for marketing materials that need extra protection.

While some laminate coatings are prone to scratching, others are strong and attractive and excellent for their price point. When choosing the right laminate coating for your printing project, you’ll have three major options: polypropylene, polyester, and nylon coatings in gloss, matte and soft touch finishes.

Aqueous Coating

Aqueous coating is exceptional for restricting exposure to air, fingerprints, and smudging. It’s also a nature friendly, shiny coating that is often combined with other coatings to create a specific appearance.

Aqueous coatings tend to require expert care because they require special inks that may cause color shifts. Commercial printing companies understand the techniques for applying aqueous coating and can provide the service at an affordable cost.

Choosing the Best Paper Coating for your Commercial Printing Project

Want to discuss your marketing material printing project with a commercial printing expert? At Linemark, we know our way around all the various paper coating types for marketing materials. We can’t wait to share our experience and expertise with you to ensure your project turns out better than you could have imagined.

For more information on the commercial printing process, check out some of the other articles on the Linemark blog or give us a call today.