What Is Spot UV Printing (and UV Coating)?
UV printing uses inks or coatings that are cured (dried) instantly by ultraviolet light instead of by evaporation. In packaging, its most popular use is spot UV, a glossy clear coating applied to selected areas, like a logo, to make them stand out against a matte background.
In more detail
In conventional printing, ink dries slowly as solvents evaporate. In UV printing, the ink or coating contains photo-reactive compounds that harden the instant they pass under a UV lamp. The result is a tougher, sharper, more vivid finish, and because it cures immediately there is no set-off or long drying time.
The star application in packaging is spot UV: a high-gloss clear coating applied only to chosen areas of a design. Placed over a logo, a product name, or a pattern, especially on a matte-laminated background, it creates a striking contrast of shiny against flat that catches the light and the eye.
UV coatings can also be applied as a flood (all-over) gloss for protection and shine, and specialist UV effects like textured or raised ("drip-off") coatings are used for tactile premium packaging.
Key points
- Ink/coating cured instantly by UV light, not evaporation
- Spot UV = glossy clear coating on selected areas only
- Best contrast: spot-UV gloss over a matte laminate
- Also used as all-over flood gloss and for raised/textured effects
Common questions
What is spot UV?
Spot UV is a glossy, clear UV-cured coating applied to specific areas of a design rather than the whole sheet. It's used to highlight a logo or detail, and looks most striking over a matte-laminated background where the shiny UV contrasts with the flat matte.
What is the difference between UV coating and lamination?
UV coating is a liquid coating cured by UV light and applied directly to the sheet, often to selected areas (spot UV). Lamination is a plastic film bonded over the whole sheet. UV is used for highlights and shine; lamination for all-over protection and feel.
Related terms
Where it's used
Written by LeRoy Print Packs, a printing and packaging manufacturer making cartons, corrugated boxes and labels in-house. Get a quote