Spot UV: Explaining the Process, Applications, and Benefits

Don't you want to give a luxurious feel to your hard copy and enhance visual appeal with its tactile quality? If so, what methodology first comes to your mind? What does your brainpower say? Is it Spot UV? That's right. But do you know what spot UV means? What exactly is it? Stay here and scroll down to read on.

This blog will explain what Spot UV printing is, its applications, and the process. You will learn how to create a hardened and shiny finish when this glossy and protective layer is applied to the desired areas of the printed material.

What is Spot UV Coating?

Spot UV (Spot Ultraviolet) is also known as Spot Gloss or Spot Varnish. It involves applying a clear and glossy UV coating to the selected small or large areas of the printed surface. This creates a magical contrast between the shiny UV-coated and uncoated areas.

This technique adds a glossy and attractive finish to make your printed design pop with a sleek, shiny contrast and raised effect.

This Spot UV finish is perfect to add a touch of luxury and give your logos, text, or images a prominent look. Applying this method can enhance the visual appeal and create a premium and tactile experience.

Why Do You Need Spot UV?

Printing Spot UV for your packaging design can benefit you in many ways, such as:

• Improved Packaging Appearance

Spot UV makes your printed artwork stand out from the crowd by adding a touch of elegance and luxury to your packaging design.

• Shield Your Packaging

Spot UV protects your packaging materials from wear and tear. This makes your packaging more durable and secure.

• Vast Creation of Interesting Effects

Spot UV creates a wide range of distinguished effects for your printed piece. It works best whether it is about simulating, embossing, or debossing.

What are the Spot UV Applications?

Spot UV is used in a wide range of applications. The goal of using Spot UV is to enhance the visual appeal and tactile experience of printed materials. Add Spot UV coating to your logo to make your brand look distinguished in the crowded marketplace. It will do wonders.

Some Spot UV Examples

The most common applications and examples of Spot UV for better understanding are:

• Book covers

An effective Spot UV finish technique is used on book covers to add a touch of sophistication and visual appeal.

• Business Cards

Add a glossy and raised finish to the specific areas of your business cards to create a striking visual and tactile effect.

• Packaging

Applied in packaging for a refined and eye-catching finish to attract attention.

• Invitation Cards

Spot UV on invitation cards highlights specific features like names and logos with a shiny finish. 

• Flyers and Leaflets

Highlights key elements such as logos or headings on flyers and leaflets.

• Postcards

Adding a luxurious Spot UV touch gives your postcards a sense of elegance.

• Brochures

Spot UV on brochures accentuates specific areas like logos, headings, or images. It makes the design more attractive and professional.

Also Read: Spot UV and Gloss UV: Big Differences and Applications Explained 

How to Apply a Spot UV? Simple and Quick Process

Spot UV coating is simple to make targeted areas of printed pieces shiny.

Design the Layout

Create a separate layer for Spot UV areas using unique Spot color in software like Adobe Illustrator. Define the area that you want to be coated.

Applying the Spot UV Coating

The printer will apply the Spot UV coating to the particular areas designated in your file.

Preparing the Artwork

Send your artwork to the printer with a Spot UV layer for Spot UV coating.

Cure with UV Light

When the coating is applied, it is exposed to UV light. It will cure the coating and harden it. This will create a glossy and raised finish.

Finishing and Cutting

Cut the printed materials and their edges to give them a final shape. Inspect carefully to make sure it is perfect and error-free.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the Spot UV technique and its uses and applying it to specific areas can give the printed pieces a striking appearance. This method spotlights important elements by adding a sophisticated touch to marketing materials like logos. Ultimately, it elevates the overall design.

If you want to make your printed materials stand out, partner with Custom Product Packaging to discuss your printing and packaging needs. You are just a step away from making your packaging stand out. Just email us at orders@customproductpackaging.com and speak to our printing specialists to discuss your packaging and printing requirements.