What Is UV Coating in Packaging? A Complete Guide to Enhancing Custom Boxes

How buyers view a product before opening the packaging are influenced by packaging finishes. A well-chosen finish for the packaging can enhance the richness of colors, attract the customers, create an overall cohesive impression.

Businesses have many options available to create a glossy surface in packaging through UV coatings. It uses ultraviolet light to cure liquid applied coatings over printed surfaces.

The resulting appearance will depend upon several things including material type, coating, coating type, artwork, and production process. Buyers understand all these factors to select a finish that works best with their design and practical needs. If you are still deciding on a box, read how to choose the right packaging for your product.

What Is UV Coating in Packaging?

A UV coating is a type of surface finishes applied to the custom printed cardboard boxes. After application, ultraviolet light cures the coating, helping it harden into a finished layer. Depending on the formula for the UV coating it could be glossy, matte or provide selective highlighting of design elements.

Brands and businesses may use UV coating for the packaging to enhance the visual contrast and give printed surfaces a more polished outlook. For example, a glossy finish can make colors appear more vibrant and offer reflective surface, while spot UV can make a brand logo stand out against a less reflective background surface.

Important Note: UV Coating and UV coating printing are not one in the same. UV printing involves curing ink using Ultraviolet Light. UV Coating on the other hand, is a finishing step that can be added to a surface.

Compatibility of coatings vary, therefore the type of coating will need to be compatible with your printed stock or intended use.

How Does UV Coating Work?

Production begins by printing the box design onto an appropriate material. Then a UV coating that is compatible with the material’s surface is applied to either the entire surface, or only specific part. Once the coating has been applied, the coated surface is placed underneath an ultraviolet light which cures the coating.

The process depends upon the type of equipment being used, coating formulation, print process, and material type. Not every material or printed surface is perfect for every coating. Plus, the design details can also affect the result. Learn more about the print stage in our complete guide to digital printing for packaging, or compare CMYK vs. PMS vs. digital printing.

Therefore, a business should confirm compatibility prior to starting the production process with its packaging suppliers. When seeking guidance from a supplier it would be helpful to inform the artwork, packaging needs, material type, quantities, and the finish you are looking for.

Providing a proof or sample will enable them to review how their boxes will look prior to ordering.

Types Of UV Coatings For Custom Boxes

There are some of the common UV coating types to meet needs. Below are some of the custom packaging finishes:

Full Or Gloss UV Coating

A full or gloss UV coating will cover most of the surface area of the packaging and provide a shiny look. It works well for custom retail boxes, product packaging, or designs that will benefit from bright appearance. Because it can reflect light, the overall appearance of color and other details may change under different lighting.

Matte UV Coating

Matte UV coatings provide a non-reflective appearance. They are suitable for brands looking for a restrained presentation rather than a shiny surface. Buyer’s should verify the specific look and feel with the manufacturer since results may vary based upon the type of coating and materials.

Spot UV Coating

Spot UV coating is only applied in specific locations, for example logos, product names, icons, patterns etc. The coated and uncoated areas then create contrasting visual effects. A custom cosmetic box may have a glossy (spot) UV area on its Brand Mark and a matt finish on the rest of the design. Spot UV is useful when a business wants to guide attention without coating the entire surface.

Key Benefits of UV Coating on Packaging

Another positive aspect is that a UV coating will enhance the appearance of your printing. It gives your printed box a high-end look and allows for colors and graphics to draw the eye. Spot UV coating will create a strong contrast in between areas of design and could highlight logos or patterns, if desired.

UV coating provides a consistent branding opportunity throughout all forms of packaging. If the UV finish compliments the typography, color palette, and structural composition of your packaging then it can reinforce an intentional design approach.

It’s worth noting that some types of UV coatings may provide protection from minor abrasion, scratches, or surface wear. Performance is largely dependent upon the type of stock used, coating formulation, handling during distribution, production methods and environmental conditions.

Don’t expect a UV coated product to be scratch resistant or completely waterproof simply because it has a UV coating applied.

UV Coating vs. Other Packaging Finishes

UV coating is one of the several coatings for packaging. The aqueous coating is water-based and will help you adjust the appearance of printing and surface performance. Laminating adds a layer of film to your product’s surface and changes how it feels, looks, protects against damage etc.

These options differ in terms of applicability, shine level, texture, performance, cost and compatibility with packaging stock. AQ coating may suit a different need than production for you while lamination is considered when the desired surface effect or use calls for a film layer.

When Should a Brand Choose UV Coating?

UV Coating is ideal for retail packaging requiring a high-gloss, professional appearance on-shelf, custom gift boxes looking to amplify their presentation level, cosmetic packaging applications where branding elements should be highlighted.

Spot UV is typically best suited for designs which have clear focal points; full surface coatings are better suited for artwork which has been created to appear consistently glossy.

Ultimately, your selection of finish should be driven by the identity of your product & brand as opposed to solely based upon current trends. Material, production needs, budget, and handling requirements before making your finish decision.

Is UV Coating Right for Your Custom Boxes?

Begin with the finish you wish to have: glossy, soft, or highlighted on specific features. Next, take into account the artwork, package type, quantity of units in an order, cost, and supplier’s capabilities.

Ask the coating is compatible with your preferred material and a sample is available. Confirm the finish and specifications before approving production.

Conclusion

UV coating may provide a glossy finish and/or create visual interest with color through contrast when applied to a variety of custom box designs. Although full and spot UV coatings are both used as finishes for various design intentions, results vary depending upon the material being coated and manufacturing process.

Packaging Eagle is available to assist you in selecting an appropriate finish for your project. Visit our custom packaging solutions such as UV-coated boxes page or contact us to receive a quote for your project so we can further review your design and finishing needs.