Spot UV is the perfect way to add depth and sophistication to your printed materials. Whether you’re creating business cards, brochures, or other professional documents, this finishing technique highlights key elements with a glossy or textured UV coating, transforming ordinary prints into luxurious, eye-catching pieces.
Spot UV is a selective varnish process that applies a glossy or matte UV coating to specific areas of a printed surface. This technique draws attention to logos, images, or text by creating contrast between the coated and uncoated areas. Unlike full UV coating covering the entire print, Spot UV focuses on enhancing only chosen elements, giving your design a unique and premium feel.
Typical applications for Spot UV include:
We offer a range of Spot UV options to suit your needs.
Spot UV offers more than just aesthetic appeal. It’s a versatile and practical option that enhances your print materials in several ways.
Spot UV isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Different projects call for specific solutions. Here’s where Spot UV can stand out and make an impact.
Spot UV printing offers a sleek, polished look for all kinds of industries. A perfect choice for adding a premium touch to your print materials.
Spot UV varnish takes your print to the next level by adding a glossy, high-shine finish to specific areas. It's a go-to technique for creating standout business cards, brochures, and packaging. Here's how it works:
Before Spot UV is applied, the design needs careful setup:
Design Layer Creation: You'll need a dedicated design layer highlighting the Spot UV application areas. To guide the process, these areas are marked in a distinct colour (not visible in the final print). Precision here is non-negotiable; any misalignment will impact the final result.
Choosing the Right Material: Spot UV works best on smooth, coated surfaces, like matte-laminated prints. A flat, even base ensures maximum adhesion and shine.
Choosing the Right Material: Spot UV works best on smooth, coated surfaces, like matte-laminated prints. A flat, even base ensures maximum adhesion and shine.
The main design is printed first using digital, lithographic, or offset printing. This step is separate from the Spot UV process but sets the foundation for its impact.
This is where the shine happens:
Precision Alignment: The substrate is loaded into a Spot UV machine, which aligns the varnish precisely with the pre-printed design.
Varnish Application: Liquid UV varnish is applied only to the specified areas. You can adjust the varnish thickness depending on the desired look—subtle highlights or a raised texture.
UV Curing: After application, the varnish is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This hardens the varnish instantly, creating a glossy, durable layer.
Every piece is inspected to ensure the varnish is perfectly aligned and evenly cured. At this stage, smudges or curing issues are corrected.
Once the Spot UV is applied, prints are trimmed, folded, or assembled as needed. Additional laminations, such as soft-touch or matte finishes, can enhance the contrast, giving the Spot UV effect an extra pop.
For even more impact, combine a spot UV coating with other print finishing options:
Every project is unique, and we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional results.
Make your designs pop with Spot UV accents. Let’s create something striking—get in touch to explore your options.
