Choosing Your Packaging Coatings
You've picked out your colors, settled on the artwork, and have a pretty good idea of how you want your packaging to look. But have you decided what kind of finish you want?
There are a few reasons to add a coating, from protecting the printed surface to changing the way the colors look. Custom Cartons offers several options, and each one does something a little different.
A Glossy Finish with UV Coating
UV coating gives packaging that smooth, high-gloss shine you sometimes see on retail boxes. The coating starts as a liquid that is rolled over the carton and hardens under ultraviolet light. Once dry, it leaves a glossy finish that helps colors look more vibrant.
It also adds some protection against scuffs and handling, which comes in handy when cartons are being packed, shipped, and moved around on store shelves.
What About an All-Over Finish?
Flood varnish does pretty much what the name suggests. It covers the entire printed surface of your carton.
We use a water-based aqueous varnish that helps protect your print from fingerprints, dirt, and general wear and tear. You have several choices for the finish, too, including gloss, satin, matte, and dull. It really depends on how much shine you want across the carton.
Where Spot Varnish Comes In
Spot varnish is a little different because you don't have to coat the whole carton. Say you've got a company logo you'd like to give some extra shine, but you want everything around it to stay matte. You can do that with spot varnish, and the same goes for photos, lettering, or other parts of your design.
Instead of covering everything, we apply varnish only where you want it. You might add a glossy finish to your company logo, highlight a product photo, or bring attention to a particular part of the design.
A little contrast between the coated and uncoated areas can make quite a difference, especially when the rest of the carton has a matte finish.
Not Sure Which One to Choose?
That's something we can help with. Some products call for a glossy finish, while others look better with something softer and less reflective. And sometimes it makes sense to combine finishes.
If you're working on new packaging or thinking about updating your current cartons, talk with the team at Custom Cartons. We'll be happy to go over the options and help you find a finish that works for your product.