UV printing sometimes referred to as Spot UV, is a method of printing that uses ultraviolet light to cure inks, creating a durable and vibrant printing finish. It is commonly used in packaging as it is a great way to provide a high-quality finish that is resistant to scratches, water, and other elements.
What’s the process of UV Printing?
The process begins with printing the design onto a substrate using either an inkjet or screen printing. Once the design is printed, a UV light is used to cure the inks, which bonds the inks to the substrate. The curing process activates a chemical reaction, which makes the inks resistant to the elements.
After the curing process, the substrate is heat-pressed to ensure the inks are firmly attached to the paper stock and help the inks reach their maximum vibrancy.
Benefits of UV printing in packaging
The heat-pressing process helps the inks bond with the paper stocks and allows them to retain their maximum vibrancy.
Particularly important for packaging, as it ensures that the product labels can hold up against environmental elements such as sunlight, humidity, and dust.
Spot UV/UV Printing offers many benefits, including the following:
- Incredible Shine: Produces a lustrous shine under direct and even more subdued lighting, making it an eye-catching and attractive feature. A package with this add-on looks sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing.
- Environmentally Friendly and Safe: Because UV printing is so precise, the print itself stays in place and can decompose in recycling, making it an environmentally friendly option for packaging.
High Clarity and Readability: Spot UV printing adds a glossy look to retail packaging, but each word remains clearly readable. As a result, you have a unique look that gets noticed while also being easily legible at a distance.
In my role as a senior editor at TBP, I focus on packaging & printing technique. My research endeavors are aimed at gaining more knowledge about the packaging industry.
