Spot UV Varnish

What is Spot UV?

Spot UV, also known as UV printing, spot varnish, and spot gloss, is a clear varnish that is used to accentuate certain areas on a printed surface by creating a textural contrast between a dull matte and a high-shine gloss finish. Spot UV can be applied in a matte finish over a gloss background, but it’s more commonly used as a gloss finish over a matte background. When applied as gloss, spot UV will enhance the colors and create a vibrant, three-dimensional glossy effect. Some common applications for gloss spot UV include logos, selected photographs in a brochure, and highlighting text on a strut card, but the possibilities are truly endless. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of sophistication to your strut cards or make certain elements stand out, spot UV can help you achieve your desired look and feel.

Blind Spot UV

For a more understated effect, consider using blind spot UV. This technique involves applying a UV varnish to a plain background with no specific print beneath it. Blind spot UV is often used for strut cards and creates an eye-catching effect that is sure to leave a lasting impression. As soon as your customers see your strut card, they will see your logo shining out from the card, appearing and disappearing as they tilt the card, making it an unforgettable experience. Blind spot UV is also effective for text, such as repeating your company name or message over the entire surface of your printed item. To maximize the visual impact of the gloss spot UV, it is best to apply it on top of a matte lamination. For an even more luxurious look and feel, consider using a soft touch or velvet lamination. However, it is not recommended to add spot UV to unlaminated paper as it may be absorbed, causing the desired high gloss effect to be lost.

Select the Spot UV areas carefully.

When it comes to using spot UV, it’s important to use it wisely in order to achieve the desired effect. Applying spot UV to too many areas can result in the desired contrast and highlight being lost, making the overall look less striking. For a strut card, a common application of spot UV is on the printed logo, giving it a bold and eye-catching appearance. Another option is to add blind UV with text or a pattern to the reverse side of the strut card, bringing a touch of excitement to an otherwise plain surface. It’s all about finding the right balance between adding enough spot UV to enhance the design, while still maintaining the overall impact of the design. The printing service can offer suggestions and advice to help you get the best results.

Think about the finishing process of your item.

It’s important to keep in mind that spot UV is a finishing effect, so it’s best to add it after the final folding and trimming of your strut card design to ensure the best results. To maximize the impact of your spot UV, it’s best to choose key areas to apply it, such as logos or specific text, rather than applying it to large areas of the strut card design.