Choosing the Right Paper Coating

Why Is Paper Coating Important?

If you’re printing postcards, flyers, catalogs, or something else entirely, it’s important to think critically about your paper coating. Here are some of the most important reasons why you should pay more attention to what coating you need.

First Impressions

The coating of a piece of printed material is usually one of the first things that people notice when they first look at the design. Shiny, protective, gloss coatings often make a printed piece immediately look more impressive, and the same can be said about hard UV coatings.

Competitive Differentiation

Your customers probably see hundreds of printed marketing materials every week, so applying a stronger coating could be a great way to stand out from the crowd.

Price

Materials vary in costs, and different methods of applying coatings take different amounts of time. Accordingly, each type of paper coating you can get costs a different amount. Thicker, more protective coatings, and coatings that take longer to apply typically cost more.

Feel

Adding certain types of coatings to your printed projects can make them feel different when handled. Certain coatings add a smooth, polished finish. It can make the piece more pleasant or comfortable to handle.

Durability

Sometimes, customers apply paper coatings to enhance the durability of a given project. With these extra layers of protection in place, materials can withstand more scuffing, more scratches, and more abuse overall.

Design enhancement

In some cases, certain print coatings can actually enhance your design. Aqueous and UV coatings both have the effect of shifting or enhancing certain colors in your print job, though they both have somewhat different types of distortion.

Stack of different handmade paper on a white background

Types of Paper Coating To Consider

These are the most popular types of paper coating you’ll need to consider:

Varnish Printing

Varnishes are special coatings that are applied to a piece of paper via press, much like ink, in a spot coating or overall coating. These materials are typically applied to create a special effect, and are available in gloss or matte. Gloss finishes have a shiny look to them, increasing the saturation and depth of colors underneath; it also has a protective effect. By contrast, a matte varnish finish has a flatter, softer, and more natural look while still providing a bit of protection to the paper. Other types of varnishes include satin (a mix of gloss and matte), opaque (which adds a layer of opacity), and strike-through matte.

Aqueous Coating

Aqueous coatings are made from water and are applied with a rubber blanket inline. It’s one of the most popular types of coatings used because of the protection it provides from dings, blemishes, and fingerprints. Aqueous coatings are also growing in popularity because of their environmental friendliness – and because they dry faster than varnishes, allowing for faster production times. They also offer stronger protection against scuffs and scratches. This type of coating can only be used on paper with a weight of 80# or higher. Aqueous coatings are available in gloss, matte, satin, and other varieties, much like varnish printing.

UV Coating Printing

Finding UV printing near you can introduce you to UV coatings, which are applied with printers, finishers, or converters. This coating is layered onto paper in liquid form, then exposed to UV light so the coating becomes hardened quickly. This method is fast and it provides a strong layer of protection, but it can sometimes cause colors to shift in hue slightly. It’s also typically pricier than other coatings.

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How To Choose the Best Print Coating

How do you make the best choice for your next print project?

Medium

Think about the medium you’re using and why you’re pursuing this print job in the first place. For example, are you printing a marketing postcard? If so, it’s important to make a good first impression with your audience and allow the postcard to withstand the impact of going through the mail process. That could direct you to apply a thick, glossy, aqueous coating.

Audience

You should also consider the audience for your print product. Are these people likely to appreciate a thick coating that enhances the design and makes the job look more professional? Or would they prefer a more traditional look?

Budget

Different types of coatings are going to cost different amounts. Accordingly, you’ll also need to think about your budget. UV coatings, especially gloss, can give your piece a magnificent look, but it’s also going to set you back more than an aqueous coating or varnish coating.

Competition

What is your industry like? What kinds of printed strategies are your competitors using? It’s a good idea to differentiate yourself, and print coatings could be a way to do that.

Brand

Think about your brand. What kind of image do you want to set for your company?

Turn to Presort for Printing Services in St. Louis

No matter which type of coating you choose, your project will benefit from choosing the right printing company in St. Louis. The right printer can make your project quicker, more easily, and for less money; they’re also not going to skimp on quality control, so you can practically guarantee your job turns out the way you want.
Online printing is much easier when you have a reliable partner who can adequately handle your jobs. That’s why we offer a wide range of printing services in St. Louis, so you can get the excellent materials and high-quality work you need.

Check out our selection of printing services today!