Aqueous coating is a water-based, clear varnish added to printing material during the manufacturing process. It dries up fast, is an eco-friendly coating option, and resists fingerprints.
AQ coating, utilized in the packaging and printing sectors, is a water-based coating applied to press sheets. This varnish technique enhances the final product’s visual impact, making it seem to leap off the page, while also providing protection against scratches, fingerprints, scuffs, and other imperfections that could diminish its vibrant appearance.
Different types of varnishes are available to achieve varying levels of vibrancy for your images. The application of aqueous coating is also influenced by the production process of the product.
When to Apply Coating?
Regardless of the type of coating you’re considering, in most scenarios, it serves to protect and enhance your final product. If your piece will be sent through the mail, a print coating is essential. Additionally, for items like business cards or brochures that will be handled frequently, a print coating is highly recommended for its added durability.
However, there are instances where a print coating may not be suitable. For example, greeting cards typically do not require a coating, as it would make writing on them difficult, defeating their purpose. If you do choose to apply a print coating to these items, it’s crucial to specify with your service provider the areas where coating should not be applied to avoid this issue.
Types of AQ Coating
There are 5 types of Aqueous Coating as listed below:
- Matte coating
- Gloss coating
- Satin Coating
- Soft Touch Coating
- Dry Erase Coating
Matte Coating
This coating delivers a non-reflective, sophisticated look. It emphasizes the depth of colors and creates a sense of understated elegance, making it ideal for products aiming for a minimalist or natural aesthetic.
Gloss Coating
A high-shine coating that adds a vibrant, eye-catching finish. It enhances colors and creates a sense of luxury or playfulness, depending on the product. Gloss coatings are excellent for highlighting key design elements.
Satin Coating
This coating strikes a balance between matte and gloss, providing a subtle sheen. It’s versatile, offering a touch of elegance while being smudge and fingerprint-resistant, making it a practical choice for high-touch products.
Soft Touch Coating
A luxurious coating that makes packaging feel velvety and smooth. It provides a unique tactile experience that reinforces a sense of quality and indulgence, perfect for high-end cosmetics or gift items.
Dry Erase Coating
This functional coating transforms packaging into a writable and erasable surface. Perfect for products designed for personalization, reusable packaging, or packaging that needs to display changing information.
Difference Between Aqueous, UV, and Varnish
Aqueous Coating
Aqueous coating is a water-based finish offering a balance of environmental friendliness, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. It’s a solid all-around choice for many printing needs.
UV Coating
UV coating stands out for its unparalleled durability and glossy finish. When you need maximum protection and a high-impact look, UV is the way to go.
Varnish Coating
Varnish is a traditional oil-based coating that imparts a warm, slightly yellow tone to printed materials. Its main strength lies in cost-effectiveness, making it a budget-friendly option for basic protection.
Process of AQ coating
Now that you understand the various types of aqueous coatings, let’s dive into how they’re applied. The beauty of this process lies in its integration with printing – specialized machines apply the coating directly before the ink. This requires careful handling to prevent warping or wrinkling. Afterwards, the sheets pass through a heated system for rapid drying.
Final Thoughts
Aqueous coating is a remarkably versatile print finish that offers both aesthetic and practical advantages. It provides protection, enhances design, comes in various finishes, and boasts an environmentally friendly profile. Whether you’re aiming for understated elegance or eye-catching vibrancy, the aqueous coating gives you the options to achieve your desired look while safeguarding your printed materials.
