Spot UV Varnish

What is Spot UV?

Spot UV is an eye-catching way to create contrast between a dull matt and a glossy finish. Spot UV, also known as UV printing, spot varnish and spot gloss, applies a clear varnish to certain areas on a page to create a unique texture. Spot UV can be applied in matt form on top of a gloss background, or gloss form on top of a matt background for that extra special look. It’s ideal for logos, photographs within brochures and business cards, but the possibilities are endless! With spot UV from Printed Pillow Packs you’ll get bright and vibrant colour that pops with a glossy 3D effect.

Spot UV Varnish print

Blind Spot UV

Create something unique with blind spot UV! This type of spot UV varnish is applied to a plain background and has no specific print beneath it, making it a subtle yet eye-catching choice for business cards and other printed items. Blind spot UV works particularly well with text as you can create patterns or words that appear to shine out of the card when tilted. To really make the gloss stand out and ensure maximum wow factor, apply it on top of a matt lamination – velvety soft touch lamination will give your printed item a truly luxurious look and feel. Just be sure not to add spot UV to unlaminated paper as this can cause the desired high gloss effect to be lost.

spot UV on drinks packaging

Blind Spot UV on Whisky Box

How is spot UV applied

Give your printed pieces the ultimate finish with spot UV. The process starts with a sheet that is printed and laminated, and a template which is placed over it. This then gets fed into a machine which applies the durable clear polymer, after which the sheet is dried instantly under infra red and UV lamps – hence the term spot UV! Spot UV can take any printed item to the next level, creating a contrasting texture between matt and glossy finishes that catches attention.

Setting up artwork

Artwork is supplied in the usual way with the spot UV area supplied as a separate file. This file should contain only the UV area and nothing else.

  1. Create an extra layer in your design tab and entitle it spot UV.
  2. Select a clashing colour, e.g. 100% magenta and save it as spot UV.
  3. In the first layers of your file copy the areas which will have spot UV and paste this on your new Spot UV layer in exactly the same position.
  4. The spot UV layer should now be coloured magenta.

Select the Spot UV areas carefully.

Make your printed items stand out with spot UV! This type of varnish can give contrast and highlight the UV area, creating a striking effect that won’t be lost if applied sparingly – the perfect choice for logos on pillow packs, text or patterns on plain reverse or any other printed item. Blind UV is specially designed to draw attention and brings real flair and character to your designs. Not only does it enhance the look of your work, but also adds an extra layer of protection ensuring your piece stays looking amazing for longer.

Think about the finishing process of your item.

Take a few simple measures to ensure the consistent finish of your spot UV. Avoid adding the varnish too close to folds and trimmed areas – a minimum distance of 3mm is recommended – and maintain an even surface tension by applying a smooth stroke when applying the varnish to avoid cracks and flakes. Following these guidelines will ensure the perfect high quality finish that you desire!

Spot UV on business card logo

Spot UV on logo on business card

If you have any questions about Spot UV then call us on 023 8087 8037 or email us.

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