Coatings (or ‘coating finishes’) are applied after ink is applied to the paper. They are used to enhance the appearance of graphics or create a luxurious ‘feel’ when touched. Coatings can protect the printed surface from scratching, fingerprints, dirt and marring by increasing durability of the printed piece.
Why use specialty coatings on direct mail?
Increased durability is a big plus during shipment of items such as direct mail postcards, brochures, catalog covers, flyers and other mail pieces that may have a long journey, or get handled often. Additionally, coating finishes can often be used to enhance economy-grade paper by improving gloss and providing a smoother feel when handled.
The best way to understand the real effects of specialty coatings are by seeing and feeling them in person! Click the link below, or fill out the contact form on this page, and we can send you some samples!
Paper Coating Options:
Lamination
When talking about the print industry, lamination (or laminating) refers to a process of bonding a film of durable clear plastic onto printed pieces. The laminate film is most often applied to both sides of the printed piece so the piece is completely enclosed in plastic. Lamination protects from moisture, wrinkles, smudges, tears or anything that could shorten the life of a printed piece – plus it adds strength and rigidity. Learn more about lamination here.
Soft Touch Coating
Soft Touch coating provides an attractive and practical option that results in a luxurious presentation that remains cost-effective in production.
This is a type of paper coating which creates a velvet-like texture to the paper stock when applied. The paper becomes “soft” to the touch and increases tactile appeal while creating a softer look and feel on printed materials than traditional aqueous or UV coating. Soft Touch coating also creates a barrier which inhibits fingerprinting, and protects the sheet from scuff marks during finishing operations such as binding, folding and cutting.
Soft Touch dries fast, is non-yellowing, and is eco-friendly. “Sophisticated” and “Luxury” are words often used in describing the effect Soft Touch coating produces on printed materials. This tactile sensation has been proven effective in engaging with your prospect or customer.
Printing Tip: Darker ink colors will appear very slightly muted, with Soft Touch applied. This creates a sophisticated and elegant look when applied as recommended. This coating is best applied over high gloss paper stock to preserve the crispness of printed images.
High Gloss UV Coating
UV coatings are applied, then quickly dried and cured by exposure to ultraviolet light to harden the coating. Because of the ultra high-gloss nature, this coating really makes high-contrast images and photographs stand out on printed pieces. UV coatings provide the highest gloss finish versus other coatings.
Printing Tip: UV coating is best suited to flat pieces and pieces with a light color at the fold. Folded mail pieces may crack at the fold due to the thickness and hardness of the coating, which will be noticeable on dark ink. HOWEVER, proper scoring and/or smart usage of art placement can help prevent this.
