Special Processes in Packaging Printing — UV Process
What is the UV Process?
It is essentially curing ink with ultraviolet (UV) lamps, making the surface glossier and more three-dimensional.
Tips for using UV process:
Spot UV is commonly used for specific positions on packaging, such as patterns or LOGOs, and is generally not used for full-page coverage; full-page coverage typically uses vanishing (coating) processes, which are different.
Notes for startup brands or small-batch production:
Transparent UV (no base color) and Frosted (Matte) processes are relatively simple and low-cost, suitable for mass production with limited budgets. Complex processes like Spot Rainbow UV and Spot Laser UV are higher in cost and better for high-value-added products.
Common UV Process — Spot UV
Principle:
1. Prepare the surface material;
2. Apply UV varnish to the local area where you want the special effect, such as the logo;
3. Irradiate the varnished area with a UV lamp; the varnish cures quickly, creating a glossy or raised UV effect.
Process Features:
- Spot UV creates a clear gloss contrast between treated and untreated areas, making the product more eye-catching.
- Enhances brightness, transparency, and wear resistance.
Types of Spot UV
▶ Spot Laser UV / Spot Rainbow UV
Features: Apply UV varnish containing laser particles or special pigments locally; after curing, it presents rainbow shadows or multi-color shifts, contrasting with the surroundings.
Advantages: Brilliant and eye-catching light effects, strong metallic laser texture, high visual recognition, quickly enhances the high-end feel, and long-lasting effect. Applicable to various gift boxes and promotional materials.
▶ Spot Refractive UV
Features: Apply UV varnish with special textures locally; refracts light and shadow according to the angle after curing, showing a 3D flickering effect. Advantages: Strong light/shadow feel, looks high-end, attracts visual focus. Applicable to liquor gift boxes and luxury packaging.
▶ Spot Glossy UV
Features: Apply transparent glossy UV only to local areas like patterns/LOGOs; after curing, it creates local high gloss contrasting with the substrate. Advantages: Highlights key areas, enhances detail refinement, locally wear-resistant. Applicable to food packaging and paper products.
▶ Frosted (Matte) UV
Features: Apply a frosted coating to the substrate surface; after curing, it has a matte and rough texture. Advantages: Anti-fingerprint, anti-scratch, low-key and high-end visual feel, non-slip grip. Applicable to plastic products and gift boxes.
▶ Transparent UV (Matte)
Features: UV varnish plus matte powder, surface is soft and slightly rough. Advantages: Non-reflective, delicate touch, wear-resistant, anti-fouling, hides substrate flaws. Applicable to book covers and luxury boxes.
▶ Transparent UV (No Base Color)
Features: Directly apply transparent UV varnish and cure, highlighting substrate texture/color. Advantages: Retains substrate texture; high hardness, anti-fingerprint, easy to clean. Applicable to transparent plastic and glass surfaces.
▶ Transparent UV (With Base Color)
Features: Print base color first, then cover with transparent UV varnish and cure. Advantages: Bright colors, wear-resistant, enhances brightness and high-end feel. Applicable to high-end gift boxes and envelope cards.
