Varnish coating in packaging is a thin layer added to the surface of printed materials, like boxes or labels, to protect and enhance them. It improves both the appearance and durability of the packaging. Let me explain how it works.
First, varnish starts as a liquid that is applied to the surface of the packaging. When it dries, it forms a clear, solid layer. This layer can create different finishes. For example, a glossy varnish makes the surface shiny and vibrant, while a matte varnish gives it a smooth and classy look.
Next, varnish protects the packaging. It helps prevent scratches, smudges, or fading caused by handling, sunlight, or moisture. This is especially helpful for products that need to look good for a long time, such as premium boxes or retail packaging.
Additionally, varnish can make your design stand out. With options like spot varnish, you can highlight specific parts of your packaging, like your logo or product name. This creates a unique and eye-catching effect.
Types of Varnish Coatings:
There are several types of varnish coatings, and each one offers unique benefits for packaging. Let’s go through them step by step and see how they can enhance your design.
Gloss Varnish
To begin with, gloss varnish creates a shiny, reflective surface that instantly catches the eye. It makes colors look brighter and more vibrant, helping your packaging stand out on shelves. Many brands use gloss varnish on product boxes, brochures, or labels when they want a bold and attention-grabbing look.
Matte Varnish
On the other hand, matte varnish provides a smooth, non-reflective finish. This type of varnish gives your packaging a soft and elegant appearance, making it perfect for luxury products. If you want to convey sophistication, matte varnish is a great choice.
Satin Varnish
If you’re looking for something in between gloss and matte, satin varnish offers the best of both worlds. It adds a subtle sheen that isn’t too shiny or too flat. As a result, this finish works well for packaging that needs a balanced and stylish look.
Spot Varnish
Next, spot varnish takes customization to the next level. It highlights specific areas of your design, such as a logo, text, or image. By creating contrast between varnished and non-varnished areas, spot varnish draws attention to the details you want to emphasize. You can combine it with gloss or matte finishes making your packaging truly unique.
Textured Varnish
For a more distinctive touch, textured varnish adds a raised or patterned effect to your packaging. When customers run their fingers across the surface, they can feel the texture, making the design more interactive and memorable. This option works especially well for creating a high-end or creative look.
UV Varnish
Now, let’s move on to UV varnish. This type dries quickly under ultraviolet light, creating a strong and durable finish. You can choose from gloss, matte, or satin UV varnish to enhance both the look and longevity of your packaging. It’s an excellent option for high-end products that require extra protection.
Soft-Touch Varnish
For an ultra-luxurious feel, soft-touch varnish is hard to beat. It creates a velvety, smooth texture that immediately stands out when someone holds the packaging. This type of varnish adds a premium feel to your product and helps leave a lasting impression.
Pros and Cons of Varnish Coating in Packaging
Pros:
- Varnish coating improves the look of packaging by adding finishes like gloss for shine and vibrancy or matte for a smooth, elegant feel. As a result, it enhances the overall appearance of the packaging.
- Â Â It protects packaging from scratches, smudges, and fading caused by handling, sunlight, or moisture, keeping it fresh for longer. Therefore, it helps maintain the quality and longevity of the packaging.
- Â Varnish is more affordable than other finishing options, like lamination, making it a cost-effective solution. This makes varnish a practical choice for those on a budget.
- The coating dries quickly, especially UV varnish, which hardens instantly under ultraviolet light, speeding up production times. Thus, it helps reduce delays and improves efficiency.
- Â Many varnishes are eco-friendly, with water-based or low-VOC formulas, making them a greener choice. As a result, varnish can be a more environmentally responsible option.
Cons:
- Â However, varnish provides limited durability compared to lamination and may not hold up under heavy use or rough handling. In this case, other coatings might be a better choice for packaging that needs extra protection.
-  It doesn’t make packaging fully waterproof, offering only light resistance to moisture. Therefore, varnish might not be suitable for products exposed to water or high humidity.
- Varnish can highlight surface imperfections, making flaws like uneven textures more noticeable. So, it’s important to ensure the packaging surface is smooth before applying varnish.
- Â Some varnishes may yellow over time due to sunlight or aging, affecting the appearance of light-colored packaging. As a result, this can lead to a less appealing look as time passes.
- It doesn’t offer as many texture options as embossing or debossing, limiting tactile variety. Thus, if you want more complex textures, you might need to consider other techniques.
When Not to Use Varnish Printing
Varnish printing may not be the best option when durability is important, as it wears out quickly with heavy handling. Additionally, it does not provide full waterproofing, offering only light resistance to moisture. Moreover, on uneven or flawed surfaces, varnish can highlight imperfections, making them more noticeable.
In addition, varnish is not ideal if you need a high-gloss effect on specific areas, as it covers the entire surface. Furthermore, exposure to sunlight over time may cause varnish to yellow, affecting the appearance of the packaging.
In addition, it does not provide much tactile texture, so it’s not the best choice for intricate designs needing embossing or debossing. Finally, if you require very specific branding with complex finishes, other techniques like foiling or embossing might be better.
Varnish vs. Lamination
Varnish and lamination are two ways to finish packaging, but they work differently. To begin with, varnish adds a thin layer to improve the look of the packaging with options like gloss or matte.
It is also affordable, dries quickly, and gives light protection from scratches and smudges. However, varnish isn’t very durable and doesn’t protect against water, so it’s better for packaging that doesn’t face rough use.
Lamination, on the other hand, adds a strong plastic layer to the surface, making the packaging tougher and resistant to water, handling, and damage. Moreover, it looks smooth and lasts longer but costs more than varnish.
If your product needs strong protection, lamination is better. But, if you want a budget-friendly finish, varnish is a good choice.
Expert in Varnish Coating Get the Best Boxes with Free Shipping
We are experts in varnish coating, offering high-quality finishes that improve your packaging’s look and feel. Choose from glossy, matte, or textured finishes to match your brand’s unique style and elevate your packaging design.
Varnish coating adds visual appeal while protecting against scratches and smudges, keeping your packaging polished and professional for longer. You can select from a variety of box types, designed to suit your specific product and packaging requirements.
At Umbrella Custom Packaging, we also provide free shipping on all orders and offer free quotes to simplify your packaging planning process. Let us help you create standout packaging that is both affordable and easy to customize for your brand.
