preserving photos after a disaster

Printed materials play a critical role in modern advertising. Whether your company needs to create a banner that will hang outside your building or thousands of postcards that will be mailed to consumers, the quality of the images and text on your printed materials matters.

One factor that can affect the print quality is the coating that you apply to finished materials. Coatings are used to increase durability and extend the lifespan of printed materials.

1. Varnish Coating

Varnish is a popular coating used in digital printing. Varnish is a clear ink that can be applied over the top of an existing printed image. The varnish creates a sheen and offers protection for the ink underneath.

You have the option of investing in a full varnish or a partial varnish. A full varnish covers your entire printed document, while a partial varnish can be used to highlight certain areas and add shine to photographs.

2. Aqueous Coating

Aqueous coatings have the ability to offer a lot of protection for your printed materials. This type of coating can be especially useful for business cards. The business cards you hand out must be durable enough to withstand damage in someone's pocket, purse, or wallet.

An aqueous coating is water-based and environmentally friendly. Since this coating dries quickly, your printed materials will spend less time at the printer when you choose an aqueous coating. You can customize your aqueous coatings to provide a matte, satin, or glossy finish, making this coating a versatile weapon in your printing arsenal.

3. UV Coating

A UV coating can offer you the ability to create printed materials that are able to withstand direct exposure to the elements.

UV coatings are applied as a liquid across the surface of a printed item. The liquid is then cured using a UV light. This creates a durable and weatherproof surface across your printed materials. UV coating is a great addition to any signage that you intend to use outdoors.

It's important to note that UV coatings tend to be thicker than other types of print coatings. You will need to factor in this additional thickness when determining the placement of any UV coated documents.

Print coatings can be used to protect, enhance, and stabilize printed materials. Consider implementing print coatings into your digital printing practices to extend the usable lifespan of the printed materials your business utilizes each day. 

For more tips on digital printing solutions, talk to your local printing service today.