Spot UV
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SPOT UV: AN IRRESISTIBLE, EYE-CATCHING VARNISH
For a touch of class that’s impossible to ignore, Spot UV printing is a winner! It simply means that you can highlight specific areas with a high-gloss varnish that always grabs attention.
Spot UV printing is as effective at picking out images or logos as it is as a random ‘blind’ pattern that doesn’t follow the lines of the printed area beneath. You can let your creative juices flow and actually, we’d really recommend it; check out this example here. Nothing like a good bit of ‘wow factor’ to make your customers realise you’re special.
What is Spot UV printing?
Its full name is Spot Gloss UV Varnish. For a really in-depth discussion, check out our FAQ section below, but here’s a quick overview:
Spot UV varnish covers specific areas with a slightly raised, clear gloss varnish. It’s absolutely ideal for picking out logos, important text and images, or for more subtle design features.
Not only does it highlight your important information, it also provides a stunning contrast, especially when used with matt lamination. You’ve probably noticed when reading books that you’re subconsciously fingering the cover, feeling the contrast of the glossy Spot UV against the smooth matt lamination.
This is exactly the reaction your customers will give; not just because of the highly visual, eye-catching reflections of the gloss but also the tactile element. It’s this multi-sensual experience that makes Spot UV – and indeed all of print – so effective and unique.
How can I use Spot Gloss UV Varnish printing in my marketing plans?
- Direct mail, brochures, calendars, catalogues, folders
- Highly creative, luxury promotional materials
- Try using it in subtle patterns over the top of your print for added wow factor
- Consider a high-build Spot UV for an even more tactile finish
- Use on imagery to really bring out the colours and clarity
What is Spot UV printing useful for?
- Brochure covers
- Imagery
- Postcards
- Direct Mail
- Calendars
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do I need to look out for with Spot UV printing?
Spot UV is a secondary process after print and as long as your artwork is set up right, the end result will look stunning as we work hard to make sure the registration is bang on. It’s difficult on short runs that are printed digitally though because of the registration issues with digital print, so we tend not to recommend it in this scenario.
How does Spot UV printing actually work?
To create the spot UV effect, the gloss varnish is applied to a printed sheet in an area that has been pre-specified with a piece of artwork which is then converted to a film. This varnished area is then placed under a UV lamp to cure it so that it dries instantly.
It can be defined to very fine lines but don’t go too thin (below 0.5mm) for areas that are critical, as the varnish may not be able to hold.
How can I use UV spot printing to make my brochure stand out?
We love Spot UV because it can make such a difference to a piece of print. The most obvious use for it is to pick out a logo or image. For the best impact though, you should consider using it as an overlay so that it doesn’t follow the lines of the print below. For example, having your logo in Spot gloss UV as a ‘watermark’ can be incredibly effective.
See this in action
YOGI LOOK BOOK
This stunning look book brochure for our client Laced Creative uses Spot UV varnish with a tactile Kraft cover and uncoated paper to create a rustic, unfinished feel.
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BLACKHEATH BROCHURE
A truly lovely brochure for our client Blackheath Halls in London, combining spot UV varnish and silver foil block to achieve the most wonderful effect.
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HENTLAND BROCHURE
This brochure oozes class on every page; an exquisite blend of metallic Pantone spot colours, foil blocking, spot UV varnish, anti-scuff laminate and translucent paper.
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