Make Eye-Catching Packaging Boxes with Print Coatings
What is varnish? How do you do spot varnish? Why use spot UV? These are some of the questions we are often asked in packaging box printing in Malaysia.
Many people know that print coatings protect your packaging box from smudges, scratches, and fingerprints. But coatings do more than just protection—they can make your packaging look professional, premium, and eye-catching, which can influence a customer’s buying decision even before they see the product inside.
Understanding the different types of coatings, how they work, and when to use them can help your packaging stand out on the shelf and improve your brand image.
Varnish Coating
Varnish is a clear, transparent coating applied during or after printing. It is available in gloss, matte, or satin finishes. Gloss varnish makes your packaging shiny and vibrant, which works well for toys, food packaging, or children’s products. Matte varnish, on the other hand, gives a subtle and soft appearance, ideal for luxury items like cosmetics or small gifts.
Satin varnish offers a balance between gloss and matte. It appears almost invisible but still protects the packaging from smudges and fingerprints. This makes it a great choice if you want a professional look without too much shine.
The main drawback of varnish is that it can yellow over time, especially on non-printed areas. This is something to keep in mind if your packaging is meant to be stored for a long time before use.
Varnish is also one of the most affordable coatings, making it a popular choice in packaging box printing Malaysia for businesses that want a good balance between cost, protection, and aesthetics.
Spot Varnish
Spot varnish is used when you want specific parts of your design to stand out. Unlike regular varnish, spot varnish is applied only to selected areas using an extra printing plate.
You can use gloss or matte spot varnish depending on the effect you want. For example, highlighting a product image or logo with spot varnish makes it pop against a matte background. Many companies in Malaysia use a combination of matte background and gloss spot varnish to create a striking contrast. This technique draws attention to the key design elements and makes the packaging look more premium.
Spot varnish is especially useful for food packaging, promotional boxes, and high-end products because it enhances the visual appeal without covering the entire box.
Water-Based Coating
Also called aqueous coating, water-based coating is environmentally friendly and increasingly popular in Malaysia. Because it is water-based, it is safe for recycling, making your packaging eco-conscious.
For food brands, water-based coating is ideal because it is non-toxic and safe for direct contact with food. Many beverage companies, bakery shops, and snack producers in Malaysia choose water-based coatings for this reason.
While it doesn’t give the same glossy effect as UV coating, water-based coatings provide a smooth and modern finish that conveys quality and care. Brands that want to emphasize sustainability and health often prefer this coating over others.
UV Coating
UV coating is a clear, shiny liquid applied to the packaging box and cured with ultraviolet light. It provides the highest level of protection among varnish, water-based, and UV coatings.
UV coating makes your packaging glossy, durable, and resistant to scratches, moisture, and frequent handling. It is ideal for products that are shipped, handled, or displayed in busy retail environments.
In Malaysia, full UV coating is less common because the shine can be overwhelming. Most businesses prefer spot UV, which highlights only certain areas of the design, such as logos, product images, or promotional text. Spot UV gives a premium, high-end feel to the packaging without overloading the visual design.
Lamination
Lamination is not technically a print coating, but it also protects the packaging and gives it a luxurious feel. A thin plastic film is applied over the packaging box, which increases durability and enhances the premium look.
Gloss lamination makes packaging bright and vibrant, perfect for colourful and playful products. Matte lamination creates a soft, elegant finish for luxury or cosmetic products. Soft-touch lamination has a velvety feel, often used for electronics, perfumes, or gift boxes.
Lamination is more expensive than varnish, so it is generally used for premium packaging where durability and aesthetics are essential. Businesses that want their product to feel high-end and last longer in storage or transit often choose lamination.
The Advantages of Coatings
Coatings not only protect your packaging box but also enhance the visual appeal and target your audience. The choice of coating can affect how your product is perceived and can even influence buying decisions.
For example, luxury watches can be highlighted with spot UV on the glass or logo, making the product look premium. Children’s products often benefit from glossy packaging boxes because shiny surfaces attract attention and influence parents’ buying choices. Food packaging can benefit from water-based coatings, which show that the brand cares about safety and sustainability.
Using coatings creatively allows you to achieve different effects, emphasize key design elements, and make your packaging stand out on shelves. A well-chosen coating can increase the perceived value of your product without changing the core design.
The Disadvantages of Coatings
The main disadvantage of coatings is their impact on the environment. UV coatings and lamination are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills, which is harmful to the environment. Water-based coatings are the only environmentally friendly option, but the visual impact is less dramatic compared to spot UV or lamination.
Businesses that want both visual impact and eco-consciousness must weigh the trade-off between aesthetics and environmental responsibility.
Make Eye-Catching Packaging with Coatings
Understanding the different types of coatings and how to apply them can transform ordinary packaging into something eye-catching, professional, and durable. Different coatings can highlight product features, target specific customers, and increase perceived value.
In packaging box printing Malaysia, the right coating can make your brand stand out, protect your products, and leave a lasting impression on your customers.
Contact us today to learn how coatings can make your packaging box more attractive. We will be happy to show samples, suggest the best coating options, and answer any questions you have.
One Response
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