FAQ's
About Us
Contact Us
What Aqueous Coating For Printing And Packaging Actually Is?
Have you ever been puzzled why your fingerprints do not stick to the box of a product? Alternatively, why does some packing appear to be dirtier than others? And what distinguishes some printed materials from others in terms of the odor?
Aqueous Coating, or the absence thereof, is most likely to blame.
What Is Aqueous Coating?
Aqueous coating (AQ) is a water-based, transparent varnish that is applied to printed products during the printing process. Because it dries rapidly, resists fingerprints, is ecologically friendly, and allows for distinctive packaging designs, aqueous coating is often the standard coating method for printing and packaging.
Aqueous Coating (AQ) may sound like something NASA employs to get their space shuttles ready for flight, but its primary purpose is to safeguard your products as they fly off the shelves.
Aqueous coating (also known as AQ coating) is a water-based coating that is applied to the press sheet in the packaging and printing industries. This varnishing technique makes the finished product appear to “pop” off the page while also protecting it against scratches, sticky fingers, scuffs, and other markings that could detract from its brilliant appearance. As a result, numerous types of varnish are available depending on how much “pop” you want your artwork to have. The application of the aqueous coating is also influenced by how the product is produced.
Let's get into how aqueous coating is employed in printed and packaging materials without further ado.
Using Aqueous Coating In Printing:
While it is understandable that you want your product packaging to stand out, bear in mind that the primary purpose of packaging is to keep your products safe and secure. You might be shocked to learn that one of the most important aspects of the packaging process is the coating. Many individuals will touch your product while it travels from the factory to the hands of customers, so it is critical to keep it free of fingerprints, scuffs, and other defects. Because aqueous coating adheres well to glossy paper and is commonly used in offset printing, it is customary to highlight specific regions with gloss varnish, then finish with a matte varnish to produce a unique aesthetic.
Inline varnishing applies the coating as the object is being printed, whereas offline varnishing applies the coating after the sheet has dried. This provides a creative touch to your printed goods by adding shine to the piece as a whole while allowing specific parts to stand out.
Benefits Of Aqueous Coating:
Water-based coatings are referred to as aqueous coatings. Unlike UV coating and varnish, which are also used in other print applications, a water-based coating dries rapidly, allowing it to be applied in a variety of ways to make the design stand out while still providing protection.
Aqueous coating is a popular printing method since it is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. For this reason, it is frequently utilized in food packaging and household items. Chemicals in other items, such as cosmetics, may cause the AQ coating to not adhere to the outside or inside of the box. The type of product you have will determine whether or not you can utilize aqueous coating.
Types Of Aqueous Coating:
Types Of Aqueous Coating:
Even though the aqueous coating is a distinct category, there are multiple varieties of aqueous coating, including:
- Gloss Coating: A gloss coating may be exactly what you are searching for if you want your packaging to have a more subdued impact while still being protected. UV or varnish coatings may be better suitable for something that has a more shimmering effect when exposed to light.
- Matte Coating: Compared to other types of aqueous coating, matte coating minimizes glossiness and allows colors to display their bright brilliance more.
- Satin Coating: When it comes to coatings, satin is not as eye-catching as other types of glossy coatings, but it still provides excellent protection against fingerprints, scuffs, and other flaws that could detract from your goods.
- Dry Erase Coating: This less expensive option to laminate provides a better gloss effect than other coating kinds.
- Pencil Receptive Coating: A pencil receptive coating is a fantastic choice when the quality of the writing equipment used on the product is vital (whether it is pencil, ink, or even laser).
- Soft Touch Coating: The soft-touch coating offers the package a more velvet-like texture than the other types of finishes discussed here.
How Is Aqueous Coating Applied To Product Packaging?
The aqueous coating is applied before the ink is printed on the sheets. The sheet is then passed through a heated system to speed up the drying process. For the aqueous coating process to operate, several considerations must be kept in mind. For example, you do not want the paper to warp, wrinkle, or curl, so take extra precautions to make sure none of these things happen while applying the aqueous coating over the entire sheet.
What Is The Difference Between Aqueous And UV Coating?
UV coating is another prevalent type of coat in addition to aqueous coating. Both types of coatings have their advantages, but it is vital to understand the differences. So you can choose the correct one for your purposes. The most significant distinction between AQ and UV coatings is how they are dried. The volatile substances that make up aqueous coatings evaporate or are absorbed into the porous material because they are water-based. This forms a thin film on top of the paper, acting as a screen against smudges and scuffs.
UV coatings, on the other hand, are made up of fully non-volatile chemicals that cure as a result of a reaction when exposed to UV radiation. This causes a shift that converts the liquid components to solids in an instant, resulting in a thin, durable, and dry layer. Although both solutions are popular, we frequently recommend AQ coating due to its eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and variety of styles that make your CMYK or Pantone colors or design truly stand out.
When You Should (Or Should not) Coat Your Print Project:
With so many advantages to AQ coating, it is natural to believe that everything that comes into contact with your product should be covered with this protective layer. Other options, on the other hand, will work far better in some cases. For example, if someone wants to write on your product, most coatings will not let it (unless it is pencil-receptive). If your product will be handled a lot and transit through multiple stages before arriving at its final destination, aqueous coating is a smart alternative to consider. It not only helps to hide fingerprints and scuffs, but it also helps to repel dirt and scratches, which is very crucial if your retail package is going through other machinery.
Also Read: What Are The Benefits Of Using Spot UV Coating?
Also Read: What Are The Benefits Of Using Spot UV Coating?
Have Questions About The Aqueous Coating Process?
Let's face it, this is technical data concerning the packing and printing procedure for a product. It is natural to have concerns about the aqueous coating process as you consider whether or not it is appropriate for your particular product. Fortunately, our years of packaging and printing experience at Halcon Packaging can offer you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. For a no-obligation quote on your packaging and printing needs, contact us today. We can help you design, print, and create a variety of packaging solutions that will protect your goods while also making them seem unique and one-of-a-kind.
We also provide a variety of box styles in a variety of sizes for all types of products. Are you stumped as to how to make your vision a reality? It is no problem! We have a team of highly skilled graphic artists and designers who can collaborate with you and provide free design support to help you elevate your packing box design.
For all of your packaging and printing needs, contact us today to learn more about our quick turnaround, high quality, and outstanding service.
