Make the right impression with
your print coating
In case you didn’t know already, Monkey Business Solutions Group provides high quality print services here in London, Ontario. Some of the best marketing materials are those you can leave behind, which is why we offer print services for business cards, brochures, flyers and more.
We have so many ways for you to apply your idea on print that we understand it can be overwhelming. There are ways to enhance and preserve your print project just by choosing the right coating for your stock. So, we’ve laid out the details about the most important decision when deciding how you want your print to appear with coatings and finishes!
Let’s get started!
Types of COATING Finishes
Many coatings offer different finishes. Finishes add a tactile and visual effect to print by commonly using matte or gloss.
Matte
- Does not shine or reflect light
- Softer images and colours
- Smooth to the touch
Glossy
- Very reflective with a bright shine
- Produces vibrant detail and colours
- A shiny and wet look that makes for a bold finish
SPOT
- Applying either matte of glossy finish in specific areas of print artwork to create contrast and bring attention to certain parts of the print.
Note: There are other, less common combinations of print and lamination coatings and finishes that create special effects. For example, adding glitter to a UV coating. Check with your printing service to see what specialties they may offer.
Types of Print Coating
Depending on the impression you are trying to make with your printed stock, just by choosing the right coating, you can add protection and creative flair to your print.
Ultra-Violet (UV) Coating
Matte | Gloss | Spot
- Strong protections against scratches and scuffs
- More likely to crack when folded as it is a thicker coating
- Will possibly yellow over time
- Very high sheen finish
- Cures and hardens under ultraviolet light
- Can’t be written on
- Free of solvents and can be recycled
AQ (Aqueous) Coating
Matte | Gloss
- Water based
- Non-toxic and environmentally friendly
- Durable and long-lasting
- Provides some protection against scratches and marks
- Has some sheen finish
- Fast drying
- Can be written on
- Can be recycled
- Ideal for catalogues and brochures
Varnish
Matte | Gloss | Spot
- Takes a long time to dry
- Will possible yellow over time
- Provides some protection against scratches and marks
- Has some sheen finish
- Can be written on
- Can be recycled
- Made of clear ink
Types of LaminatioN COATING
Laminate print coating is a fantastic option for any reading material that is expected to be handled often and could use that extra protection from the elements.
Gloss Lamination
- Plastic film containing the print
- High sheen finish
- Repels dust and fingerprints
- Can’t be written on
- Improves the durability and thickness of the print
- More prone to scratches and marks compared to Matte
- Easier to clean
Matte Lamination
- Plastic film containing the print
- No sheen
- More prone to marks compared to gloss
- Improves the durability and thickness of the print
- Can be written on depending on the writing tool used
- Gives off a sophisticated look
- Easy to read from any angle because it has no glare
No Coating
There may be situations where you do not wish to add coating to your stock after the printing process. In this case, the are a few alternative options to consider.
Coated
- Stock already has a coating before the printing process
Uncoated
- Stock already has no coating before the printing process
Coated on one side
- One side of the stock is coated before the printing process
We hope that we could help you to get a better
understanding of the wonderful world of print coating and finishes.
Contact us for more information or to book your print consultation.
