Have you ever seen any product packaging that looks cleaner than other packaging boxes on the shelves? Or perhaps you have seen product packaging that smells stronger? Do you know that this effect can be made by applying a coating called “aqueous coating” (AQ)? Do you know what the best aqueous coating for printing and packaging is? Let’s discuss this further!
What Is Aqueous Coating?
If you wish to work with a supplier on a new packaging project, it can be difficult if you don’t understand this terminology. Yes, what is aqueous coating?
Aqueous coating is basically a water-based transparent varnish added to prints during the printing process. This coating comes with wonderful capacities such as:
- Dry quickly
- Resist fingerprints
- Environmentally friendly
In addition, this coating turns out to become the standard and popular coating option for printing and packaging.
Water-based varnishes are the famous coating option for printed sheets in the packaging and printing industry. The main reason is due to the coating process making your custom packaging look like it “popped” off. At the same time, this aqueous coating protects your product packaging from scratches, finger sticks, scuffs, and other blemishes that can weaken its colorful appearance.
The good news is that you will find different types of aqueous coatings available. Of course, you can choose the one you like to use. Yet, keep in mind that it depends on how much “pop” you want your packaging to be. Plus, keep in mind that application of this coating is also influenced by how you produce your product.
How Many Types of Aqueous Coating for Printing and Packaging Are There?
Every single brand owner always wants its product packaging to stand out among thousands. However, you also need to remember that the primary purpose of your packaging is to keep your product safe. Well, you might be surprised to know that coating is one of the most important aspects of the packaging process.
Now let’s make it easy to understand here. There will be countless people handling and touching your product as it travels from your place to customers’ hands. In this scene, you know that you need to keep your product free of fingerprints, scuffs, and other defects.
Since aqueous coating adheres well to glossy paper, it is perfect to highlight some areas of your product packaging. Then, you can go with a matte lamination if you want to create a unique branded effect.
From various options of aqueous coating, which one will be best for your product? Let’s find out!
1. Glossy Coating
A glossy coating is perfect if you want to protect your product packaging while still giving it modest appeal. A UV or glossy coating can be suitable for something that looks shimmery when exposed to light.
For instance, this is the right coating for you if you want to make your soap boxes shine on the store shelves. Find out more tips to make your boxes more presentable here!
2. Matte Coating
Matte coating is basically the opposite of glossy coating. This coating will minimize the brightness. This way, the matte coating allows the vibrant brilliance of colors to stand out more on your packaging. This coating option will be a great option if you want to apply trendy and minimalist designs.
3. Satin Coating
Satin is not as noticeable as other types of aqueous coating coatings. On the other hand, this coating can also protect your product from:
- Fingerprints
- Scratches
- Other imperfections that can ruin the appearance
In other words, a satin coating is the best option if you want to get all the essential benefits of coating.
4. Soft Touch Coating
This coating is remarkable for brands that want to take their packaging to a new premium level. The best part we should note about this coating is that it not only protects your product packaging. Better than that, it also delivers a soft feel when customers touch it. This coating will be perfect for perfume boxes or cosmetic boxes.
How Do We Apply These Aqueous Coatings?
The process of applying an aqueous coating is before the ink is printed on the packaging sheer. The sheet will then run through a heating system to fasten up the drying process. At this stage, you will need to observe some essential things needed in order for the aqueous coating process to work well.
For example, you need to make sure that your paper will not warp, wrinkle, or curl. Thus, you need to take great care to prevent that from happening when applying this coating over the entire sheet.
The Benefits of Applying an Aqueous Coating for Printing and Packaging
Perhaps you are wondering what benefits you can get from applying an aqueous coating for printing and packaging. Let’s explore then!
1. Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Features
Using easily recyclable material will help you produce eco-friendly product packaging. Accordingly, you can also reduce solid waste by applying aqueous coatings.
Considering these features, we can say that the coating will be a hassle-free solution for your business to have. They will be perfect when you need extra finishing touches to your print. Additionally, they work very well with a variety of printing processes. Another great thing is that aqueous coatings also make it very easy to write or print on your product packaging.
2. Provide Abrasion Resistance and Durability
Abrasion resistance and durability are some of the biggest reasons for these coatings to remain the most popular choice for print finishing options. The coating maintains the reliability of metallic inks by sealing the ink from contact with air. In addition, the aqueous coatings are less likely to yellow, making them an excellent substitute for paint.
3. Cost-Efficient Method to Make Your Product Packaging More Exceptional
The aqueous coating is mainly used as part of the printing process, resulting in significant cost savings. Yes, in addition to its resistance and durability, this coating comes out being the most cost-efficient method to make your product packaging more exceptional. Thus, you surely don’t want to skip this coating!
Final Ideas
Applying the best aqueous coating for printing and packaging will help you show off your products as exclusively as you want. Considering the cost-efficient benefit of using this coating option, many brands have been applying it to make their packaging boxes look more dazzling. You can choose from various options of this coating to meet your business needs and product specifications.
How about you? Don’t you think that this coating option is worth trying?
I read this blog this is very information and clearing my all doubts. Am thankfull to you
“Matte coating is basically the opposite of glossy coating” good point.