A glossy coating ends up being the most widely used finish in the packaging industry. This coating can even make your box look more premium and protective at the same time. Plus, it’s the perfect coating that helps catch customers’ eyes, even from long distances, in no time.
In this blog, we will explore in detail what a glossy coating is, its various types, and its benefits.
A Brief Intro to Glossy Coating
A glossy coating is a high-shine, reflective finish applied to custom boxes that makes colors look more vibrant and adds a sleek, polished look. In addition to custom boxes, glossy coating is also one of the most popular finishing techniques for other printed surfaces, such as business cards, playing cards, brochures, and product labels.
Are Glossy Coating and Glossy Lamination the Same?
If you’re new to this, you may think that they are the same. However, a glossy coating and a glossy lamination are different, though both create a shiny finish on custom printed boxes.
The main difference is that lamination is a process of applying a separate, thin plastic film to the box’s surface. Meanwhile, coating involves applying a liquid varnish, which is then hardened, mostly using UV light.
So, which one should your business choose?
- Choose glossy coating for a shiny, budget-friendly finish where heavy-duty protection is not the primary concern.
- Choose glossy lamination for maximum durability and a premium feel, as it provides a protective plastic layer.
The Various Types of Glossy Coatings for Custom Boxes
Whether for retail packaging or e-commerce shipping boxes, applying a glossy coating can make them stand out. Depending on the result you want to achieve, there are different types of glossy coatings.
Let’s check each type!
Ultraviolet Gloss Coating
Ultraviolet (UV) gloss coating is a liquid applied to a printed surface that instantly hardens and cures under ultraviolet light. This process creates a high-gloss, shiny, and durable finish that protects the print from scuffs and wear while making colors appear more vibrant and eye-catching. It is often used for retail packaging and promotional items like subscription boxes and PR boxes.
Spot UV Gloss
Different from UV gloss coating, Spot UV gloss is a finishing technique that applies a high-gloss, clear coating to specific areas using ultraviolet (UV) light. This creates a contrast between shiny and matte surfaces. Spot UV gloss can make design elements, such as logos or text, stand out while also providing a protective layer against smudges and scratches.
Gloss Lamination
Gloss lamination gives your boxes a bright, eye-catching, and professional appearance. Moreover, this lamination provides a protective layer against moisture, dirt, and handling, making it ideal for luxury packaging solutions, such as jewelry boxes and gift boxes.
Aqueous Gloss Coating
Aqueous gloss coating is a fast-drying, water-based varnish applied to custom boxes to provide a high-gloss finish that enhances appearance. This coating creates a durable, clear layer that protects against scratches, fingerprints, and moisture.
The best part? Aqueous coating is an environmentally friendly option because it is water-based, solvent-free, and dries quickly, making it a cost-effective choice for food items and lifestyle products.
Varnish Gloss Coating
Varnish gloss coating is a clear, shiny protective layer applied to custom boxes to make colors look brighter, add a luxurious feel, and protect the surface. Varnish is best used to enhance the visual appeal and durability of custom inserts and many packaging elements.
For a quick comparison, you can check out the table below.
| Type of Coating | Gloss Level | Best for | Appeals |
| UV Gloss | Very high | Retail packaging, subscription boxes, PR boxes | Vibrant visuals and durability |
| Spot UV Gloss | Very high | Appealing design elements | A contrast between shiny & matte surfaces |
| Gloss Lamination | Very high | Jewelry boxes, gift boxes | A bright, eye-catching, and professional appearance |
| Aqueous Gloss | Medium-high | Food items & lifestyle products | Shine & eco-conscious |
| Varnish Gloss | Medium | Custom inserts & packaging elements | Simple & budget-friendly |
Why Use Glossy Coating?
Applying a glossy coating not only makes the colors on your custom boxes appear brighter but also enhances the boxes’ overall appearance. More than that, it also provides a reflective, eye-catching shine, creating a clean, polished look that can make any product stand out.
Nevertheless, let’s break down the reasons many businesses choose a glossy coating.
- Enhanced Visual Appeal
Glossy coatings give your boxes a luxurious and more professional visual appeal. Whether you’re in cosmetics, tech, or fashion, each glossy coating is the ideal option to boost your brand’s perception and revenue.
- Increased Durability
The coating adds a protective layer that shields your premium rigid boxes from dirt, smudges, moisture, and scratches, helping them stay looking new for longer.
- Turn Your Boxes into an Effective Marketing & Branding Tool
Featuring a shiny appeal, glossy coatings work exceptionally well with foil stamping, embossing, and other techniques. Ultimately, these coatings can turn your packaging boxes into an effective marketing and branding tool.
Applying a glossy coating can enhance customers’ unboxing experiences and drive social shares. Ultimately,
- Cost-Effective
In many cases, a glossy finish is a more budget-friendly option compared to other finishes.
Final Thoughts
A glossy coating is a high-shine, reflective finish applied to custom boxes that makes colors look more vibrant and adds a sleek, polished look. Speaking of custom boxes, this coating helps catch customers’ eyes, even from long distances, in no time.
Depending on the result you want to achieve, there are different types of glossy coatings, including ultraviolet gloss coating, spot UV gloss, gloss lamination, aqueous gloss coating, and varnish gloss coating.
Many businesses choose a glossy coating for valid reasons, such as enhanced visual appeal, increased durability, turning the boxes into an effective marketing & branding tool, and cost-effectiveness.
Nevertheless, among other finishes, a glossy coating is often the ideal choice for your custom boxes.
FAQs
What is a glossy coating?
A glossy coating is a high-shine, reflective finish applied to custom boxes that makes colors look more vibrant and adds a sleek, polished look.
Are glossy coating and glossy lamination the same?
No, they are not the same. The main difference is that lamination is a process of applying a separate, thin plastic film to the box’s surface. Meanwhile, coating involves applying a liquid varnish, which is then hardened, mostly using UV light.
What are the different types of glossy coating?
Depending on the result you want to achieve, there are different types of glossy coatings, including ultraviolet gloss coating, spot UV gloss, gloss lamination, aqueous gloss coating, and varnish gloss coating.
Why do businesses choose glossy coating?
Many businesses choose a glossy coating for valid reasons, such as enhanced visual appeal, increased durability, turning the boxes into an effective marketing & branding tool, and cost-effectiveness.
