What Is Spot UV

Have you ever noticed how labels for premium products often feature elements with a glossy texture? This is thanks to spot UV.

Spot UV is a popular finishing technique that gives printed materials a shiny, raised, and luxurious feel. It is often used on business cards, custom packaging boxes, postcards, and other marketing materials to highlight design elements and create an eye-catching result that leaves a strong impression.

Interested in learning more and incorporating Spot UV into your project? Let’s explore it further!

What Is Spot UV?

Spot UV is an exceptional finish for printing. The technique adds a clear, shiny coating to specific areas of a design. As you may have thought, the word “UV” means it is cured with ultraviolet light. Overall, the process creates a contrast between glossy and matte surfaces, which adds a premium, eye-catching touch to printed materials.

What is the difference between UV and spot UV?

The main difference lies in the area of coverage. UV coating (flood UV) is a glossy finish applied across the entire surface of a printed material. It gives the product a consistent, reflective shine and offers overall protection.

On the other hand, the Spot UV finish targets specific elements, such as a logo, text, or graphic. It creates a high-contrast effect by making selected areas glossy. 

The Spot UV Process

As one of the preferred printing techniques, the process of applying Spot UV is very precise.

Here’s how the technique works. 

Design and Mask

First, the designer creates a “mask” file, a black-and-white file that shows precisely where the glossy finish will be applied. Black areas will get the coating, while white areas will not.

Printing

Next, the Spot UV machine will print your main design. This includes all colors, text, and images.

Varnishing

A clear liquid varnish will then be applied to the areas marked in the mask file using a screen-printing process or digital option.

Curing

The printed material then passes under an ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light instantly dries and hardens the varnish, creating a smooth, durable, high-gloss Spot UV texture.

Types of Spot UV Effects

Beyond the standard high-gloss finish, spot UV can create a variety of other effects.

Below are the most popular Spot UV examples. 

Blind spot UV: This is a subtle effect where the UV gloss is applied to an area with no ink underneath. It creates a hidden pattern that is only visible when light hits it at the right angle, adding a touch of high class.

Raised spot UV: This technique uses a thicker layer of varnish to create a tactile, raised effect. It gives printed elements a 3D feel and adds a luxurious texture.

What is the difference between blind UV and spot UV?

From the definition above, it’s clear that the difference lies in the design purpose, not the application method.

Spot UV is used to highlight existing printed elements, like a logo on a printed background.

Meanwhile, Blind UV is used to create a design or pattern with the clear gloss alone, without any ink underneath. Hence, the design is only invisible when the light hits it at the right angle. 

To make it easier, check out the table below. 

Spot Varnish vs Spot UV

Yes, Spot UV and Spot varnish are different. While often used interchangeably, there are key differences:

Spot UV uses a liquid varnish that is cured by ultraviolet light. The curing process is instant, resulting in a high-gloss finish. The resulting surface is also more durable. Meanwhile, Spot Varnish uses a standard ink-based varnish that is often air-dried. It provides a less intense shine and is generally less durable. However, this varnish is a more cost-effective option.

The Benefits of Spot UV

Many businesses choose the Spot UV technique, and for valid reasons. 

This finishing technique offers numerous benefits, such as:

• Increased visual appeal: It creates a high-contrast look that catches attention.
• Create tactile engagement: The glossy areas are pleasing to touch, adding a physical dimension to the overall design.
• Enhanced brand image: A high-quality finish gives your products and brand a more professional appearance.
• Better durability: The coating protects against scratches and smudges, thereby enhancing the surface’s overall appearance. 
• Environmentally friendly: The UV curing process avoids the release of harmful solvents.

Spot UV Applications

Spot UV elevates branding by creating a sleek, professional look that grabs attention and leaves a memorable impression. 

Here are some Spot UV examples in different products. 

Business Cards

What is Spot UV in a business card?

This technique can make your business name or logo shine for a professional first impression.

Brochures & Flyers

Draw attention to key messages or images with glossy accents.

Book Covers

Spot UV adds texture and elegance to titles or graphics.

Labels & Stickers

Make product names or icons pop for better shelf visibility with this printing technique.

Product Packaging

Spot UV transforms ordinary packaging into a statement of elegance and quality. This applies especially if you use rigid stock for your custom packaging. 

Here are some examples of box styles that will look more appealing with SPot UV.

Magnetic Closure Boxes: Enhance the flap or logo with glossy accents for a sleek, modern appearance.

Drawer Boxes: Highlight brand elements on the outer sleeve or drawer front.

Book-Style Boxes: Use Spot UV on the cover to mimic the feel of a luxury hardcover.

Two-Piece Boxes: Make the lid pop with glossy patterns or embossed logos.

Collapsible Rigid Boxes: Combine Spot UV with matte lamination for a foldable yet premium experience.

Shoulder Neck Boxes: Apply Spot UV to the neck area or top lid for a layered, dimensional effect.

Factors to Consider when Using Spot UV 

When using Spot UV coating in packaging or print design, it’s essential to strike a balance between aesthetics and practicality. However, this technique can be an affordable way to create luxury packaging for your brand without compromising production quality or cost. 

Here are the key factors to consider:

• Design Focus: Use Spot UV to highlight your business logo, images, or patterns—not full surfaces.
• Material Match: Works best on smooth, coated surfaces, such as rigid stock.
• Contrast Effect: Pair with matte finishes for better visuals.
• Precision Printing: Requires accurate alignment—choose experienced printers or work with experienced box manufacturers, such as Custom Rigid Boxes. 
• Cost Impact: This premium touch might increase production cost.
• Eco-Considerations: Opt for solvent-free UV coatings, meaning that your product doesn’t contain any liquid chemicals that evaporate into the air.

Summing Up

Undoubtedly, Spot UV adds a clear, shiny coating to specific areas of a design. Many businesses choose Spot UV as the finishing technique because it offers numerous benefits, such as increasing visual appeal, creating tactile engagement, enhancing brand image, better durability, and it’s environmentally friendly. 

That’s why the Spot UV technique is popular in marketing and packaging, where first impressions matter most, such as Business Cards, brochures and flyers, Book Covers, labels and stickers, and Product Packaging. 

So, are you interested in applying Spot UV and making your business stand out?

FAQs

What is Spot UV?

Spot UV is an exceptional finish for printing that adds a clear, shiny coating to specific areas of a design.

What is the difference between blind UV and spot UV?

Spot UV is used to highlight existing printed elements, like a logo on a printed background.

Meanwhile, Blind UV is used to create a design or pattern with the clear gloss alone, without any ink underneath. Hence, the design is only invisible when the light hits it at the right angle. 

What are the benefits of using Spot UV?

Spot UV offers numerous benefits, such as increasing visual appeal, creating tactile engagement, enhancing brand image, better durability, and it’s environmentally friendly. 

What to consider when using Spot UV?

When using Spot UV, you should consider some key factors, such as design focus, material match, contrast effect, precision printing, cost impact, and eco-considerations.