Spot UV is an embellishment technique that gives printed products a glossy, eye-catching shine. It’s used to highlight specific areas of a design, making them stand out against a matte or uncoated background. Let’s dive into how it works and why it’s a popular choice for many printed applications.
What is Spot UV?
The process for digital spot UV, short for “Spot Ultraviolet,” involves applying a high-gloss coating to selected areas of the printed sheet. Unlike full-coverage UV coatings (performed by flood UV coaters), today’s digital inkjet technologies allow for a precise application to make design elements stand out – without the use of dies or screens. It draws attention to logos, images, or text on business cards, packaging, and other marketing materials.
The method uses a liquid coating – a polymer or varnish – that is cured with an ultraviolet light, or UV lamp. The curing process is instant and hardens the coating for immediate handling.
How Does Spot UV Work?
Here’s a brief overview of how the process works with a device like the DuSense DDC-810 Pro or DDC-8000 Raised Spot UV Coater:
- Design the Print and Spot Layers: Create your 1-up CMYK artwork in Illustrator. Then, duplicate the layer to create the spot UV file and convert the design to “black and white”. Define the areas where you’d like the spot UV applied by using black. For non-spot UV areas, leave blank or use white.
- Apply Imposition and Registration Marks: Secondly, prepare both the CMYK and spot layer files by applying registration marks to ensure proper alignment during the embellishment process. Then save both files in PDF.
- Send the File to Print: Now that the files are ready, print the CMYK file on a digital press. Load the printed sheets on the DuSense and upload the matching spot layer file to its PC.
- Apply the Spot UV: Finally, the DuSense applies the varnish to the designated areas. Sheets are immediately cured, making them ready for the next step in finishing.
Common Applications
Overall, Spot UV is used in many types of marketing materials including:
- Business Cards: Make your logo or text stand out with a glossy finish.
- Brochures and Flyers: Draw attention to key features, like images or promotions.
- Packaging: Add a luxurious touch to your product packaging.
- Books and Magazines: Create visually engaging covers that grab attention.
- Invitations and Greeting Cards: Make your designs feel more elegant and special.
Is Spot UV Right for Your Business?
Offering digital embellishments can be a profitable choice for your business. With its high visual impact, Spot UV creates a premium look and makes them stand out in a competitive market. It can be a powerful selling point for clients looking for a luxurious finish.
The good news is this type of embellishment doesn’t require a full investment in expensive coating for every project. It’s a cost-effective way to deliver premium results without blowing the budget. This means you can offer clients a high-end finish at a competitive price, creating a win-win scenario for both your business and your clients.
Duplo offers solutions that print providers can leverage to create high-margin jobs in-house and on demand. By combining the DDC-810 Pro Raised Spot UV Coater together with the output from your digital presses, you can unlock profit potential through on demand applications with a quick return on investment. The DDC-810’s digital inkjet technology enables you to produce texturized and tactile effects, giving customers a memorable experience they can touch and feel.
Moreover, the growing demand for embellishments is fueling expansion in markets like direct mail, greeting cards, and packaging. Investing in a design-driven solution is a smart way for print providers to tap into this trend, attract new customers, and capitalize on these lucrative opportunities.
