PROTECTIVE COATINGS:
Varnish vs. Aqueous

Trying to choose the final finish on your next printed piece can be as frustrating as choosing the right paper to use. The choices run the gamut from no finish to matte or gloss varnish to aqueous coatings either satin or gloss. Each of these gives a different look and feel to your job.

Applying a varnish to your printed piece does give it a protective coating and will decrease, to a degree, the drying time. It also allows for some creativity when designing the piece, you can mix matte & gloss spot varnish or use floods & spots all within the same printed piece. However, varnish does not always eliminate fingerprints or scuffing and could yellow over time.

Aqueous Coating is different. It is a water-based coating. It gives the printed piece the look and feel of varnish (whether satin or gloss), but with improved rub and fingerprint resistance and protection. It also adds base weight & strength to the paper and virtually eliminates drying time thus allowing for quicker turn around time. The one draw back to aqueous coating is that it can only be used as a flood coating.

Both varnish and aqueous coating can be used on coated or uncoated paper, but works best on coated paper.

Advanced Color Graphics' 6-color press incorporates an aqueous coating tower. To discuss the advantages of adding a coating or varnish to your next job, please contact :

Jeff Snyder, 877-552-1200,
e-mail: jds@advancedcolorgraphics.com or

Roger Meinhart, 814-571-9400,
e-mail: advancedcolor@aol.com

Call Us to discuss your project. We can provide custom design or we'll review and finalize your design for great printing results!