Print Plus Mail

What is AQUEOUS Coating? ( Standard-Gloss Finish )

Aqueous Coating is a clear, water-based coating that is applied over the ink to enhance shine and protect the surface. Aqueous coatings are applied to your printed sheet immediately following the inks. The sheets are sent through a heated air system that quickly dries the coating, permitting faster turnaround time and to achieve a more economical price than varnish. Aqueous coatings provide excellent rub and scuff resistance. Protection that far exceeds standard varnishes. Your product will be resistant to smudges, fingerprints and scratches during shipment through to end-use.

Aqueous Coating gives your job a gloss finish but it is not a high gloss. It is a water-based coating and not detrimental to the environment. Most commercial print jobs and postcards use aqueous coating because it is a practical coating. It can be written on with most ball point pens and ink from mailer printers will adhere to this coating. Postcards should always be printed with aqueous coating because of this fact.

What is UV Coating? (High-Gloss Finish)

UV Coating is a slick, glossy coating applied to the printed paper surface and dried on press with ultraviolet (UV) light. The high gloss surface of UV coating makes it eye catching, and therefore very popular for printing the covers of paperback novels and other print products that are meant to gain immediate attention.

UV Coating is mainly popular among club flyers and other promotional items. It is not suggested to get commercial products or postcards. You cannot write on UV coating, not even with a Sharpie™ Marker.

*UV1 Coating has UV coating on one side but is still printed on C2S (Coated 2-sides) therefore there will still be a slight gloss coating on the back. Most inkjet systems are able to print on C2S. If you are not sure, please contact us and we will be more than happy to send you some postcard samples to run through your inkjet system.

What is UV1 Coating? (High-Gloss Coating on only one side)

UV1 means that the high gloss coating is only on one side and the other is left uncoated. Generally we place the high gloss UV coating onto the front of the card. Due to stringent postal regulations many business entry post offices will not accepted automated mail that is UV high gloss coated on both sides since it causes the ink from the bar coding to smear. If you are hand labeling and stamping then the rules aren't as strict but it may cause a delay in your mailing because the post office isn't able to directly inkjet the barcode and instead has to place a label. UV1 gloss coatings are recommended for postcards and any item that needs to be written on such as gift certificates or appointment cards.

Please be sure to note which side you would like coated with UV as we generally gloss coat the front. If you would like another side coated please place that into the special order instructions.

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