What is Aqueous Coating?
An aqueous coating (AQ) is a transparent, water-based varnish applied to printed products during the printing process. Printing and packaging often use aqueous coatings since they dry quickly, resist fingerprints, are environmentally friendly, and support unique packaging designs.
As NASA prepares for launch, AQ might sound familiar with its shuttles for takeoff, but its primary purpose is To protect your products as they fly off the shelves.
Aqueous coating (AQ coating) is a water-based coating applied to press sheets in packaging and printing. With this varnish process, the product looks like it "pops" off the page, and it is protected from scratches, sticky fingerprints, scuffs, and other marks that could hinder its vibrant appearance.
Depending on how much "pop" you want your graphics to have, there are different types of varnish. Printing also influences how the aqueous coating is applied.
Now, look at how aqueous coating is used in printing and packaging.
Printing And Packaging With Aqueous Coatings
Your product packaging should stand out, which is understandable, but remember that its main purpose is to protect and secure your products. The coating is one of the most crucial aspects of packaging.
Protecting your product from fingerprints, scuffs, and other blemishes as it travels from production to your customers' hands is important.
Aqueous coatings stick well to glossy paper, and Gloss varnish can highlight specific areas for a unique branded look. Then, finish with matte or dull varnish.
In offline varnishing, the coating is applied after the sheet has dried, while inline varnishing adds the coating as the item is printed. By adding a glossy finish to specific areas of the piece, you can add a creative touch to your printed materials and make them look stunning.
Aqueous Coating Benefits
As their name implies, water-based coatings are aqueous coatings. Unlike UV coatings and varnishes, they are also used in print applications. Water-based coatings dry quickly, making various designs stand out while still protecting them.
Printing with aqueous coating is a popular, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method. As a result, it is often used in household products and food packaging. Other products, like cosmetics and perfumes, may contain chemicals that prevent the water-based AQ coating from adhering well to the surface. It depends on the product type and whether it can be coated with an aqueous solution.
Aqueous Coating Types
There are several types of aqueous coating, even though it is a category all its own:
If you want your packaging to look muted, use gloss coating while protecting it; a gloss coating may be just the thing. UV or varnish coatings may be better suited if you want something that shimmers when exposed to light.
In contrast to other types of aqueous coatings, matte coating reduces glossiness and lets colors show their vibrant brilliance more clearly.
Although it is not as eye-catching as other glossy coatings, it provides excellent protection against fingerprints, scuffs, and other blemishes that can mar the appearance of your product.
Compared to laminate, dry-erase coatings provide a higher gloss effect.
An excellent choice is a pencil-receptive coating when the quality of the writing implemented on the product (whether it's a pencil, ink, or even laser) is important.
Coating with a soft touch: This coating is less glossy than the other types profiled here, giving the packaging a velvety feel.
Packaging With Aqueous Coating: How Does It Work?
Ink is applied to the sheets before the aqueous coating is applied. To speed up the drying process, the sheet is heated. The aqueous coating process requires several considerations. The paper should not warp, wrinkle, or curl. For example, you must apply the coating across the entire sheet to ensure these things don't happen.
Aqueous vs. UV Coating: What's the Difference?
UV coating and aqueous coating are also common and popular types of coating. Knowing the differences between the two types of coatings is important when selecting the right one for your specific needs.
AQ coatings and UV coatings dry differently. Aqueous coatings are water-based, so Coating volatiles evaporate or are absorbed by the porous material. This forms a thin film layer on top of the paper, protecting it from smudges and scratches.
When exposed to UV light, UV coatings use completely non-volatile compounds that cure. This change instantly converts liquid components into solids, producing thin, tough, and dry Films.
Even though we often recommend AQ coating over both options for its durability, its many benefits include eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and various styles to make your CMYK or Pantone colors stand out.
You Should (Or Shouldn't) Coat Your Print Project
AQ coating has so many benefits that it makes sense to coat everything that comes into contact with your product in this protective Film. Other options, however, may be more suitable in some instances.
It is unlikely that most coatings (unless they are pencil-receptive) will allow someone to write on your product. Aqueous coating is a good option if your product goes through several stages and undergoes a lot of handling before it reaches its destination. Besides preventing fingerprints and scuffs, it also repels dirt and scratches, which is particularly important if your retail packaging is processed through other machines.
Do You Have Questions About The Aqueous Coating Process?
Our packaging glossary can help you understand industry jargon when creating your custom packaging.
This is fairly technical information about product packaging and printing. It's understandable to have questions when reviewing whether or not an aqueous coating is right for your specific product.
We at Luxury Custom Boxes have years of packaging and printing experience to help you make an informed decision. Please contact us today for a no-obligation quote on your packaging and printing needs. With our help, we can design, print, and manufacture various packaging solutions that protect your product while making it stand out.
We also offer several box styles and sizes for all types of products. How do you make your vision a reality? Nothing to worry about! With our highly talented graphic artists and designers, we can help you take your product design to the next level with free design support.
We can help you with packaging and printing for fast turnaround, premium quality, and superior service.
