THIS MONTH'S TOPIC: Bring Images to Life with UV Coatings

Ultraviolet (or UV) coatings are well-known for their ability to protect printed pieces against scratches, scuffs and other abrasions. But UV coatings offer one key advantage over other coating varieties: They bring images to life by making them "pop" from the page.

The Advantage of Post-Press Coating
Because UV coating is applied during a screen printing process, Eckhart & Company has the ability to accurately control the amount of coating applied to the substrate. Press-applied coatings may not have the same level of control. This is important because the amount of gloss is directly proportional to the amount of coating applied. Press application may apply UV coating evenly across the piece, but may not allow for some of the touches that can set your pieces apart. Let's take a look at a few options:

Bump Coating - UV Coating doesn't necessarily need to cover your substrate in a smooth, glass-like appearance - it can be textured and 'rise' above the page. This is called 'bump' coating, and is particularly effective when the coating itself is designed to form an image on top of the printed material.

A variety of textures are available with UV coating, including glitter, which can be applied in any shape or form to your printed piece.

Glow-in-the-Dark - When mixed properly, certain UV coatings will glow in the dark, adding an extra dimension to your pieces. Exposing these coatings to fluorescent lighting for long periods will 'charge' particles in the UV coating, and cause them to put off a soft glow long after
the lights have been turned down. Planning tip: UV coating is most economical when it's performed in conjunction with related post press processes such as binding, folding or case construction. Combining finishing techniques creates the most economical and efficient workflow, so plan your project through completion in the design stage-you'll avoid costly reruns later.

The Eckhart Advantage
At Eckhart & Company, our technology allows us to produce UV coatings with a smooth, even appearance by removing press powder prior to application of UV coating. When press residue remains on the substrate as UV is applied, the coating can appear gritty and resemble sandpaper after curing. Our advanced roller system removes press powder and employs the ultimate coating technology to deliver high-quality UV products.

Back Issues:

• November 2004 - Perfect Binding Cover Layouts

• October 2004 - Plastic Spiral Binding

• September 2004 - Spiral Wire Binding

• August 2004  Take Advantage of Wire-O Binding

• July 2004  Cased-In Wire-O

• June 2004  Quality Mechanical Binding Starts at the Punch

• May 2004  Fully Concealed Wire-O Covers

• April 2004  Turn Your Mechanically Bound Book Into a Display Piece

• March 2004  Large Diameter Spiral Wire Binding

• February 2004  Perfect Binding

• January 2004  Our Capabilities

• December 2003  Turned Edge Advantages

• November 2003  Semi-Concealed Wire-O

• October 2003  The Advantages of UV Coating

• September 2003  Mechanical Binding Inserts

• August 2003  The Advantages of Prototypes

• July 2003  Calendars

• June 2003  Index Tabbing

• May 2003  Plastic Comb Binding

• April 2003  Mechanical Binding Options

• March 2003  News From BookTech

• February 2003  Plastic Spiral Binding

• January 2003  Serving Our Customers

• December 2002  Wire-O Covers

• November, 2002 Spiral Wire Production

• October, 2002 Wire-O Binding

• September, 2002 Mechanical Binding Basics

• August, 2002 Cased-In Wire-O