What Is Varnish in Printing?
Varnish is a clear coating applied to printed materials to improve both appearance and durability. Printers apply varnish either inline during production or as a finishing step. It enhances colors, adds tactile effects, and protects against scuffs, scratches, fingerprints, and even light moisture.
At Printing Partners, we offer multiple varnish and coating options to fit your project’s design, budget, and durability needs.
Spot Varnish Printing
Spot varnish highlights specific areas of a design—such as logos, headlines, or images—with a glossy or matte finish. It requires a separate printing plate, much like a spot color, which allows precise control over where the coating appears.
- Draws attention to key design elements.
- Available in gloss, matte, or a combination for contrast.
- Can be solid, screened, or tinted for creative effects.
Spot varnish is often used to elevate covers, packaging, and premium marketing pieces.
Flood Varnish
Flood varnish coats the entire printed surface. It can be applied in gloss or matte finishes, depending on the desired look.
- Protects the full sheet from wear.
- Provides a consistent sheen across the entire design.
- No special setup needed in artwork—applied automatically across the sheet.
Flood varnish is a cost-effective way to upgrade postcards, catalogs, and brochures.
Aqueous Coating
Aqueous coating is a water-based alternative to traditional varnish. It dries quickly and is environmentally friendly.
- Available in gloss, satin, or matte finishes.
- Resistant to smudges and fingerprints.
- Excellent for fast-moving projects like postcards, mailers, and catalogs.
Because it’s water-based, aqueous coating is safer for press operators and the environment while providing reliable protection.
UV Coatings
UV coating is applied as a liquid and cured instantly with ultraviolet light. It provides one of the most durable and striking finishes available.
- Ultra-high gloss or matte options.
- Superior resistance to scratches and heavy handling.
- Available as spot UV or flood UV coating.
- Intensifies colors and adds depth to images.
Spot UV coating is especially popular for luxury packaging, invitations, and marketing pieces that need to make a bold impression.
Motion Coating
Motion coating creates dynamic visual effects that appear to move as the viewing angle changes.
- Adds hologram-like patterns or shifting graphics.
- Works well for logos, packaging, and promotional designs.
- Requires early planning with our sales team for best results.
This specialty option delivers a memorable, interactive element that engages audiences.
Print Lamination
For maximum protection, lamination adds a separate plastic layer over printed sheets. Options include:
- High Gloss Laminate – Deep shine and strong protection.
- Matte Laminate – Smooth, non-reflective finish.
- Soft Touch Laminate – Velvety texture that feels premium.
Lamination enhances durability for menus, book covers, packaging, and other high-use materials.
Choosing the Right Finish
Each varnish or coating option serves different purposes—from subtle elegance to bold shine, from cost-efficient protection to luxury finishes. Our team at Printing Partners will help you select the right finish for your project, ensuring your printed materials stand out while holding up to real-world use.
Why Choose Printing Partners
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Quality management at every step.
G7® Master Colorspace Qualified
Industry-leading color accuracy.
Decades of Experience
Trusted since 1989 by designers, retailers, and publishers.
Scalable Solutions
From short runs to large wholesale quantities.
