Overprint Varnishes & Functional Coatings

A functional coating is a specially formulated layer applied to printed surfaces to enhance their performance and durability. Unlike traditional decorative coatings, functional coatings provide specific properties, such as:

• Abrasion Resistance: Protects surfaces from wear and tear.
• Moisture Protection: Shields materials from water damage.
• Chemical Resistance: Prevents degradation from exposure to harsh substances.
• Improved Aesthetics: Enhances the visual appeal with gloss or matte finishes.

Functional coatings play a critical role in extending the life and utility of printed materials, making them indispensable in packaging, labeling, and other industries.

Overprint varnish (OPV) is a type of coating applied to printed surfaces to improve their look and feel. It’s commonly used to add:

• Gloss or Matte Finish: Provides a polished or subdued appearance.
• Surface Protection: Guards against scuffs, scratches, and environmental damage.
• Tactile Effects: Creates textures or enhanced grip for specific applications.

While overprint varnishes primarily focus on surface aesthetics, they often overlap with functional coatings when offering protection and durability.

Although both functional coatings and overprint varnishes enhance printed materials, their purposes differ:

• Functional Coatings: Engineered for performance enhancements, such as chemical resistance and durability.
• Overprint Varnishes: Primarily used for aesthetic purposes, adding visual and tactile appeal.

In many cases, products can serve both roles, combining aesthetic improvements with protective qualities.

Water-based coatings, also known as water-based overprint varnishes, use water as their primary solvent. They are environmentally friendly and offer several advantages:

• Low VOC Emissions: Reduce environmental impact and comply with strict regulations.
• Ease of Application: Compatible with various substrates and standard printing processes.
• Eco-Friendly: Safer for operators and end-users, with minimal odor and toxicity.

Water-based coatings are ideal for businesses seeking sustainable solutions without compromising performance.

Energy curable technology refers to coatings that cure or harden when exposed to specific energy sources, such as ultraviolet (UV) light or electron beams (EB). These coatings are widely used due to their:

• Rapid Curing: Speeds up production with near-instant drying.
• High Performance: Provides excellent adhesion, durability, and resistance.
• Energy Efficiency: Reduces energy consumption compared to traditional curing methods.
• Eco-Friendly Formulation: Contains fewer harmful solvents, making it safer for the environment.

Energy curable coatings, such as UV and EB, are ideal for high-speed operations and applications requiring superior finishes.