Gloss & Matte Printing

Have you ever noticed a beautiful photo printed on high gloss paper? The glossy finish makes it look like you could step right into the scene. It brings the photo to life, makes it more visually appealing and gives it a high-end look. When gloss is used to highlight certain visual elements, it draws the eye and the viewer’s attention just where you want it. That’s an advantage you can’t afford to pass up when designing your printed piece.

Screen Printing

There are many printing technologies that can be used to achieve a gloss look, but none more beautiful or impactful than screen printed gloss. Screen printing allows a much thicker lay down of coating than conventional printing methods, and the results are simply beyond compare.

Conversely, matte coatings can be used to soften an image, diffusing light and contrasting with a glossy substrate.

UV Coatings & How It Works

Gloss and matte coatings are applied in liquid form that cures when they are exposed to Ultra Violet (UV) light, hence their being referred to as UV coatings. By controlling the timing of exposure to the UV light and varying screen making parameters, we can also create raised profile gloss and matte coatings, which give dimension and texture to these effects. We can even customize the build and texture to enhance your design and achieve results unlike any you’ve seen… imagine droplets becoming crystals or diamonds on the printed page. The possibilities are endless!

Some combination of gloss, raised profile and matte printing can make your brand and messaging stand out on gift cards, credit cards, packaging, retail POP displays, book covers, and any piece of marketing collateral. Consumers can not only SEE your printed piece, they can FEEL it, and when you engage multiple senses, they will REMEMBER it.

Some Examples of Our Gloss Printing Work

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Gloss & Matte Printing Tips

  • Created with UV coatings, aqueous or a non-aqueous/non-silicone based varnish – though UV coatings offer a richer and more vibrant look (and cure much faster)
  • Paper: should be done on coated paper stock
  • Plastic: gloss can be done on a pre-lamination for a “debossed” effect or post-lamination basis (30 mil); matte should only be done post-lamination

Printing Specifications

Substrates

  • For automatic presses: minimum 70# text max 30 pt. board
  • No textiles or apparel
  • Flat surface

Artwork

  • Area to be screen printed should be 100% solid black (no screens or half tones)
  • In position for entire sheet with crop marks
  • We prefer PDF format

Pricing

  • Fixed cost for setup and minimum order values may apply

Sheet Size

  • Fully automatic: minimum size: 15″ x 22″; maximum size 28″ x 40″
  • Semi-Automatic: no minimum size; maximum size: 25″ x 38″
  • Please allow 3/4″ to 1″ for gripper

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