Spot varnishing is an acrylic clear coat applied in specific locations on printed materials to add an eye-catching, glossy finish commonly seen on book covers, magazines, and marketing collateral. It may be added before or after printing using various techniques such as screen printing, offset printing, or digital printing. It is also applied selectively to printed material areas to add gloss or satin sheen or protect from abrasion or UV damage. Spot varnish can highlight or emphasize design elements such as photos, headlines, and call-to-action buttons. At the same time, it protects it from scuffing and scratching.
Spot varnish comes in two primary varieties: gloss and matte. Gloss varnish produces a shiny and reflective sheen, while matte varnish gives a quieter glow.
The primary purposes of spot varnish are two. It acts as a UV and abrasion shield for the printed pieces. It also enhances the depth and dimension of designs by highlighting some design elements or relieving the overall work.
Spot varnish printing is also an alternative for creating specific effects in print materials. Spot varnish, when correctly used, provides depth and dimension.
Finally, spot varnish is a transparent or colored coating applied on printed surfaces to highlight a particular area, protect from UV smudging, increase durability, add strength, and create a unique and eye-catching appearance. Appropriate use of spot varnish can significantly improve the aesthetics of the printed piece.