Spot UV on flat pieces
Spot UV is a cured gloss varnish on selected areas — it needs a coated sheet, so it is the one finish in this category cotton cannot take.
The effect is contrast: a matte or soft-touch field with a wet-looking gloss shape sitting on it, visible only when the light moves. On a large flat piece that is a strong device, because there is room for the gloss to be a real shape rather than a detail.
Raised spot UV builds the varnish up so it has height as well as shine. Flat spot UV stays level with the sheet.
It must sit on a coated or laminated surface. On uncoated cotton the varnish soaks in and never cures to a gloss.
Cotton and uncoated stocks will not cure a gloss varnish. If the piece has to be uncoated, use foil or an impression instead.
Looking for cards rather than flat pieces? Spot UV business cards.
Spot UV — questions we get
Why can't spot UV go on uncoated paper?
The varnish needs a sealed surface to cure against. On an uncoated or cotton sheet it soaks into the fibre and dries dull, so the contrast that makes the finish work never appears.
Flat or raised spot UV?
Flat reads as a change in sheen; raised reads as a change in surface you can feel. Raised suits a logo or a single shape, flat suits a pattern across the sheet.
Pieces that take spot uv
- PostcardsFlat, two-sided, mailed at postcard rate up to 6×4¼. Letterpress or offset.View postcards →
- FlyersThe piece someone takes from a counter. 8.5×11 and 5.5×8.5, flat or folded.View flyers →
- Rack cardsTall and narrow, built to stand in a holder. 16pt and up so it doesn't slump.View rack cards →
- Folded mailersBi-fold and tri-fold, scored on press. Self-mailer sizes that pass USPS.View folded mailers →
- Small postersUp to 12×18 on cover weight. Letterpress runs at this size; foil does with a big die.View small posters →