What Is Spot UV?

How spot UV works

Spot UV (ultraviolet) coating applies a clear, glossy varnish to specific areas of a printed card, which is then cured instantly by UV light. The 'spot' refers to selective placement — rather than coating the entire card, the gloss is applied only to chosen design elements. This creates a contrast between the glossy UV areas and the matte card surface around them.

The effect is subtle in flat lighting but dramatic when the card moves — glossy areas catch light and shimmer while matte areas absorb it. This interplay between surfaces creates visual depth without adding color or thickness.

Flat spot UV vs raised spot UV

Flat spot UV

A thin, smooth layer of UV varnish applied flush with the card surface. The effect is purely visual — you can see the gloss difference but you can barely feel it. Flat spot UV works beautifully for large areas, gradients, and all-over patterns. It's the most versatile option.

Raised spot UV

A thicker application that builds up above the card surface — you can feel it with your fingertip. Raised spot UV adds a tactile dimension to the visual contrast. It's best for logos, text, and defined graphic elements where you want people to feel the design, not just see it.

Design tips for spot UV

Maximum contrast comes from pairing spot UV with a matte or soft-touch laminated base. The matte surface absorbs light while the UV areas reflect it — the bigger the contrast, the more striking the effect. Spot UV on a glossy base card is technically possible but far less impactful since both surfaces reflect light similarly.

Bold shapes read better than fine lines — the UV coating spreads slightly during application, so keep flat spot UV lines at 0.3mm or more, gaps at 0.5mm and type at 8pt or larger. Our file requirements page covers the technical specifications for spot UV artwork.

Spot UV vs foil

Both foil stamping and spot UV create contrast on the card surface, but they achieve it differently. Foil adds color (metallic or otherwise) and opacity — you can't see the underlying print through foil. Spot UV is transparent — it adds gloss and dimension while revealing the printed design beneath it.

Foil says 'premium' and 'luxurious.' Spot UV says 'modern' and 'sophisticated.' Many of our clients combine both on a single card — foil for the logo, spot UV for a pattern or secondary element.

Available products

We offer three spot UV products: Essential Flat Spot UV (Quick Ship, 4 business days), Essential Raised Spot UV (Quick Ship, 4 business days), and Custom Spot UV (Studio tier, full creative control). See all spot UV options.