coated paper

Lamination Finishing

A choice of matte, silk, satin or glossy finish is applied to the entire printed piece. For this type of coating, a plastic film that is self adhesive is applied to the printed paper under high heat which rapidly cures it and bonds it to the paper. Laminate coating adds durability to the printed piece and deters dirt. It gives different desired effects to the finished product.

Gloss Lamination

Gloss Laminate is visually stunning. It produces deeper, cleaner and crisper lines and colours and given vibrancy to cover phtoos. The glossy, reflective finish grabs attention and implies a richer product. Gloss laminate is durable in that it repels dust, dirst and fingerprints. Even when it does come into contact with surface dirt, it is easily wiped clear. Gloss is the standard for trade paperback books.

Matte Laminattion

Matte Laminate is often described as a more professional and elegant finish. Matte is currently the more "fashionable" choice for laminate. It is currently very popular among Young Adult titles. Authors, designers and consumers are enamored with the look and feel of matte lamination. The velvety texture of the finish makes for a pleasant tactile experience. The matte soft cover finish is less reflective than gloss, giving a more natural look to cover art.

A less shiny cover absorbs more small scratches and scuffs without looking "beat up". The simple contrast of a matte cover among many glossy covers may draw it's own attention on the bookstore shelf.

A few caveats regarding matte lamination: While many love the soft feel of matte lamination, the texture can be unusual and unexpected for some. The less reflective finish can lessen the intensity and vibrancy of the cover's color, producing a more "washed-out" or muted palette. Matte lamination can produce lower contrast on darker colors, resulting in an overall softer look. While scratches and scuffs are more readily absorbed by matte lamination, this finish can be more susceptible to stains and spills. 

Hot Foil Stamping

Hot Foil Stamping is a process of Metalic Coloured Films that is self adhesive can be applied to specific spot of the printed paper under high heat which rapidly cures it and bonds it to the paper.

Foil Stamping effects are normally selected for the extra Metalic colours that are hard to replicate by printing on paper as the base paper does not have the metalic shiny effect. Thus generally, it is popular for Metalic Gold and Silver Foil Stamping as these are not replicatable colours by print. 

However, rapid development has come up with many new shade variants under the ambit of the rainbows as well as shades of Matte Gold and Matte Silver. Titanium and Rose Gold are also some of the latest and exciting variant that is gaining popularity.

Spot UV Coating

A glossy or matte finishing can be applied to specific "spot" areas of the printed piece such as photographs and graphic images, in order to enhance the vibrancy of its colour on the specific area. The combination of contrasting Matte and Glossy effects on the same surface will help emphasise the main intended image and design.  

For this type of coating, a liquid is applied to the printed paper and exposed to an ultraviolet light which rapidly cures it and bonds it to the paper. For the best effect, it must be noted that before any Spot UV coating application, Matte or Gloss lamination must first be done before the Spot UV coating is applied.   

One of the latest digital innovation also enabled added on "Textured" finishing that are capable of reproducing different tactile experiences on the surface of the prints. Multiple "Drip off" effects helps create new dimensions to an already impressive arrays of finishing available. 

3D Spot UV Coating

glossy or matte coating can be applied to the same specific "spot" areas of the printed piece several times. This will make the specific spot feel more thicker and thus have a more "3D effect" image.

Previously, this coating repetition requires high percision and skills. With Digitalisation, the thickness of Spot UV coating application is adjustable, simplifying the high percision process of "3D effect" coating.