They say never judge a book by its cover. But there are times when you want people to notice it amongst the others on the shelf. One way to stand out is using spot UV, a finishing technique that involves adding a clear, glossy coating to specific areas on a book cover. The coating is then cured by an ultraviolet (UV) light, creating a visually interesting and tactile experience that can make key design elements stand out.
The application of Spot UV is a meticulous and multi-step process:
- The first step involves preparing the design file, which includes creating a mask file (typically in black and white) that shows the exact areas where the spot UV will be applied. Precision is key in this step!
- The base layer of the cover is printed using standard print techniques such as offset or digital printing. An interesting variation is “blind” spot UV, a technique that involves applying the varnish to areas without any printing underneath creating a subtle yet striking effect.
- The liquid spot varnish is applied to the designated spots as indicated to the mask file using a clean ink fountain and a new plate with the spot UV image.
- The applied varnish is then exposed to an ultraviolet light which instantly cures and hardens the varnish, creating a glossy finish. This process is very quick and ensures the spot UV adheres firmly to the printed material, resulting in a durable and high-gloss effect.
One benefit of the equipment we use at Friesens is that our machines have the ability to register to exact perfection due to the technology we employ. This allows for incredibly intricate details to be created and registered to the printed images or type!
There are many benefits to applying spot UV on your book cover. The obvious one is visual appeal, making key design elements pop on the cover, but it goes beyond that. Spot UV gives covers a premium, high-end look and protects printed materials from wear, maintaining their quality over time. The raised surface of spot UV also creates a sensory experience that engages readers.
The ways to use spot UV on your book cover are seemingly endless, with some of the most popular being used to highlight the title and author name, creating patterns or textures, highlighting key design elements, or enhancing images and illustrations. Spot UV can also be combined with other cover finishes like foil stamping or embossing to create a multi-dimensional effect. Remember though, overusing spot UV can lead to a cluttered or overly ornate appearance, so use it sparingly and strategically!
Whether you are looking to make your book cover stand out or add a touch of sophistication to your printed project, spot UV is an excellent choice!
