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What is Aqueous Coating? & Why it’s use for Packaging?

What is Aqueous Coating? & Why it’s use for Packaging?

The best way to create a lasting impression on your target market involves having attractive product packaging that stands out in a crowd. If you want your packaging to look its best no matter how many times people touch and handle your products, the Aqueous Coating is one of the most important design elements you should be aware of in order to keep the package looking its best even if multiple people touch and handle it at the same time.

You must be getting curious about the process of applying aqueous coating on the surface of packaging material. To know everything important about this lamination, let’s first start with its definition.

What is Aqueous Coating?

Aqueous coating is a clear and water-based coating applied on the surface of the printed packaging material to make the product eye-catching for the target customers. It has a quick drying process. It does not allow fingerprints to destroy attractive product packaging. This type of finishing method is environmentally friendly and keeps nature safe from hazardous substances. This is suitable for all types of packaging designs and styles. The varnish used in aqueous coating protects the printed packaging material.

Process of Aqueous Coating

The process of aqueous coating starts by applying the coating on the sheets of paper even before the printing process. The water-based coating is applied to the packaging material, which is then dried using hot air. This step lets the paper move to the area assigned for the completion of the packaging process.

The weight and texture of the paper carries huge importance in the application of print coating. The heavy packaging material demands less amount of coating and gets ready to use with just one application. But the lightweight papers require many applications to avoid any type of curling or destruction.

When Coating is Required in Print & Packaging?

The aqueous coating boosts the packaging design and gives the product an incredible magnetism. This type of eco-friendly packaging material is necessary for the products going to pass through the shipping process. It is best to use for brochures or business cards. This promises protection against dirt, dust, and fingerprints.

The aqueous coating in packaging makes the product stand distinctive in the competitive market. This is usually applied on a glossy paper surface to give the product premium packaging. Aqueous coating is an eco-friendly packaging material making it best to use in the food industry for the safety of food packaging. The layers of distinct coatings enhance the durability of product packaging. This does not work well for cosmetic products or perfumes; therefore, it is vital to consider the product type while choosing the appropriate coating for the chosen packaging material.

Different Types of Aqueous Coating

Following are different types of aqueous coating, that keep the packaging material safe and secure with an increased attractiveness for the product:

Gloss Coating

Gloss coating is perfect for product packaging holding a great need for a shiny and reflective customized box surface. It keeps the packaging clean and protected. This gives a shimmery effect to the packaging material when shown the sunlight or ultraviolet rays. This type of coating gives you a competitive advantage on the shelves of the retail store.

Matte Coating

The matte coating is opposite to a glossy coating. It gives the packaging material a dull and deep surface with a great color combination. The colors play an imperative role in this type of coating and add the required brilliance to the packaging material. This is usually utilized for simple and minimalistic packaging designs.

Satin Coating

The satin coating is not appealing like other glossy coatings but offers the same amount of protection to the packaging surfaces.  It is the best and holds outstanding safety against stains and scuffs. The lamination works remarkably well without making any changes in the quality of the packaging material.

Soft Touch Coating

Soft touch coating gives your packaging material a premium appearance. This is perfect for expensive products and gives a royal quality to ordinary printed packaging. It offers a great feel of softness and turns the packaging material into a velvety surface.

Dry Erase Coating

Dry Erase coating is the most affordable type of coating used to give a glossy texture to the surface of packaging material. It is not as good as gloss coating but does wonders on a small packaging budget. This is a cost-effective technique for online setups starting their productive journey on tiny capital.

What is the Difference Between Aqueous and UV Coating?

UV coating is also a popular type of coating like the aqueous coating. Both types of coatings hold great benefits but understanding the difference between the two is necessary to make the appropriate choice to fulfill your product needs.

The basic difference between UV coating and Aqueous coating is its way of drying the packaging material after the application of lamination. Aqueous coating is a water-based adhesive material, so the process of evaporation starts as soon as it’s spread on the packaging material. The volatile compounds make quite a thin film on the packaging surface that keeps it safe from blemishes, scratches, and fingerprints.

On the other hand, the UV coating carries a non-volatile compound which makes it dry as soon as it gets exposed to ultraviolet radiations. The light instantly solidifies the liquid substance forming a thin, dry, and tough coating on the surface of the packaging material.  

Both the alternatives are good to go for packaging but still, aqueous coating holds a little advantage with its eco-friendly nature. It is also cost-efficient and gives the packaging design an incredibly attractive feel.   

Benefits of Aqueous Coating

The aqueous coating holds several benefits, some of which are mentioned below:

Eco-Friendly

The coating holds an eco-friendly nature. It is quite effortless to recycle and does not carry any type of toxic substances for the environment.

Suitable

Aqueous coating is quite suitable for a variety of printing procedures. This is quite effortless and works great with distinct packaging materials. The lamination also allows writing and printing easy in the finishing methods.

Cost-Efficiency

The water-based coating is generally used in combination with distinct printing and packaging processes. Therefore, it’s important to keep a check on the methods to achieve cost-efficiency.

Durability

The use of coating for protecting the printed design from scuffs, bumps, and fingerprints, also adds durability to the custom packaging material. This keeps the ink intact. It is a great substitute for varnish and remains fresh as new for quite a long time.

Stephan Benjamin

Stephan Benjamin, is a packaging expert at Box Agency, specializes in crafting durable solutions. With extensive experience in manufacturing, he knows the perfect materials for various packaging needs. He shares his expertise on all things packaging-related through his articles.