Coating vs. Laminate

What is UV Coating in Printing?

Our ultra gloss UV coating is ideal for protecting your print projects from scratches, moisture and general wear and tear. It’s applied in a liquid form and exposed to ultraviolet light, which cures and dries the coating. The result: a protective barrier.

Pros of UV Coating

• Protects from scratches, tears and frequent handling
• Prevents ink from rubbing off
• Ultra gloss offers a super high shine and vibrant color
• Faster application process than lamination

Cons of UV Coating

• Can only be applied to coated paper stocks
• May crack when your printed piece is bent or folded

What is Aqueous Coating in Printing?

Our flat matte aqueous coating is another great option for protecting your print products from scratches, tears and frequent handling. Water-based, it dries quickly and smoothly.

Pros of Aqueous Coating

• Lends a rich, finished appearance to the paper without adding shine
• Protects from scratches, tears and frequent handling
• Prevents ink from rubbing off
• Used to seal various colors (some inks never fully dry)
• Water-based and generally contain fewer volatile organic compounds,  making them more eco-friendly

Cons of Aqueous Coating

• Lower gloss level
• Can be susceptible to sticking when print pieces are stacked
• Variations in temperature and/or humidity during the production process can create an inconsistent finish

What is Protective Laminate in Printing?

Smartpress offers gloss and matte laminate, as well as the suede-like Soft Touch laminate on many products. With lamination, a film covers the entire print piece and is trimmed before complete.

This film acts as a strong protective barrier against moisture and water in particular. And with Soft Touch, you get the added bonus of its unexpected velvet feel.

Pros of Protective Laminate

• Protects against moisture and water
• Makes projects tear-resistant
• Mitigates cracking on booklet spines and print pieces with folds
• More durable than UV or liquid-based aqueous coatings
• Can be applied as gloss or matte
• Soft Touch adds a soft and velvety smooth feel
• Recommended for cover weight stocks but can be applied to text weights, too

Cons of Protective Laminate

• Slower application process than coating
• Not recommended for print pieces you want to mail (Soft Touch cannot be sent through mailing machines)

Coating vs. Laminate For Printing: Which One Do I Choose?

So how do you know which one is right for your print piece? Here are some things to consider before you make your decision:

1. The purpose of your project

How are you planning to use it? Will your piece be handled frequently? If so, a UV coating might be the way to go.

2. The final look of your project

If you prefer something with high shine, our ultra gloss UV coating is a great choice. But if you want a more subtle look (and a tactile feel), Soft Touch laminate is for you.

3. Paper stock pairings

If you know you want to use a UV coating, be sure to print your project on coated paper stocks, as it cannot be applied to uncoated ones.

Smartpress Tip: When you’re adding Soft Touch laminate, be sure to print your project on cover weight stocks, as it cannot be applied to text weight stocks.

Smartpress Coating & Laminate Offerings