The Evolution of Aqueous Coating in Printing and Packaging Industry
You have heard that the first impression is the last impression, right? The same thing is in the packaging and printing industry if you want to leave a lasting impact on your target audience. The most distinctive factor that can wow your audience is the coatings, which give your packaging a visually appealing look and inspire customers at first glance.
Whether you manufacture packaging boxes, calendars, brochures, magazines, or other materials, coatings give your products an everlasting impact and enhance their appeal.
Among the top of all coatings for printing, aqueous coating (AQ) is an excellent choice. No matter how often the packaging materials come into the hands of individuals, this coating doesn't leave fingerprints on the packaging and is odorless if produced with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Keep scrolling through this guide to learn about AQ and its types, applications, and benefits.
What is Aqueous Coating
AQ coating is a water-based, clear protective finish applied to printed materials during printing. It enhances the overall appearance of the packaging by providing a glossy or matte finish that improves durability against scuffs and smudges and prevents printed inks from fading.
Due to its VOC exudations, this AQ paper coating is famous for its eco-friendliness and far better options than solvent-based coatings. Plus, it is versatile and compatible with various printing techniques because it dries rapidly. That is why it is preferred as the top-priority choice for the aesthetic appeal and longevity of printed items like packaging, brochures, magazines, labels and Stickers.
How AQ Process Goes Before Applying To Your Product Packaging
An AQ coating is applied before the ink is printed on the paper sheet. Then, the sheet is placed in a heated system to complete the drying process rapidly. Having been coated in water-based adhesive and dried quickly with hot air, it now proceeds to a finishing area. However, some essential factors must be kept in mind while processing AQ coating.
When printing with an aqueous coating, it is essential to consider your paper's weight and texture. For instance, if you do not want the paper to wrinkle, curl, or warp, pay extra attention and care not to let it happen while the coating is applied to the whole sheet. Heavier papers generally require less application, whereas lighter papers require more to avoid problems like curling or wrinkling.
Advantages of AQ You Need to Know
Differing from other paper coatings and varnish options, cost-effective and eco-friendly AQ is a popular choice in printing. While providing protection, this rapidly drying water-based aqueous coating can be applied in different ways to make your design look visually appealing. Its sustainability feature allows it to be used frequently in food packaging designs.
It can also be applied to various custom packaging projects. However, it is essential to determine first whether this coating inside or outside the packaging boxes is beneficial or not. For instance, if you are designing cosmetic boxes, make a wise decision about choosing a coating to get the desired printing results.
Some Popular Types Of Aqueous Coating
Now let’s discuss some types of AQ that are popular and commonly used in the printing and packaging industry.
Glossy Coating
Provides a subtle sheen and reflective finish that differs from UV coatings and enhances ink colors.
Matte Aqueous Coating
While minimizing glossing, creates a low-luster, non-reflective, velvety finish and sophisticated appearance with high color intensity.
Satin Coating
Combining gloss and matte coatings aspects delivers a medium level of shine and excellent scuff resistance.
Soft Touch Coating
Offers a smooth and tactile finish to give printed material a luxurious and premium feel.
Dry Erase Coating
A cost-effective and dry-erase finish, an alternative to lamination, offers a higher gloss than other coatings.
Pencil-Receptive AQ Coating
Allows easy writing, erasing with pencil, marking, and printing on the coated surface.
Textured Aqueous Coating
Adds a tactile dimension to prints to create a unique texture that can simulate surfaces like linen or leather.
Aqueous Coating VS UV Coating - How Far They Differ
UV coating is another popular coating for packaging and printing. However, you need to understand the difference between AQ coating and UV coating to be sure which coating suits your business needs.
The most substantial difference between AQ coating and UV coating is how they are preserved. An aqueous coating is made of volatile chemicals, allowing it to evaporate rapidly and become an absorbent surface. This thin-formed coating on the packaging acts as a barrier against stains, scuffs, and scratches.
On the other hand, UV coating made from non-volatile substances reacts when exposed to UV rays. This quickly turns the liquid into a solid form, resulting in a thin and dry layer.
