Aqueous coating is a process used to improve the appearance and quality of a printed product. It is also used to protect the product from dirt, dust, and moisture.The aqueous coating can be applied in either a gloss or matte finish. To get the most out of your aqueous coating, there are several things you should keep in mind.
What is aqueous coating?
Hey - do you know what aqueous coating is? Well, it's a type of coating used in the print and packaging industries that involves spraying or brushing on a thin layer of water- or solvent-based material.It's an environmentally friendly method of offset printing since it uses much less energy than traditional methods and produces minimal waste.Aqueous coatings also provide excellent protection and vibrancy to the printed product, with both gloss and matte finishes available. In addition, they can be applied quickly over large areas and are cost-effective compared to other types of coatings.So, if you're looking for a way to create vibrant prints without breaking the bank or harming the environment, then the aqueous coating is definitely worth considering.
What is aqueous coating on paper?
A gloss aqueous coating can be an ideal solution when you're looking for a durable, professional finish for your printing projects.Aqueous coating is a water-based clear or pigmented coating that is applied in a thin layer on the surface paper. This low VOC process provides very high durability and helps protect printed projects from fingerprints, abrasions, UV light, and moisture damage.Furthermore, the glossy sheen created by aqueous coatings enhances color saturation for improved visual appeal and makes text easier to read with crisp edges.It's also environmentally friendly since it does not contain any hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).Its superior protection performance and immense versatility make it easy to see why aqueous coatings have become popular options for printing projects.When you're looking for maximum protection without sacrificing quality or aesthetics, an aqueous coating is definitely worth considering. Without further ado, let's proceed to the tips now.
1. Make sure the substrate is clean and free of dust and debris
When it comes to getting the most out of your aqueous coating vs UV coating project, a key element to success is cleaning off any dust or debris from your substrate before you start.It's easy to overlook this small detail and jump straight into the application process, but this might cost you time and money in the long run.Dust and debris can lead to various issues, including bubbles in your final product and an uneven surface appearance.Plus, dust and debris may get trapped between coating layers, causing cracking or flaking down the line.So, it's important to take some extra time beforehand for proper cleaning: use a vacuum for large dirt particles and then wipe them down with an appropriate cleaner to finish up.Doing so will help ensure a smooth, professional finish when it comes to applying your aqueous coating. This is arguably one of the most important steps of the process, so be sure not to skip it.
2. The coating should be applied in a thin, even layer
When you’re applying an aqueous coating to any surface, it’s essential that the coating be applied in an even layer.Otherwise, you won’t get the full benefit of a seamless finish and can end up with patches and irregularities. If the coating is too thick in one place and thinner in another, it won't provide adequate protection or prevent water from seeping into crevices.To ensure even coverage, start by assessing the shape and texture of your surface before you begin painting. Smooth surfaces will take less time to apply than uneven surfaces since there’s no risk of paint pooling on ridges or crevices.Be sure to use a brush or other tool appropriate for the size of your surface — using something too big may result in drips or misshapen stitches, while using something too small prevents efficient coverage.Finally, remember always to keep a light touch when applying; double coats are rarely necessary—if anything, they increase the risk of streaks.With the right techniques and some practice, you’ll be able to get the most out of your aqueous coating and create a protective yet beautiful finish.
3. Avoid applying the coating too thick, as this can lead to defects such as mottling and streaking
There's nothing worse than so-called experts who make you feel like a novice when it comes to something as important as coating your surfaces.When it comes to aqueous coating, however, it's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid applying it too thickly. Doing so can lead to disastrous results, such as mottling or streaking of the paint job, which aren't exactly the aesthetic qualities you had in mind.Conversely, by applying an even layer at just the right thickness, you end up with an evenly coated surface that looks amazing while also fulfilling its intended purpose.To get the most out of your aqueous coating, start small and apply evenly with a brush or roller - think 8 mils per wet coat - and if needed, add additional coats instead of layering excessively thick ones all at once.This method is both cost-effective and helps ensure you get the most out of your coatings job.
4. Allow the coating to dry completely before printing on it
If you're using aqueous coating on your custom packaging, it's imperative that you make sure it dries completely before printing or label application.Doing so will help to ensure the coating cures properly and provides superior protection for your packaging. There are several ways to check that the coating is fully dry before beginning the assembly process.If you used an inkjet printer, inspect it visually; look for signs of wet core on the substrate. Additionally, run your finger across the coated surface to confirm that no water can be felt on its surface.You should also take care to note if there are any color changes or shifting after drying - this could indicate that the coat wasn't applied properly or if it dried at a different temperature than expected. Finally, ensure that the drying time aligns with any recommended specifications provided by manufacturers or suppliers - this is especially important when dealing with specialty substrates and coatings.Taking these precautions will help ensure that your beautiful aqueous-coated custom packaging gets the most out of its protective layer.Allowing it to dry completely helps create a solid base for further decoration and ensures superior protection for your product.
5. Do not expose the coated substrate to excessive heat or sunlight
Applying an aqueous coating to your custom packaging effectively adds protection, durability and even a desirable aesthetic.To get the most out of your coatings and ensure they serve you well throughout your lifespan, there are specific best practices that you should keep in mind.First, never expose the coated substrate to excessive heat or sunlight. These conditions can cause deterioration or yellowing or even damage to underlying prints if the temperature gets too high. Likewise, moisture can affect coatings applied to already-printed paper styles — ensure your product is completely dry before beginning coating application.Avoid humid conditions when storing the coated product; opt for cool temperatures instead.Doing so will protect the integrity and vibrancy of your printed project for years down the line and help guarantee you get all that you need from your custom packaging solution.
6. Store the coated product in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
If you're looking to get the most out of your aqueous coating for custom packaging, then you'll want to be sure to follow some key measures.For example, make sure to properly store the coated product in a cool and dry place that isn't exposed to direct sunlight. Sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation, which can break down the properties of your aqueous coating over time, making it far less effective for protecting against dust, dirt, and other contaminants that could damage your product.Temperature changes can also have an impact on coating performance, so try to keep the storage room as constant as possible in terms of temperature and relative humidity.Keeping products off the ground may also improve your results – by storing them on shelves or higher up on pallets, the environmental conditions surrounding them are generally more consistent than when products are stored directly on warehouse floors.Finally, regular inspections for signs of wear or tear should be conducted on occasion, as even seemingly minor damage over time could lead to severe product damage if not caught in time.By following these tips, you can help ensure that your product stays safely protected even while in transit and storage.
7. Remember that aqueous coatings are not water-resistant and will not protect against moisture damage
Protecting your custom packaging with aqueous coatings is a smart move, but to get the most out of them, it’s important to remember that they are not water-resistant.If you want to protect against moisture damage, then consider lamination or varnish options. To get the best results with an aqueous coating, use a heavier-weight substrate - paperboard is almost always better than lighter paper-based stocks.Make sure that your graphics are clean and free of dust, dirt and any other contaminants before applying aqueous coatings since those will affect the finished product.Finally, consider professional advice when selecting print stock and inks, as well as additives for gloss or glaze finishes that are compatible with your base material for optimal results.With these tips in mind, you can get quality protection from your aqueous coating for custom packaging.
8. Use caution when handling coated products, as they may be slippery when wet
Custom packaging is a great way to increase usability and visibility, but it does come with some risks. In particular, those that use an aqueous coating must take extra caution when handling their product.Since aqueous coatings are generally water-based, the protective coating can become slippery when wet, increasing the risk of slipping and dropping your items.To get the most out of your aqueous coating for custom packaging, it's important to invest in products with good slip-resistance properties. You should also handle coated products with care, using mats or towels where possible to counteract any potentially slippery surfaces.Additionally, try to keep them away from any areas prone to moisture build-up so that you don't have to worry about them becoming too slippery in between uses.Following these tips will ensure you get optimal protection from your aqueous coating while avoiding common hazards such as slipping and dropping your items.
9. Do not stack printed products with aqueous coatings more than two high at any time
For custom packaging that includes aqueous coatings, there are certain things you can do to get the most out of your product.First, take the time to test and adjust a formula that best suits your specific needs when it comes to appearance, performance, and durability.You'll also want to be sure not to stack printed products with aqueous coatings more than two highs at any time.Not only can this cause damage - and in extreme cases, total destruction - of items underneath it, but the pressure and heat buildup can create an uneven cure in your coating and let air into whatever you're transporting.Additionally, always ensure that temperature (storage and transportation temperatures) is monitored carefully; be aware of potential chemical reactions caused by adverse weather conditions or other fluctuating environmental factors.Finally: don't forget to check before transporting items with aqueous coatings - they're always susceptible to mechanical impacts during transit that may cause scratching or discoloration.Follow these guidelines, and you'll have smooth sailing when it comes to treating your coated items properly.
10. Be sure to test any new aqueous coatings before the widespread use
Getting the most out of your aqueous coating for custom packaging begins with testing. Before you make widespread use of a given aqueous coating, it is important first to check to see how it performs on your product using various test methods.Look for performance metrics such as how well it repels water vapor or dust, whether it bonds well to other substrates, and whether any graininess is observed.Testing should also be conducted in order that you can color match exactly what you intend to have on production runs.During the process, take into account variations of ink, like thickness and speed variations, as well as substrate surface characteristics that can lead to problems while applying the coating.For best results, start by running tests with low-speed applicators and move up gradually in speed increments until at least maximum line speeds are achieved (if possible).Make sure to compare the different versions before making a decision about which option would work better for your product.At CustomBoxesWorld our engineers will guide you through this process because, after all, achieving optimal barrier protection is our top priority.
Final words
Following these tips ensures you get the most out of your aqueous coating and enjoy the best possible results. With proper care, your printed products will look great and last longer.
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