Water-Based Coating (AQ) sounds like something NASA uses to prepare space shuttles for take-off, but in reality, its main function is to protect your products when they come off the shelves.
In the packaging and printing sector, water-based coatings (also known as AQ coatings) are water-based coatings applied to printed sheets. This varnish process makes the final product appear to "pop" more from the page, and also protects the product from scratches, sticky fingerprints, scuffs, and other marks that could affect its vibrant appearance.
Having said that, there are different types of varnishes depending on how much "pop" you want your graphics to have. How the water-based paint is applied also depends on how the product is printed.
Without further ado, let's take a look at how water-based coatings are used in printing and packaging.
Use of water-based coatings in printing and packaging
It’s understandable that you want your product packaging to stand out, but remember that the primary function of packaging is to keep your product safe and protected. You might be surprised to know that coating is actually one of the most important parts of the packaging process.
Many people will handle and touch your product on its way from manufacture to customer, so it's important to protect it from fingerprints, scuffs, and other blemishes.
Typically used in offset printing, water based paints stick really well to glossy paper, so if you want to create a unique on-brand look - highlight specific areas with a gloss varnish and finish with a matte or matte varnish, that's great Common.
Online varnishing will add the coating while the item is being printed, while offline varnishing applies the coating after the paper dries. This adds luster to the whole piece, but makes certain areas look absolutely fabulous and adds a creative touch to your printed materials.
Benefits of Water-Based Coatings
As the name suggests, water-based paint is water-based paint. Unlike UV coatings and varnishes, which are also used for different printing applications, using a water-based coating means the end result dries quickly, which means it can be applied using a variety of methods, making the design stand out while still protecting it.
Water-based paint is a popular printing option, mainly because it is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. For this reason, it is often used in food packaging and household products. However, other products, such as cosmetics or fragrances, may contain chemicals that prevent water-based AQ coatings from adhering well to the exterior or interior of the packaging. Whether your product can use water-based paint depends on what the product is.
Types of Waterborne Coatings
Although water-based paint is a category unto itself, there are actually several types of water-based paint, including:
Gloss Coating: If you want your packaging to have a softer finish but still want it to be protected, a gloss coating might be just what you are looking for. If you want something that has a more shiny effect under the light, you may be better off with a UV or clear coat.
Matte Coating: A matte coating reduces shine, allowing colors to show more vibrant brilliance than other types of water-based coatings.
Satin Coating: One of the "best of both worlds" as far as coatings go, satin isn't as dramatic as other types of gloss coatings, but it still offers great protection from fingerprints, scuffs, and other possible detractors your defective product.
Dry Erase Coating: This affordable laminate alternative has a higher gloss finish than other types of coatings.
Pencil Coating: Pencil coating is an excellent choice when the quality of the writing instrument used on the product is important (whether it is pencil, ink or laser).
Soft-Touch Coating: Not as glossy as the other types of finishes featured here, Soft-Touch Coating gives the wrap a more velvety texture.
How are water-based coatings applied to product packaging?
Water-based paint is applied before printing ink on paper. The paper then passes through a heating system, allowing it to dry quickly. In order for a waterborne coating process to work, there are several considerations to keep in mind. For example, you don't want the paper to warp, wrinkle, or curl, so you need to be very careful to make sure these things don't happen, while making sure to apply the water-based coating to the entire paper.
What is the difference between water-based paint and UV paint?
Besides water-based paints, UV paints are another common and popular type of paint. Both types of coatings offer many attractive advantages, but it's important to understand the differences so you can choose the right one for your specific needs.
A significant difference between AQ coatings and UV coatings is the way they dry. Since water-based paints are water-based, the volatile compounds that make up the paint evaporate or are absorbed by the porous material. This creates a thin film on top of the paper that acts as a protective layer to protect it from smudges or abrasions.
Meanwhile, UV coatings use completely non-volatile compounds that cure as part of the reaction when exposed to UV light. This produces a change that instantly transforms liquid ingredients into solids, resulting in a thin, tough dry film.
While both options are popular, we often recommend AQ coating for its environmental factor, cost-effectiveness and the style variation that makes your CMYK or pantone color or design really stand out.
When You Should (or Shouldn't) Coat Your Printing Projects
With so many benefits to using an AQ coating, it's understandable to think that everything that comes into contact with your product should have this protective coating. However, in some cases other options are better.
For example, if someone were to write on your product, most paints (unless it can accept a pencil) won't allow that to happen. If your product goes through several stages and undergoes extensive processing before reaching its destination, water-based paints are a good option worth investing in. Not only does it help prevent fingerprints and scuffs, but it also helps remove dirt and scratches, which is especially important if your retail packaging goes through other machines in the process.
