Satin Aqueous Coating in Printing

Satin Aqueous Coating in Printing

What is Aqueous Coating for Printing and Packaging?

In the printing and packaging industry, attractive packaging is crucial to make a strong impression on the target audience. Coatings are an essential component of packaging, significantly enhancing its appearance and quality, even with frequent handling. Aqueous coatings (AQ) have gained popularity for their unique advantages, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, making them an ideal choice for various packaging materials, such as boxes, calendars, and brochures.

What is Aqueous (AQ) Coating?

Aqueous coating is a water-based coating widely used in the printing and packaging industries. AQ coatings dry quickly and offer various visual effects and application methods. Its eco-friendly properties make it suitable for packaging food, household products, and fast-moving consumer goods, as it prevents fingerprints and other impurities from impacting packaging quality. AQ coating can also be combined with other coatings to improve surface durability. However, in applications like cosmetics and perfumes, certain chemicals might affect AQ coating, increasing the risk of leakage.

Types of AQ Coatings

1. Gloss Coating: Provides a soft gloss effect; for higher gloss, UV coatings or film lamination are recommended.

2. Matte Coating: Offers the lowest gloss and depth while enhancing color vibrancy.

3. Satin Coating: Has moderate gloss with good abrasion resistance.

4. Soft-Touch Coating: Gives a velvety feel, suitable for a subtle appearance.

5. Pencil Receptive Coating: Designed for surfaces used with pencils, ink, and laser applications.

6. Dry-Erase Coating: A high-gloss, economical alternative for dry-erase surfaces.

Aqueous Coating Process

The aqueous coating process takes place right after the ink is applied to paper. After coating, sheets are quickly dried through a hot air system before moving to the finishing section. AQ coatings typically cover the entire sheet surface, and using suitable paper weight helps prevent curling and wrinkling.

Advantages of Aqueous Coatings

Aqueous coatings are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and easily recyclable, producing no harmful by-products. AQ coatings suit various printing processes, offering multiple finishing options, and are easy to write and print on. Additionally, they are cost-effective, protecting ink from air exposure and maintaining color fidelity. Unlike varnishes, AQ coatings are less prone to yellowing. Although AQ has lower solvent resistance than UV coatings and thermal lamination, it remains a reliable and high-quality choice for printed finishes.