Soft touch coating is a unique finishing process used in the printing and packaging industries to provide a tactile, velvety feel to printed materials. This coating not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers a luxurious, soft texture that adds a sensory dimension to the product. Here is a detailed overview of soft touch coating:
Benefits of Soft Touch Coating
- Tactile Experience:
- Velvety Feel: The primary benefit is the soft, smooth, and velvety texture it imparts to the surface, creating a premium tactile experience.
- Luxurious Touch: It gives the printed material a high-end, sophisticated feel that can significantly enhance the perceived value of the product.
- Enhanced Appearance:
- Matte Finish: Soft touch coatings typically result in a matte finish, reducing glare and making the colors appear more muted and elegant.
- Non-Reflective: The non-glossy surface minimizes reflections, ensuring that the printed material is easily readable under various lighting conditions.
- Durability:
- Protection: The coating provides a layer of protection against fingerprints, smudges, and minor abrasions, helping to maintain the pristine appearance of the material.
- Scuff Resistance: It also offers some degree of resistance to scuffs and scratches, though not as robust as anti-scratch lamination.
- Versatility:
- Wide Application Range: Suitable for a variety of printed materials, including business cards, brochures, packaging, book covers, and more.
Applications of Soft Touch Coating
- Business Cards: To create a memorable, high-quality impression that stands out due to the unique tactile feel.
- Brochures and Flyers: For an elegant presentation that encourages recipients to engage with the material.
- Book Covers: Enhances the sensory appeal of books, particularly for premium publications.
- Packaging: Ideal for luxury and high-end product packaging, adding a touch of sophistication and enhancing the unboxing experience.
- Menus: In upscale restaurants, providing a refined look and feel that aligns with the overall ambiance.
- Invitations and Greeting Cards: To make special occasions even more memorable with a high-quality, tactile finish.
Process of Soft Touch Coating
- Preparation: The printed material is prepared and trimmed to the desired size.
- Coating Application: The soft touch coating is applied using a variety of methods:
- Offset Printing: Applying the coating during the printing process.
- Aqueous Coating: A water-based coating applied after printing.
- UV Coating: A special UV-cured coating that dries instantly under ultraviolet light.
- Drying and Curing: Depending on the coating type, the material may need to go through a drying or curing process to set the coating properly.
- Trimming and Finishing: After the coating is applied and set, the material is trimmed to ensure clean edges and a professional finish.
Considerations for Soft Touch Coating
- Cost: Soft touch coating is typically more expensive than standard finishes due to the specialized materials and processes involved.
- Purpose: Evaluate whether the added tactile and aesthetic benefits justify the cost for the intended use of the printed material.
- Durability Needs: While it offers some protection, it is not as durable as anti-scratch laminations. Consider if the tactile experience outweighs the need for higher durability.
- Environmental Impact: Some coatings may have environmental considerations, so choose eco-friendly options if sustainability is a priority.
Soft touch coating is an excellent choice for printed materials that benefit from an enhanced sensory experience. It is particularly effective for business cards, brochures, book covers, and luxury packaging, providing a sophisticated, velvety feel that differentiates the product and adds a premium touch.
