Spot varnishing jobs can be quite complex due to many factors: the finish required, such as gloss, matte, semi matte or soft touch; the multiple variables in the materials used, such paper type and weight and type of varnish; and, finally, the application, with specific requirements such as rub resistance, COF (coefficient of friction), gloss level and transparency. 

The primary element, the paper, is not always the choice of the printer. Often, it is demanded (or even supplied) by its customer, together with the finish. The specific type and brand of varnish may be selected by the pressman, although these choices are made mainly by the purchasing department; often, the pressman can only choose one product, the varnishing plate. 

To select the plate, a pressman needs to keep in mind its range of requirements. When using UV varnish, the plate must have a good and even varnish release, to obtain the highest and most uniform gloss finish; yet, to perform well during extended runs, the plate must also have a high mechanical and chemical resistance, otherwise the layers of the plate may get separated during the run and make the plate unusable.    

...and then, there is the paper to deal with. A high weight paper, especially when uncoated, is one of the most difficult to varnish and it requires a soft and resilient plate, able to adapt to the profile of the paper and endure a good amount of pressure.  

Finally, a word about matte varnishes. Whether based on UV chemistry or water-based chemistry, they are designed to reduce the reflection of the light through a surface roughness that is the result of small particles of silica, or other matting agents suspended in the solution. For these varnishes, the surface tension of the varnishing layer must have a very tight tolerance to guarantee an even distribution of the varnish on the printed sheets, as any irregular distribution of varnish will show as a patchy spot. 

We have developed one product that solves all these issues and meets all varnishing requirements.
Check out our new varnishing plate.