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Most sheets that are foil stamped, or embossed can be UV Coated. Foil stamping should be done prior to UV Coating. Embossing should be done after UV Coating. Mylar foil creates problems. Acetate washed foil is best.

Inks must be completely dry before UV Coating. Normally, 24 to 48 hours should elapse before coating. If inks are emulsified at all, additional time may be required to insure dryness.

For best results, inks should be free of paraffin waxes, silicones, or Teflon additives. Although these are used so that inks won’t scuff, they greatly reduce the adhesion of the coating to the ink, causing them to flake off or crater. Cratering is best described as the way water reacts to oil on a garage floor.

Inks must be compatible with UV Coating material and should not contain waxes, silicon, and other anti-scuff additives. Certain PMS color inks such as rhodamine red, reflex blue, and warm red are likely to discolor drastically with UV Coating. A test before hand can be done at no charge to assist you in making a decision.

UV Coating is biodegradable whereas lamination film will require proper disposal processes similar to plastic grocery bags and diapers.

Tip: Scoring and folding should be done after UV Coating to ensure smooth applications. The same principle applies to embossing as well.