Question
Which paper stock works best with UV coating?
Answer
The base finish decides how much a UV coating shows off. The flatter and more matte the stock, the more dramatic the glossy contrast becomes, because your eye reads the difference between dull paper and a wet-looking shine.
- Uncoated and matte stocks: the highest contrast, glossy areas look almost wet against the flat base.
- Thick stocks (16pt, 32pt): rigid enough to carry a premium coating without curling, which reinforces the high-end feel.
- Already-glossy stocks: skip UV here, the shine has nothing to push against and the effect is barely visible.
| Base stock | UV result |
|---|---|
| Uncoated / matte | Excellent, sharp gloss contrast |
| 16pt / 32pt cardstock | Excellent, rigid premium feel |
| Gloss-coated | Minimal, little visible difference |
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