Spot UV is a finishing technique that applies a clear, glossy, ultra-smooth UV coating to specific areas of a design, so those spots catch the light and stand out while the rest of the piece stays flat. The contrast between coated and uncoated areas creates the effect. Selective, not overall: the gloss goes only where you want it, such as a logo, title or pattern. Best on matte or dull backgrounds, where the glossy spot is far more noticeable. Needs coated or laminated stock, since uncoated paper cannot hold the coating. Common on business cards, postcards, presentation folders, premium covers and packaging. Setup: a separate spot UV layer or mask tells the press exactly where to lay the coating. Planning: spot UV can limit paper choice and may affect turnaround and minimum quantity.

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Question

What is Spot UV?

Answer

Spot UV is a finishing technique that applies a clear, glossy, ultra-smooth UV coating to specific areas of a design, so those spots catch the light and stand out while the rest of the piece stays flat. The contrast between coated and uncoated areas creates the effect.

Selective, not overall: the gloss goes only where you want it, such as a logo, title or pattern.
Best on matte or dull backgrounds, where the glossy spot is far more noticeable.
Needs coated or laminated stock, since uncoated paper cannot hold the coating.
Common on business cards, postcards, presentation folders, premium covers and packaging.
Setup: a separate spot UV layer or mask tells the press exactly where to lay the coating.
Planning: spot UV can limit paper choice and may affect turnaround and minimum quantity.

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