Every brand wants to impress its customers in the most effective way possible. Companies try out various strategies and spend a lot on advertisement but often forget to embellish their packaging which helps you stand out the most.
You can make “the first impression is the last impression,” as they say, so it is vital to make your product packaging fun and eye-catching. To make your product stand out in stores, you need an aqueous coating on your packaging.
Your target audience needs to be able to pick up the item and feel that it is worth their time because of how engaging the package is. That way, they know right away if it is what they are looking for or not.
We will learn now what is aqueous coating, also known as AQ coating, its different types, uses, and more below.
What is Aqueous Coating for Printing and Packaging
Aqueous coating is the perfect printing process for high-quality, long-lasting prints. It has fast drying capabilities and can allow multiple layers to be applied in a single print.
It is a water-based material and is durable enough to withstand exposure but still allows different finishes that would not work with other forms of protection.
- Eco-Friendly Coating
Aqueous printing is also eco-friendly and versatile, used in food packaging to keep sandwiches from getting soggy. It is also found on the bottom of household products for protection against water damage.
A quick way to tell if something is environmentally friendly? Look at its label; multiple organizations have approved this innovative product as being both safe and earth-conscious.
- Durable Coating
Coating the surface of a product with an AQ coating will result in many benefits, such as improved durability and resistance to fingerprints. You must be aware of which type of packaging your products require before deciding on what kind of coatings to use.
The Uses of Aqueous Coating in Packaging
We have seen what is AQ coating and it is time to understand its uses to stand out prominently among your competitors. You must not forget the primary role of packaging is to protect the product. It is great to learn that aqueous coating printing has an integral role in the overall packaging process.
As you are already aware, your product will go through the hands of several customers, handling and more before reaching the counter, so it protects against blemishes, scuffs, indentions, and more efficiently. AQ coating sits well with the glossy paper when it comes to offset printing.
This is why you will often see gloss varnish on an advertisement’s selected areas to underline them before finishing up with either matte or varnish for a more subtle look.
Inline Varnish – The coating is applied simultaneously to your prints on an offset press (typically before it dries). This gives you an excellent gloss finish with high opacity while allowing certain parts of your design to stand out more due to colorant build-up under coatings where needed.
Different Types of Aqueous Coating and Its Process
It is hard to make your custom retail packaging stand out when you are surrounded by so many competitors. Learn more about how different coatings can help you get the most attention possible for your product.
We will now look at distinctive types of AQ coating so you can choose the best one for your brand.
- Aqueous Gloss Finish
The diverse tones of voice are what make your packaging unique. Do you want a muted impression? Or do you prefer something that will produce shimmery effects when exposed to light? Gloss coating is the right choice for the former, and a UV finish might work best with the latter.
- AQ Matte Finish
If you are looking to have more of a vibrant look for your packaging, opt for a matte finish as it offers a cozy and warm look compared to the sleek and glossy feel we have talked about before. Not only does matte coating reduce the glossiness of a surface, but it also lets shades reflect their true vibrancy.
What is Satin Aqueous Coating?
It is among the most overlooked coatings, satin provides a beautiful glossy finish while still protecting your packaging against fingerprints. Satin coatings make a product look more elegant and luxurious.
- Dry Erase Finish
With the growing popularity of dry-erase surfaces, you are likely to find several different coatings on store shelves. A Dry erase finish is an affordable option that provides protection as well as an enhanced gloss impression than the rest.
Pencil Receptive Finish
A pencil-receptive coating is a perfect choice when you need a writing implement for your product. It can be used on almost any surface and will not wear down or fade out over time as long as it is cared for properly with an eraser.
- Soft Touch Finish
One of the more intriguing finishes on this list is soft-touch coating. It makes your packaging feel like a silk-lined carrying case. The soft-touch coating might not be that much glossy compared to other kinds of coatings.
The velvety texture makes it a more subtle and elegant finish that will stand out in your store displays.
- Primer Coating
The product we are talking about is a laminator that can be applied before lamination to make the aqueous coating print pretty receptive to inks and markers.
The AQ Process
How does the machine apply the aqueous coating? It is applied to sheets of paper right before they are printed with ink. After being coated in water-based adhesive and quickly dried by hot air, it then proceeds through an area where it can be finished.
To get the best results when printing with an aqueous coating, you need to consider how heavy and textured your paper is. Generally speaking, heavier papers require less of an application, while some lighter sheets may need more to avoid problematic issues like curling or wrinkling.
Aqueous Coating vs UV Coating: Which is Better?
One of the most exciting coatings to explore is UV coating. You must know what it entails before deciding if this type will work for your needs because there are some benefits as well as drawbacks associated with its use.
One such consideration when picking out types, besides water-based and UV, might be whether or not you need protection from weather elements like dust and moisture in addition to sun exposure. This makes choosing between these two options more complex than just looking at one aspect.
The two main differences between them are how both coatings are dried
How is AQ Coating Dried?
We know that it has water-based materials, which evaporate or absorb into the absorbent material to create thin films on the upper part of the paper that act as shields from smears and scratches. In addition, AQ substances have more volatile compounds than their counterparts.
So, they must be wiped off before drying in order not only to avoid unevenness but also to maintain their integrity over time. UV coatings are a form of a coating that is not soluble in water.
These types of coats use no solvents and instead cure as the result of exposure to UV radiations, which instantly change liquid elements into solid compounds. This process creates an ultra-thin film with excellent protection against corrosion or degradation from humidity.
Which One You Should Choose?
If you are looking to make a lasting impact on your customers, then it is time for you and those around you to consider the benefits of AQ coating.
This type of printing method is not only environmentally friendly but also provides cost-effective alternatives that will allow any PMS or CMYK tones or any design to be distinctive in the market.
The Advantages of AQ Coating for Packaging
Let’s look at the major benefits AQ coating provides for your product packaging:
Sustainability
The paper is easy to recycle and produces little waste once the coating has been applied. Cleaning after use does not require using harmful detergents, so it is a gentle process for both your business and the environment.
Flexible
The coating is a no-hassle solution to add finishing touches when you need it and works well with various printing process inks. This makes writing over the top of your coatings very easy.
- Affordable
AQ finishing is often applied in conjunction with the printing process which helps save costs by a big margin.
Reliable
This coating prevents it from being exposed to air following the waterproofing of the ink. This will preserve its metallic appearance for a longer period without discoloration. The aqueous alternative is better because you will not have to worry about it yellowing over time.
In Conclusion
We now know what is aqueous coating and several benefits it offers for packaging while protecting the products. We have talked about different types and its process, how it is applied, and why it is essential. In the end, aqueous coatings are beneficial to the product, and that should be a priority.
READ MORE:
Matte vs Gloss Lamination – Which Is Right for Packaging?
Spot Color vs CMYK for Packaging
Everything You Need to Know About Innovative Packaging Design