Spot UV, matt and gloss varnish for packaging
A varnish is a clear coating applied to a printed surface to give a gloss, matt or satin finish. Spot varnish applies it to one area only, such as a brandmark, so that area catches the light.
Varnish on a sample
Litmus is a UK packaging mockup studio in Hull. We apply varnishes to physical samples so the finish can be compared in the hand.
Each varnish changes how a pack looks and feels, from sleek and shiny to matt. A varnish can cover the whole surface or pick out a single element.
Spot UV and spot varnish
A spot varnish is a clear varnish applied to a specific shape or area of a design, such as a pattern, a brandmark or typography. It reflects light in a similar but subtler way to foil.
A UV varnish is cured under ultraviolet light. It gives a more vivid and tactile finish than a standard varnish and comes in matt, silk and gloss. Spot UV is a UV varnish applied to one area.
Special effect varnishes
High-build is a thicker varnish that combines shine with some of the feel of embossing. Soft touch is a clear matt varnish that feels soft. Textured varnishes have a raised surface and can mimic materials such as leather or sandpaper.
Pearlescent varnish contains pearlised particles that give an iridescent glow. Iridescent varnishes shift in colour with the light and the viewing angle.
Seeing it before you commit
Varnish effects are hard to judge on screen. We can also simulate varnishes digitally on a printed sample for an early review. The Coco hand cream demonstration tube has silver foil and a gloss varnish.
- Who makes it
- Litmus, a UK packaging mockup studio in Willerby, Hull, with a London office.
- Turnaround
- Most projects are produced within a few working days. Tell us your deadline and we plan around it.
- Price
- An estimate comes with your quotation. A firm price follows once we have your artwork, always before work starts.
- Artwork
- Illustrator (AI) or EPS preferred, high resolution PDF accepted. Images at 300 dpi, fonts outlined.
- Confidentiality
- NDAs and confidentiality agreements are signed as routine.
- Quality and delivery
- In-house quality control, with files pre-flight checked. Samples are wrapped with care and sent anywhere from local delivery to worldwide.
Common questions.
What is spot UV?
A UV cured varnish applied to one area of a design, such as a logo, so it stands out against the rest of the surface.
What is the difference between matt and gloss varnish?
Gloss gives a shiny, reflective finish. Matt gives a flat, non-reflective one. Satin sits between the two.
Can varnish feel raised?
Yes. High-build varnish is thicker than ordinary varnish and gives some of the feel of embossing. Textured varnishes are raised too.
Start with your next pack.
Tell us the format, what you need to show and when you need it. The page you enquire from is included with your brief.