For special applications such as point-of-purchase displays, outdoor signage, wraps, clear packaging, phone and credit cards, shelf talkers, magnets, stickers and other projects, there's a growing need to print on non-paper substrates such as vinyl, styrene, clear polypropylene, PVC, foils and other materials. Cedar Graphics has the equipment to get the job done.
Our presses lead the way in larger format UV curing applications. We can print with UV or hybrid UV inks as well as gloss or dull UV coatings, spot or flood with immediate drying (curing) results. UV inks can also create outstanding effects on uncoated papers. In addition, we can do small format, shorter quantity runs with static or variable color on our HP Indigo digital presses. Our UV capabilities mean high impact, high quality, unique applications, and immediate processing.
Important facts about UV inks
- They are green with zero VOC content and are safer for the environment
- They dry almost instantaneously which eliminates the possibility of offsetting and most ghosting
- They reduce the variance in colors between sample and live job
- They reduce the drying time needed so the job can be produced more efficiently
- They are more resistant to scratching, smudging, scuffing and rubbing
- They allow the ability to print on a variety of substrates, including plastics
- They provide a crisper look to text and graphics when using uncoated paper
- They can give the look of a softer, duller finish when using coated papers
- They eliminate the need to run additional protective “varnish” or “Aqueous” coatings reducing overall print costs, sometimes substantially.
- They greatly increases your options of special effect possibilities for truly “unique” pieces
- Some jobs can be printed on both sides in one pass providing much more efficient production
By printing with UV inks, you eliminate issues/concerns with:
- Drying
- Offsetting
- Chalking
- Bad adhesion
- Most ghosting
- Color shift/Burnout
- Uneven ink transfer
- Piling
- Picking
- Marking, scratching, or scuffing
- Smudging, and rubbing
- Need for spray powder that can cause issues with digital imprinting equipment
Special Effects with Reticulating Varnish
- This is a special effect varnish that is used underneath UV coating. When the reticulating varnish “migrates” through the UV coating, it gives a textured look and feel. Because of the textured effect, the surface is uneven, thus causing a more dramatic gloss/dull contrast. The light reflected off the uneven surface appears to be “duller” looking than a smooth surface.