Hot-stamping
also known as thermal printing, hot-printing – printing technique using hot-stamping foil and convex dies made of heat conducting material.
Hot stamping is used to refine print, decorate items, markings, print security (especially holographic foils).
pad
– indirect printing technique, classified as a derivative of intaglio printing, consisting in applying a printing paint with a soft smooth stamp called a tampon. With the help of a tampon with the right shape, printing is carried out on uneven and irregular surfaces. By choosing the right paint, it is possible to print on substrates (called fittings) such as plastics, rubber, glass, metal, etc.
Pad printing is used to make inscriptions on a wide variety of surfaces, from pens, collectors’ skates, car parts to front panels of various home appliances and electronics.
UV varnishing
This is a very popular method of refining. It consists in covering the printed surface with a layer of varnish using screen printing. Specialized machines called varnishes are used for UV varnishing. The varnish layer is fixed by UV radiation. Thanks to this, it is extremely durable. The most commonly used glossy UV varnish. Paper, cardboard and plastic are varnished using this print finishing method.
Thanks to UV varnishing, printed materials are properly protected against abrasion and moisture. The method allows UV varnish to be applied to the entire printed surface or locally. With this print finishing technique, you can create beautiful leaflets, folders, catalogs, calendars, product packaging and magazine covers. The varnish can be: matte, flash, holographic with glitter or 3D (convex)
Flame Surface Activation
The most widely used method of preparing plastic objects for direct printing, gluing or varnishing is the oxidation method using a gas flame.
At high gas flame temperatures, oxygen particles decompose into free oxygen atoms, in addition, flue gases contain active carbon and nitrogen molecules, free electrons, and positively charged ions. The resulting gas plasma has a lower density and electron energy compared to corona discharge, but its mass flow is much higher.
UV SOFT TOUCH PAINT
Soft touch varnish provides an extremely delicate and soft finish. It feels like velor. Many people also compare them to peach skin. A surface varnished with this type of product is therefore not typical – far from silky smooth. It is worth knowing that soft touch varnishes come in a variety of variants, which translates into a different end result.
What finish does soft touch varnish give?
Soft touch varnish does not give gloss. It brings out the depth of color, making it appear more saturated. The surface may be similar to suede or rubber, but in any situation it is matte. The application of soft touch varnish is not too complicated. Usually it has a consistency of optimal density, which prevents it from dripping during application. A big plus is also the short drying time.
Soft touch varnishes can be applied on a variety of substrates, both synthetic and absorbent. Due to the fact that they create a texture that is extremely pleasant to the touch, they are used in various industries. It should be mentioned that such a finished surface is resistant to scratches or cracks. The main disadvantage is the low abrasion resistance. This means that the print is unlikely to be used on frequently cleaned and scrubbed surfaces. Soft touch varnish does not require further coating, e.g. with protective varnish.
Where is soft touch varnish used?
Prints created using soft touch varnish look quite impressive. For this reason, they are often used in the production of various advertising materials. They are also often found on product packaging. Soft touch varnishes also work well when finishing car parts.
This varnish can be successfully used in the final stage of the hydrographic process. After applying the hydrography, colorless varnish is often applied to additionally protect the element and make it more expressive. This gives a great visual effect and affects the attractiveness of the product. In the case of soft touch varnish, we get a slightly different effect than in the case of standard varnishes. It is close to mat, but its undoubted advantage is the coating that this varnish creates. It is extremely pleasant to the touch like a nap, which gives a surprising tactile experience.