The aqueous coating advantage

It might seem cliché to say that you only get one chance to make a first impression. Cliché or not, ensuring your brand is memorable is any company’s number one priority. Customers engage with brands in various ways and whether through advertising, word-of-mouth, or product packaging at a brick-and-mortar store, it's critical that you take advantage of that first impression. One technique to accomplish this is to ensure that your product boxes are ready to impress potential customers the moment they see them. However, this poses the question, which finish is best for your brand? 

Today, we'll cover one of our favorite finishes with exceptional qualities. What we call the “Aqueous Advantage” is more commonly known as aqueous coating, featuring an array of benefits for product packaging. 

What Is Aqueous Coating?

While you may have heard about other finishes such as UV coating and varnish, aqueous coating (Aqueous coating) is unique because it's water-based.  The aqueous coating paper varnish procedure makes the finished product appear to "jump" off the page while protecting it against scratches, sticky fingers, scuffs, and other blemishes that may detract from its sleek appearance.

An aqua coating is a more cost-effective option than traditional varnish because of its quick drying time and ability to be applied in-line on the printing press. Furthermore, the coating is constructed of water and biodegradable vegetable cellulose, ensuring your company can go green and increasing customer satisfaction — they can actually recycle your product box.

Types of Aqueous Finish

Although this stylish finish has its own distinct category, there are multiple varieties of aqueous coating, including:

Gloss Coating
A gloss aqueous coating may be just what you're looking for if you want your packages to have an eye-catching look while still being protected, without the costs involved with UV or varnish coatings.

Matte Finish
In comparison to other forms of aqueous coating, matte coating minimizes glossiness and allows colors to display their bright brilliance more. This is a more understated vibe, and is great for luxury retail packaging. 

Satin Coating
Satin Aqueous coating is between gloss and matte finishes, so the packaging’s graphics may not "jump" off the paper as it would with other types of glossy coatings, but it still protects them from fingerprints, scuffs, and other defects. The half-matte look also lends that same air of luxury, so this is a great option for the more high-end, yet colorful brands out there.

Pencil Receptive Coating
Pencil receptive coating is a unique matte aqueous coating that can be used with pencils, ink, and lasers. This is a great option if you’re opting for custom display boxes. Keep in mind that the quality of the writing or artwork on this coating should be impeccable, as it will reflect your brand. 

Soft Touch Coating
The soft touch coating offers the package a more velvet-like feel than the other aqueous finishes. It’s less glossy and shiny, and looks more like an extreme matte finish. However, it has a softer, almost suede-like feel to it.