Paper coating is a process where adding a layer of material, onto the papers surface. In industries like fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and healthcare sectors, the choice of paper coating for packaging plays a role, in enhancing product quality, shelf life and customer attraction. It is essential to comprehend the kinds of paper coatings and the specific advantages they offer. This blog explores types of paper coatings and highlights how each type brings distinct benefits to various uses.
Types of Paper Coatings
- Gloss Coating
Gloss coating is widely used for its shiny and reflective finish, which enhances the visual appeal of printed materials. This coating makes colors look more vibrant and images appear sharper. Gloss-coated paper is perfect for high-quality photographs, graphics on snack bags, and other consumer packaging.
Benefits:
- Enhances color vibrancy and image sharpness
- Provides a smooth and polished look
- Matte Coating
Matte coating is a non-reflective, flat finish that gives printed materials a sophisticated and classy look. Unlike gloss coatings, matte does not produce glare so it is easier to read text-heavy documents. Matte-coated paper is perfect for pharmaceutical packaging, health supplements, and other FMCG products where readability and a high-end look are important.
Benefits:
- Reduces glare for better reading
- Smooth and refined look
- Silk Coating
Silk coating strikes a balance between the shiny finish of gloss and the subtle elegance of matte. It gives a gentle sheen that makes them look polished without being overly shiny or too subdued. This versatile coating is often chosen for packaging premium snacks, beauty products, and healthcare items because it adds a touch of sophistication while still being practical.
Benefits:
- A balanced sheen that is less reflective than gloss but more vibrant than matte
- Durable and smooth surface
- Enhances the tactile experience with a silky texture
- UV Coating
UV coating involves applying a liquid coating to the paper surface and then curing it with ultraviolet light. This type of coating is very glossy, durable, and provides excellent protection against scratching and water damage. UV-coated paper is used for high-end brochures, luxury healthcare packaging, and other consumer packaging.
Benefits:
- Superior glossy finish
- High durability and protection against scratches and moisture
- Enhances the lifespan of printed materials
- Aqueous Coating
Aqueous coating is a water-based coating that adds a clear, protective layer over the printed material. It not only boosts visual appeal but is also environmentally friendly and dries quickly. Aqueous-coated paper is commonly used for milk cartons, cereal boxes, tissue boxes, and other consumer packaging.
Benefits:
- Environmentally friendly and non-toxic
- Dries quickly and speeds up production efficiency
- A smooth and clear protective layer
Functional Coatings by DIC Asia Pacific
DIC Asia Pacific offers a wide range of functional coatings for paper and films. These high-quality coatings can provide various properties such as oil resistance, water resistance, heat resistance, and barrier capabilities, perfect for packaging and printed materials. Additionally, DIC Asia Pacific also has a specialized product lineup suitable for direct food contact (DFC) usage. These products meet European and US standards, ensuring food safety and delivering reliable solutions for the food industry.
- SUNBAR: Provides strong oxygen barriers, protecting against moisture, oxygen, CO2, UV light, odors, and migration.
- SUNSTAR: Direct food contact coatings suitable for paper and board packaging, ensuring safety and functionality.
- HYDBAR: Water and oil-resistant coatings for external applications on paper and carton board packaging.
- HYDRECT: Aqueous-based coatings for direct food contact, ensuring safety and durability for paper and board packaging.
Conclusion
These advanced coatings add significant value to your printed materials and packaging projects of your company by offering exceptional protection and enhancing functionality. Contact us today to better understand how functional coatings from DIC Asia Pacific can support your business.
