What is UV coating?
UV coating is a clear liquid finish cured with ultraviolet light. It can add gloss, contrast, and resistance to light scuffing on a printed surface.
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Add a cured protective finish to playing cards, tarot decks, oracle cards, and game cards. Choose full UV coating for an even glossy surface, or spot UV coating to highlight selected artwork with contrast and shine.


UV coating is a clear liquid finish applied to a printed surface and cured with ultraviolet light. When exposed to UV energy, the coating polymerises and forms a dry, continuous layer without the extended air-drying time associated with some conventional coatings.
On printed card decks, the coating can increase surface gloss, create contrast between finished and unfinished areas, and help the printed surface resist light scuffing, fingerprints, and handling marks. It does not replace the structural protection of a laminate and does not make a paper-based card completely waterproof.
UV coating is applied either across the full printed surface or through a separate mask on selected areas. Full coating creates an even appearance. Spot UV creates a controlled difference in reflection between coated and uncoated artwork, making logos, titles, borders, symbols, and patterns stand out without adding foil.
Full UV coating covers the complete printed area with a clear, cured layer. It creates an even glossy surface and can add resistance to scuffing during normal handling.
This option is useful when the entire card face or deck component should have one consistent sheen.
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Spot UV coating is applied only to selected areas, such as a logo, title, border, symbol, or illustration detail. The contrast between glossy and uncoated areas gives the design a visible surface variation.
Spot UV is most effective when the coated shapes are large enough to register clearly and are supplied as a separate production mask.
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Reverse spot UV uses an uncoated design against a glossy coated background, or a glossy design against an uncoated background. The result is a quieter contrast effect than coating the whole surface.
It works well for subtle patterns, backs, borders, and tone-on-tone details where the finish should be noticed through light reflection rather than colour.
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Choose from industry-standard finishes to improve print protection, shuffle feel, and brand look. Each finish has its own fit for durability, gloss/texture, ink hold-out, and cost. See what works best for your deck’s paper stock, color style, and budget—then lock it in with confidence.

UV coating is a clear liquid finish cured with ultraviolet light. It can add gloss, contrast, and resistance to light scuffing on a printed surface.
Full UV covers the entire printed area for an even glossy surface. Spot UV is applied only to selected artwork to create contrast between glossy and uncoated areas.
Yes, subject to the cardstock, artwork coverage, and handling requirements. A sample should be checked for surface friction and shuffle feel.
No. It adds surface resistance, but exposed paper at cut edges and prolonged moisture can still absorb water.
Often, yes. The order of operations, adhesion, registration, ink coverage, and surface friction must be reviewed for the complete combination.
Place the coated areas on a separate, clearly named vector layer or mask. Use solid shapes and keep important details within the approved safe area.
Yes. A sample lets you evaluate gloss, contrast, fine-detail definition, registration, scuff resistance, and handling feel on the actual cardstock.
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