{"id":22187,"date":"2020-09-14T11:16:30","date_gmt":"2020-09-14T17:16:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.signs.com\/blog\/?p=22187"},"modified":"2021-11-11T10:37:39","modified_gmt":"2021-11-11T17:37:39","slug":"aqueous-coatings-signage-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.signs.com\/blog\/aqueous-coatings-signage-101\/","title":{"rendered":"Aqueous Coatings: Signage 101"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In an earlier Signage 101 post<\/a>, we discussed how adding a UV coating<\/a> can not only boost the durability of your printed piece but also give it some great visual \u201cpop.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there\u2019s another coating option to consider: aqueous coating. As its name suggests, an aqueous coating is water-based. And just as with its UV counterpart, an aqueous coating can provide a printed piece with an eye-catching glossy sheen or matte finish, while also adding protection against abrasion, scratching, fingerprints, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Water World<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aqueous coatings were initially created in the 1970s as a substitute for varnishes. Although varnishes are inexpensive, they have some drawbacks \u2013 they can cause yellowing of the printed product over time, for instance, plus they\u2019re relatively slow drying and some varnishes emit VOCs. Aqueous coatings, however, managed to eliminate all of these negatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, aqueous coatings have been even further enhanced. They now offer better gloss than varnishes, provide more durability, and they produce a smoother feel. All the while, they have retained their earliest qualities as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some basics about their chemistry: Formulated from as much as 60% water, aqueous coatings typically feature an acrylic or a polyester resin as a base. To this, a coating manufacturer might add a wax or silicone to enhance rub-resistance, optical brighteners for a \u201cwhitening\u201d effect, and other ingredients depending on the intended application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aqueous coatings are usually applied while the piece being printed is still on press (aka \u201cinline\u201d), right over the wet ink, then dried on press (either by air or heat). The result: a thin film coating that serves to protect and enhance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional aqueous essentials:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glossy and matte:<\/em> Aqueous coatings are available in glossy and matte versions; the former makes colors more vivid, while the latter tends to reduce the gloss sheen. A so-called \u201csoft touch\u201d aqueous coating will give the printed piece a soft, satiny feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flooding vs. spot coat:<\/em> Aqueous coatings are almost always applied to an entire substrate face \u2013 aka \u201cflooded\u201d \u2013 rather than spot-coated or applied to a targeted area; it\u2019s more difficult to spot-coat with aqueous than, say, with UV coating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fast-drying:<\/em> Quick dry time is a key aqueous attribute, which then allows for quicker turnaround on the production side of things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Durability:<\/em> Aqueous coatings hold up well; they resist yellowing or cracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Write on them: <\/em>Some aqueous coatings can be written on with a ballpoint pen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go green:<\/em> Their watery nature allows the finished, printed product to be recycled with limited environmental impact; they\u2019re recyclable and biodegradable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water, Water Everywhere<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

So now you know what goes into making aqueous coatings and the advantages they offer \u2013 but which printed products most benefit from an aqueous coating?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As noted earlier, their primary use is in boosting visual impact with glossy or a matte texture, and in also protecting the printed piece from abuse. Here are just a few applications where you\u2019ll find aqueous coatings frequently utilized:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brochures<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 A glossy aqueous coating will amplify a brochure\u2019s optics, helping it stand out on a tradeshow counter, samples table, or lobby desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Door hangers<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Ideal for advertising a product, promoting a political candidate, or introducing your new services, door hangers get a lot of jostling and endure some challenging climatic conditions. Give them an aqueous coating to help ensure the message remains readable and vibrant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Table tents<\/strong><\/a> \u2013Restaurants, bars, lounges, event seating, weddings, and just about anywhere there\u2019s table seating (or even just tables) can benefit from table tents. An aqueous coating will add pizzazz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In all printed pieces, two other important factors will come into play when it comes to durability, the vibrancy of the graphics, and the overall texture. The first factor is the substrate or material itself \u2013 a heavier paper will, of course, be stronger than a lighter-weight paper; and a substrate\u2019s own texture might be all that\u2019s needed for the feel you\u2019re seeking. The second factor is the ink that\u2019s used in printing your graphic or message \u2013 inks that are both durable and resilient can ensure your message has true staying power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aqueous vs. UV<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Trying to decide between an aqueous coating and a UV coating? Depending upon the printer\u2019s coating machinery, the application, and the paper stock being used, that choice might be out of your hands. However, if you can choose, here are a few differences between the two coating types to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n