Dispersion varnish is applied to protect a print object. How would you explain the term in two sentences?

Dispersion varnish is water-based and contains binding agents, primarily  resins. The varnish is applied to the print product in the coating unit of the offset press.

What is special about dispersion varnish? 

Applying this technique leads to intensive gloss and matt effects. In addition, the varnish enhances the abrasiveness and blocking resistance of print products.

What are the different types of dispersion varnish and how are they used? 

We either work with gloss or matt dispersion varnish. Other optical effects can be achieved by adding special pigments to the varnish. We can apply the varnish to the entire surface or to specific parts. Partial coating is the preferred method if the print product needs to be customized or particular parts need to be glued after varnishing. In that case, a specified area may be left without varnish to enable further processing.

What is the difference between dispersion varnish and UV varnish?

While dispersion varnish dries through absorption and evaporation of water, UV varnish is hardened by exposing it to ultraviolet radiation.

UV varnish is primarily used for structural, relief or spot coating. In comparison to standard dispersion varnish, the three-dimensional effect created by UV varnish is much more striking. However, UV coating is also significantly more expensive.

Which print products are most suitable for dispersion coating?

Dispersion varnish is frequently used to produce flyers, folders and image brochures.

How does the technique work?

After the actual printing process, dispersion varnish is applied in a dedicated coating unit of the press. As previously mentioned, both full-surface coating and partial coating are feasible. Yet once the varnish has been applied, it is no longer possible to write or print on the surface. Furthermore, dispersion varnish reduces the effect of glue applied to the varnished surface. If you work with glue, the varnish can only be applied to specific areas of the surface.