Soft Touch Coating: A Revolutionary Surface Finish in Printing & Packaging

In the printing and packaging industry, surface finish plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall appearance and feel of a product. One of the most popular and sought-after surface finishes is soft touch coating, a revolutionary technology that has taken the industry by storm. In this article, we will delve into the world of soft touch coating, exploring its technical characteristics, materials, surface treatment, process, and production equipment. Please click here to view our Graphic Design, Printing & Packaging Box showcases, and discuss with our engineers to customize your next printing and gift packaging!

What is Soft Touch Coating?

Soft touch coating is a type of surface finish that provides a soft, velvety texture to printed materials, such as packaging, labels, and promotional products. This coating is achieved through a specialized process that involves applying a thin layer of a soft, flexible material to the surface of the printed material.

Classification of Soft Touch Coating

Soft touch coating can be classified into several types, including:

Soft Touch Varnish: A water-based or solvent-based varnish that is applied to the surface of the printed material to create a soft, glossy finish.
Soft Touch Lamination: A process that involves laminating a soft, flexible material to the surface of the printed material to create a soft, velvety texture.
Soft Touch Coating with Additives: A type of soft touch coating that incorporates additives, such as silicone or wax, to enhance the softness and durability of the coating.

Materials Used in Soft Touch Coating

The materials used in soft touch coating vary depending on the type of coating and the desired finish. Some common materials used in soft touch coating include:

Polyurethane: A flexible, water-based material that is commonly used in soft touch varnishes.
Polyethylene: A flexible, solvent-based material that is commonly used in soft touch laminations.
Silicone: A flexible, synthetic material that is commonly used in soft touch coatings with additives.

Surface Treatment and Process

The surface treatment and process for soft touch coating involve several steps, including:

Pre-treatment: The printed material is pre-treated with a specialized coating or primer to ensure that the soft touch coating adheres evenly.
Coating: The soft touch coating is applied to the surface of the printed material using a variety of methods, including spraying, rolling, or laminating.
Drying: The coated material is dried using heat, air, or a combination of both to create a soft, velvety texture.

Production Equipment

The production equipment used in soft touch coating varies depending on the type of coating and the desired finish. Some common production equipment used in soft touch coating include:

Coating Machines: Specialized machines that apply the soft touch coating to the surface of the printed material.
Laminators: Machines that laminate a soft, flexible material to the surface of the printed material.
Drying Ovens: Machines that dry the coated material using heat, air, or a combination of both.

Surface Finish Effect on Product Marketing

The surface finish effect of soft touch coating on product marketing is significant. A soft, velvety texture can:

Enhance Brand Image: Create a premium, high-end feel that enhances the brand image and perceived value of the product.
Increase Customer Engagement: Encourage customers to touch and interact with the product, increasing the chances of purchase.
Differentiate Products: Differentiate products from competitors and create a unique selling proposition.

Benefits of Soft Touch Coating

Soft touch coating offers several benefits, including:

Improved Appearance: Creates a soft, velvety texture that enhances the appearance of the product.
Increased Durability: Provides a protective layer that increases the durability of the product.
Easy to Clean: Easy to clean and maintain, making it ideal for products that require frequent cleaning.

Applications of Soft Touch Coating

Soft touch coating can be applied to a wide range of products, including:

Packaging: Soft touch coating can be applied to packaging materials, such as boxes, bags, and labels.
Labels: Soft touch coating can be applied to labels, creating a premium, high-end feel.
Promotional Products: Soft touch coating can be applied to promotional products, such as pens, mugs, and t-shirts.

Challenges and Limitations

Soft touch coating also presents several challenges and limitations, including:

Cost: Soft touch coating can be more expensive than other surface finishes.
Difficulty in Application: Soft touch coating can be difficult to apply, requiring specialized equipment and expertise.
Limited Durability: Soft touch coating may not be as durable as other surface finishes, requiring frequent reapplication.

Future of Soft Touch Coating

The future of soft touch coating looks bright, with several trends and developments emerging, including:

Increased Demand: Increasing demand for soft touch coating in various industries, including packaging, labels, and promotional products.
Advancements in Technology: Advancements in technology, including new materials and production equipment, that are improving the efficiency and effectiveness of soft touch coating.
Sustainability: Growing concern for sustainability, with soft touch coating offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to other surface finishes.

Contact us right now!

Soft touch coating is a revolutionary surface finish that has taken the printing and packaging industry by storm. With its soft, velvety texture and premium feel, soft touch coating is the perfect solution for businesses looking to enhance their brand image, increase customer engagement, and differentiate their products. Whether you’re a packaging manufacturer, a printer, or a brand owner, soft touch coating is a surface finish that is sure to impress.

Interested in exploring the application of these custom design & surface treatment processes in printing & packaging products? Click here to access our online showcases & guides…

Here at UGI, we design and manufacture various boxes for many industries:
Advertising boxes; bakery boxes; bottle boxes; candies boxes; cardboard boxes; drawer boxes; cigarettes boxes; file storages boxes; heart shaped boxes; medicine packaging; moving boxes; packaging gift boxes; paperboard packaging; product boxes; protective packaging; retail boxes; shipping cartons; napkin boxes; chipboard boxes; fruit vegetable boxes; electronic packaging boxes; card boxes; craft boxes; lunch boxes; display boxes; folding boxes; clear boxes; mailing boxes; chocolate boxes; cloth boxes; cake boxes; candle boxes; and as well as many others…

WORKING PROCESS

In order to get a smooth process to fulfill your order we suggest you follow below working process with UGI Packaging:

Request a quote based on the specifications you require via email. Include any photos, images, art design, or technical sketch that could be helpful.
If you have a similar or identical box to that which you require, send it (via UPS, TNT, DHL, or FEDEX) only after you are satisfied with our quote has been received.
UGI Packaging will then provide you with a sample and a final quote with our technical sketch in PDF, AI, or CDR format. We will charge you for the sample or prototype development, but it should only be a nominal amounts. After receive your formal order, we will refund the sample charge as our negotiation.
If you approve the sample then place your order and sign the contract, with 40% advance payment from you, we will start production.
If any significant changes need to be made to the sample we strongly recommend checking 2nd samples from us before you confirm the final version.

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Soft Touch Coating