Aqueous Coating Secrets Most Brands Don’t Know
Aqueous coating, or commonly known as ‘AQ coating’, is a fast-drying, clear, water-based varnish that is often used in the printing industry. For the past few decades, it has become the default coating for premium commercial printing that has replaced the need for traditional press varnish coatings.
Did you know Australia’s water-based coating market reached an estimated figure of USD 701 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at an annual growth rate of 7.7% in the coming years? Additionally, the import of water-based coatings increased to 7.8% from the time period of 2023 to 2024.
This coating provides you with lots of benefits as it dries fast and protects the colour found underneath. In this blog, we are going to spill some of our aqueous coating secrets and give you a complete guide on how to use it for your next packaging order. Let’s begin!
Aqueous Coating Variants
Aqueous coatings are available in various variants. If you know their details correctly, only then can you order them. Here is a list of different types of aqueous coatings:
1. Glossy Aqueous Coating
Glossy coating is a kind of aqueous coating that is preferred by brands that want shine in their packaging. Two terminologies are quite famous in paper finish options, namely, ‘gloss text’ and ‘gloss cover’. As they have distinctive thickness, the first one is used in flyers & brochures, while the other one is mostly used for book covers or brochures.
2. Matte-Finish Aqueous Coating
If you want more readability of text in your packaging, then you can definitely opt for a matte-finish look. This type of coating is best for vibrant prints and offers a high resolution of colour intensity. The top advantage of this coating is that it can grab customers’ attention by showing your design and packaging elements individually.
3. Satin Sheen Water-Based Coating
It is a perfect combination of matte & gloss finishes. It’s neither dim nor sharp nor bright. It’s optimal for providing a medium shine to your packaging material and reflects sophistication & elegance. Additionally, it also protects the boxes, as it has scuff-resistant properties.
4. Soft Matte Aqueous Coating
Soft matte aqueous coating provides a velvety texture on the surface and provides a matte finish. If you want minimal to no shine, then this type of coating is ideal for your brand. Brands that don’t want a sharp shine to their packaging usually opt for this type of coating.
Benefits Of Aqueous Coatings
Let’s give you a quick overview of all the benefits of aqueous coating:
- Aqueous coating also has eco-friendly properties; it is a water-based solution and develops a lower VOC emission as compared to other solvents.
- It works well with quite a range of paper & films and has a hassle-free process, as it is quick and easy to apply!
- Another major benefit is that it is budget-friendly, and if you place a bulk order, you can even save more money compared to other speciality coatings.
- As an aqueous coating does not erode with time or turn yellow, it is much more durable than other coatings. Additionally, they also protect the metallic ink from being exposed to air.
- Another major advantage is that aqueous coating acts as a barrier against abrasion or scuffing.
How Is An Aqueous Coating Dried Out?
Aqueous coating has a water-based material that evaporates or absorbs itself in the absorbent material to develop a thin film on the upper layer of the paper. Aqueous coating acts as a shield and secures the packaging from scratches or smears. Additionally, aqueous substances carry more volatile compounds. For this reason, it must be wiped out before it dries completely, as it will help avoid unevenness as well as maintain its durability. Whereas, on the other hand, UV coatings are not soluble in water and are cured by exposing them to UV radiation.
Here is a simple comparison chart of AQ coating versus UV coating:
| Characteristics | AQ coating | UV coating |
| Base Composition | Water-based coating | Chemical (non-volatile) coating |
| Drying Speed | Fast, but not instant | Extremely fast (instant curing) |
| Finish Options | Gloss, matte, satin, soft-touch | High gloss, matte, spot UV |
In conclusion
Aqueous coating is an innovative packaging solution. If you use it strategically, it can become a game-changer for your brand. We now know all the benefits of aqueous coating, its variants, and how it can protect your packaging durably.
In this blog, we have given you the ultimate guide to aqueous coating secrets and revealed all the secrets so you can instantly make a decision to apply it to your packaging. Here at Emenac Packaging Australia, we also provide custom coating for your packaging according to your demand. Give us a call for more information.
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