What is Aqueous Coating for Printing, Packaging and Laminations?
Aqueous (AQ) Coating are water based, eco-friendly liquid coatings that applied to the surface (paper/films) enhance its appearance, provide specific functional properties and aesthetic appeal of packaging materials. They are fast drying coating solutions that can withstand exposure while offering different kinds of finish to a variety of end applications like labels, brochures, and packaging boxes.
Unlike solvent based coatings, AQ coatings have fewer volatile organic compounds and are much more sustainable.
What are different types of Aqueous Coating and its packaging applications?
- Matte Finish Coating – Matte coating minimize glossiness and elevates the intensity of colours. It is well suited for minimalistic designs that require a non-glossy, subdued finish. The coating offers an understated appearance that has a softer feel and is often used in high-end applications and book covers.
- Gloss Finish Coating– Gloss coatings adds high gloss sheen to the printed material. It offers a polished look to end application and is shiny and reflective. These coating are often used in promotional material to achieve vibrant graphics.
- Satin Finish Coating – Satin aqueous coating offer a subtle shine between matte and gloss finish. It has a balanced visual effect and often used in luxury packaging.
- Soft Touch Coating– Soft Touch coating has a velvet finish but not much gloss. It offers a soft luxurious touch and is used in cosmetic packaging and speciality items to convey a sense of luxury and elegance.
- Scuff Resistance Coating – Scuff Resistance coating offer an excellent resistance to scuff marks and coated film is best suited for laminating packing boxes.
- Transparent Barrier Coating: Transparent barrier coating feature good gloss clarity as well as high durability. It will help with the excellent water and gas barrier and keep internal aromas intact. Barrier coated films suited to extend the shelf life of packaged products.
What is the process of Aqueous coating?
Aqueous coating is applied to paper/films just before they get printed with ink. The coating process involves applying even coating before the sheet is passed through a heated system for quick drying. The coating is applied to the entire sheet for excellent finish.
What are the advantages of AQ coating in packaging?
- Eco-friendly- Aqueous coating are water-based solution that have lower VOC emissions compared to their solvent based alternatives.
- Compatibility – Aqueous coating work with a variety of printing processes and are also compatible with various types of paper/films. They are a hassle-free solution to add elegant finishing to the printing and packaging material.
- Cost effective- Aqueous promote huge cost saving as they are used in line with the printing process and are also more cost effective than certain speciality coatings.
- Durable- Aqueous coating do not yellow overtime. They prevent discolouration for a longer period of time as coating protects the metallic ink from exposure to air.
- Enhances packaging appeal – Aqueous coating adds a glossy or matte finish to the printed material to add a vibrant and elegant visual appeal.
- Additional Protection- AQ coatings act as a protective barrier against scuffing, abrasion and unwanted fingerprint marks on printing and packaging material.
- Further Finishing- AQ coatings can are suitable to undergo further finishing processes such as embossing or foil stamping.
What Cosmo Speciality Chemicals offer?
Cosmo is one stop solution for sustainable adhesives, coating and white masterbatches. Cosmo Speciality Chemicals manufactures a wide range of coatings for excellent ink adhesion, appearance (gloss/matt), heat seal, barrier, durability, and resistance to scuff for a wide range of packaging, lamination, and synthetic paper applications.
For more details connect with Cosmo coating experts today!
