The short answer
Spot UV is a clear, glossy coating applied only to selected areas of a printed design, then hardened with ultraviolet light. It's most striking on a matt background, where the gloss contrast makes the highlighted area shine. We offer spot UV on paperboard cosmetic boxes and premium gift bags, on request.
How spot UV works
After the box or bag is printed and laminated, a clear coating is applied to the areas you choose, such as a logo, a word or a pattern. The coating is cured instantly under UV light, leaving a hard, glossy finish that you can see and feel.
Because the effect comes from contrast, spot UV is usually paired with a matt finish elsewhere. Gloss on gloss barely shows.
Spot UV, foil and embossing compared
| Finish | What it does | Feel | Available on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot UV | Glossy highlight on selected areas | Smooth, slightly raised gloss | Paperboard cosmetic boxes, premium gift bags, on request |
| Foil | Metallic or coloured shine | Smooth, pressed-in | Gift bags, rigid boxes and paperboard |
| Embossing | Raises the design | Raised texture | Paperboard cosmetic boxes, premium gift bags, on request |
| Debossing | Presses the design in | Recessed texture | Paperboard cosmetic boxes, premium gift bags, on request |
Where spot UV works best
- A logo on a matt black or dark box. Gloss on matt black is a classic, subtle premium look.
- Tone-on-tone patterns. A pattern in spot UV over the same colour appears only when the light catches it.
- Highlighting one element. A product name, an icon or a line of text you want customers to notice.
- Premium gift bags. A glossy logo on a matt bag looks refined.
Setting up spot UV artwork
Make a separate layer
Spot UV is supplied as a separate layer or file that shows only the areas to be coated, in solid black. It must line up exactly with your printed artwork.
Keep shapes clear
Very fine lines and tiny text are hard to coat accurately. Choose clear shapes and slightly bolder lines.
Leave a small gap from folds
Coating across a fold can crack. Keep spot UV areas clear of creases and edges, following the clearances on your product's template, or ask our studio.
What it means for you
The same question, answered for where your business is today.
Choose your stage at the top of the page to open the advice for you.
Start-up · under 100 units
Spot UV is usually added to custom paperboard boxes or premium gift bags, so most start-ups add it later.
Focus first on getting a clean, well-printed design.
Growing · 100 to 2,499 units
When you move to custom cosmetic boxes or premium gift bags, spot UV on your logo is a subtle way to add polish.
Try this: pair a matt lamination with spot UV on the logo only.
Enterprise · 2,500 units and more
Record the spot UV layer and finish in your packaging specification so every reorder looks the same.
Keep the spot UV file with your master artwork.
Common mistakes
- 1Spot UV on gloss. Gloss on gloss barely shows. Use a matt base for contrast.
- 2Misaligned layers. The spot UV layer must match the artwork exactly. Use one master file.
- 3Coating over folds. The coating can crack on creases. Keep it clear of folds.
- 4Using it everywhere. Spot UV is a highlight. Used on too much, it loses its impact.
Spot UV questions
What is spot UV?
Do you offer spot UV?
Does spot UV work on gloss lamination?
How do I supply spot UV artwork?
Can spot UV be combined with other finishes?
Keep reading
Premium finishes
Want your logo to shine?
Tell us about your product and design. Our Melbourne team will tell you which finishes suit your box or bag, usually within 1 business day.