Paper and board finishing

Question 1

Paper and board finishing

Answer 1

Shouldn’t be overlooked

Can protect from liquid and spills but also looks aesthically pleasing

Question 2

Laminating

Answer 2

Two main methods
Encapsulation - Desk top laminator with a piece of paper inside a polymer pouch and sealed using heat, uses PET and ethylene-vinyl acetate
Surface coating - two ways either liquid or film lamination but both coat the paper with a liquid to seal and protect it

Question 3

Embossing

Answer 3

Creates a raised design on the surface of the paper or card to give a visual effect
Uses two dies (male and female) made from either stainless steel or brass and can be hot or cold
Substrate held between the two with pressure until embossed area has formed

Question 4

Debossing

Answer 4

Opposite of embossing and produces an imprinted depression which sits below the surface of the paper or card

Question 5

Foil blocking

Answer 5

Involves the application of heat and pressure to a metallic paper to create areas of depth and texture to add aesthetic
Can be metallic, gloss, matt, clear or holographic
Uses a special machine with a heated die and is stamped onto the material
Requires accuracy and consistency

Question 6

Varnishing

Answer 6

Clear and non pigmented ink used on pre-coated papers and boards to enhance colour and protection agaisnt dirt, liquid and finger prints
Gloss, matt, satin and tintedd inks are available

Question 7

UV Varnishing

Answer 7

Provides a very smooth finish but the ink must be completely dry before vanish is applied
Specific machinery is required that will instantly cure the UV vanishto provide the high-quality finish
Usually abrasion and chemical resistant

Question 8

Spot varnishing

Answer 8

A varnish that is applied to specific areas or spots rather than the whole area
A plate or set of plates presses on the surface and applies the varnish to that spot
Can be used with both varnish and UV