Craftarea

Spot UV Varnish on Business Cards

Short answer

Spot UV varnish applies a glossy, slightly raised layer to just one element of a business card — the logo, a name or a graphic detail — over a matte field. The effect is built entirely on contrast, so the background must be covered with matte or soft-touch lamination.

Spot UV is the technique that sets a business card apart with a single detail — a glossy logo on a matte field reads almost as if it were raised off the surface. The effect only appears as the angle of light changes, which is what makes it so effective: the card comes alive in the hand. This page covers how artwork is prepared for the varnish, which elements the technique works on and which it does not, and how much it adds to the lead time.

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Key facts

What it does
Glossy accent on a chosen element
Prerequisite
Matte or soft-touch laminated background
Artwork requirement
Separate mask layer (100% K)
Minimum element
~1 mm line weight
Raised effect
Light, noticeable to the touch
Lead time
Timing by agreement
Minimum run
100 pieces
Compatibility
Can combine with foiling

How artwork is prepared for spot UV

The varnish needs two files, or two layers in one file: the ordinary colour artwork, and a varnish mask where the exact area to be varnished is marked in 100% black. White means no varnish. The mask must align precisely with the colour artwork — if the logo is to be varnished, the mask must carry an identical black silhouette in the same position. We can build this layer ourselves if you send only the colour artwork and tell us which element should stand out.

  • Two layers: colour artwork + varnish mask
  • 100% black on the mask = varnished area
  • White = no varnish
  • The mask must align exactly with the colour layer

What the effect works on — and what it does not

Spot UV works best on large, clear shapes: a logo, a monogram, a graphic pattern, a name set in large type. On very fine elements — 6 pt contact text, or hairline rules — the effect is practically invisible and can simply disappear on press. The minimum line weight is around 1 mm. Varnishing the whole card is equally pointless: the contrast vanishes and the result is indistinguishable from gloss lamination.

  • Works: logo, monogram, pattern, large type
  • Does not work: fine text, hairline rules
  • Minimum line: ~1 mm
  • Full-card varnish defeats the purpose

Combining with other finishes

The strongest pairing for spot UV is soft-touch lamination: a glossy logo on a velvety, fully matte field gives maximum contrast. It also works well over ordinary matte. Over gloss lamination it is practically pointless — a glossy element does not stand out on a glossy field. Combining with foiling is possible: for example a logo in gold foil and a background pattern in spot UV. That is a double technological pass and extends the lead time accordingly.

Spot UV varnish — technical parameters

Spot UV varnish — technical parameters
ParameterValueNote
Background finishMatte or soft-touchMandatory — for contrast
Mask formatSeparate layer, 100% KBlack = varnish
Minimum line~1 mmAnything finer disappears
Minimum type12 ptSmaller is ineffective
Additional lead timeTiming by agreementSeparate technological pass
Over gloss backgroundNot recommendedContrast disappears
With foilingPossibleLead time grows further

How It Works

  1. 1

    Colour artwork

    We receive or prepare the standard colour artwork in CMYK.

  2. 2

    Varnish mask

    We create a separate layer marking the varnish area in black, aligned exactly with the colour layer.

  3. 3

    Printing and lamination

    The card is printed and covered with matte or soft-touch lamination.

  4. 4

    Varnish application

    UV varnish is applied according to the mask and cured instantly under ultraviolet light.

  5. 5

    Cutting and handover

    The card is trimmed to exact size, checked and packed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are spot UV and gloss lamination the same?
No. Gloss lamination covers the whole card evenly, while spot UV covers only a chosen element — and gives it a light raised quality you can feel with a fingertip.
I have no mask layer — can you create it?
Yes. Send the colour artwork and tell us which element should be varnished; we will build the mask and send it for approval.
How raised is the effect?
The varnish layer is thin and does not create high relief, but running a finger over it is clearly noticeable. If you need more pronounced relief, the alternative is thermography (raised printing).
Can both sides be varnished?
Yes, though in most cases varnish goes on the front only, where the logo sits. Doing both sides increases the cost.
Why does it extend the deadline?
Spot UV is a separate technological pass after printing and lamination, with its own setup. Timing is agreed after the project review. Send the card dimensions, stock, printed sides, finish and quantity, required date and collection or delivery location.
Will it show well on a black card?
Yes — a black or deep dark background is the best choice for spot UV. Contrast is at its maximum and the glossy element stands out sharply.

Related Services

Soft-touch laminationFoiled business cardsMatte and gloss laminationArtwork preparation

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