Spot gloss: Difference between revisions
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== What is spot gloss? == | == What is spot gloss? == | ||
Spot gloss is used as a visual element to appeal to readers by drawing attention to specific design elements. Spot gloss is made from liquid varnish that goes through a process called spot UV. Spot UV is when you use a UV light to dry a varnish coating on a printed material. Spot gloss is reflective and clear, showing the difference between matte and glossy surfaces. This is typically one of the last steps completed before publishing a book, including laminations. | Spot gloss is used as a visual element to appeal to readers by drawing attention to specific design elements. Spot gloss is made from liquid varnish that goes through a process called spot UV. Spot UV is when you use a UV light to dry a varnish coating on a printed material. Spot gloss is reflective and clear, showing the difference between matte and glossy surfaces. It helps the books stand out on a shelf. This is typically one of the last steps completed before publishing a book, including laminations. <ref name=":0" /> <ref name=":1" /> | ||
The | Authors should always consult the manufacturers and publishers about using spot gloss since it can affect the application process. Spot gloss can add a sharp edge to the spine or cover edges of a hardcover book if applied correctly. Authors looking to emphasize a fine line or text should know that the smaller the area, the less likely the gloss will be visible when it hardens. This takes away from the contrast between the gloss and the matte of the book. <ref name=":0"><small>''Everything you need to know about spot UV coating''. QinPrinting. (2025, August 22). <nowiki>https://qinprinting.co.uk/spot-uv/</nowiki></small></ref> <ref name=":1"><small>''(PDF) Comparison of colourimetric results obtained by spherical and spectrophotometer with directional geometry on samples with extreme UV varnish application''. ProQuest. (2023). <nowiki>https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376259420_Comparison_of_colourimetric_results_obtained_by_spherical_and_spectrophotometer_with_directional_geometry_on_samples_with_extreme_UV_varnish_application</nowiki></small> | ||
</ref> <ref name=":2"><small>''Spot UV: Book cover options: Friesens corporation''. Friesens. (2026). <nowiki>https://www.friesens.com/books/specialty-options/specialty-finishes/spotuv/</nowiki></small></ref> | |||
The reflective spot gloss draws people's attention, piquing their interest. The spot gloss adds a raised, smooth texture to flat pages or covers. <ref>''Celloglas achieves regal touch with new blue.'' ProQuest. (2011). Celloglas achieves regal touch with new blue - ProQuest</ref> A spot gloss is typically used on brochures, printed materials, invitations, and business cards. This coating is made to react to UV light through photo initiators. That is what causes the varnish to harden on the book and create that added protective layer on the text or image below it. <ref name=":0" /> Before you can apply spot gloss, you should place a mask film in the spot you want to apply the gloss for precision. Spot gloss should be used sparingly along spines, jackets, and wrapped edges due to cracking. <ref name=":2" /> | |||
[[File:Image.png|thumb|This book cover has a contrast between light and dark colors. The spiral theme is shown throughout. There is spot gloss applied to the bright blue circle on the right side. This added shine attracts the attention of the reader, making them more interested in the book. This also shows how spot gloss can amplify the brightness of a color or image on a book.]] | |||
=== Perks of using it === | === Perks of using it === | ||
A spot gloss adds a sophisticated, 3D aesthetic with its shine. <ref name=":1" /> Publishers usually place gloss on company logos, the author's name, the title, or anywhere they want to emphasize. This coating can help the book's color from fading and can be used on a variety of materials. Once the coating hardens, it adds a layer of protection to the book, making it valuable for long-term use or storage. It is environmentally friendly and low-cost for publishers and authors. There are two specific ways to use spot gloss: highlighting text, images, designs, etc. This not only makes the selected element stand out, but it also preserves its details and colors. <ref name=":0" /> | |||
On the other hand, it can be applied to a blank surface and let it create the image. This is called Blind Spot UV. Blind Spot UV darkens the area around the gloss, showing a prominent contrast in shade. Stains can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth since the spot gloss separates them from the paper. Spot gloss can be used to highlight a specific aspect of a book that the author or publisher is particularly proud of. Spot gloss is versatile, with paints in many different colors for authors to choose from. <ref name=":0" /> | |||
UV varnish can be used to make braille, allowing blind people the opportunity to read the book. This gives the author an added demographic for their books. It is possible to apply multiple coatings of spot gloss to create an embossed texture. This is the 3D imagery that some books have. An embossed texture is a visual element that also draws in buyers. <ref name=":1" /> | |||
==== Cons of using it ==== | ==== Cons of using it ==== | ||
Readers and authors must be wary, though, when using spot gloss. Since it is a coating, it is very easy to leave fingerprints or smudge it while it is drying, and the drying process takes a considerable amount of time. Books with spot gloss must be treated delicately and cleaned frequently. Spot gloss can still add more to the cost of production, which can delay publication if not taken into consideration ahead of time. Spot gloss is meant to have a smooth finish, but it can become jagged if too many coats are applied. This means that when painting the coat, you have to make sure it is done just right, so you do not have to worry about repainting it. | Readers and authors must be wary, though, when using spot gloss. Since it is a coating, it is very easy to leave fingerprints or smudge it while it is drying, and the drying process takes a considerable amount of time. Books with spot gloss must be treated delicately and cleaned frequently. Spot gloss can still add more to the cost of production, which can delay publication if not taken into consideration ahead of time. | ||
Spot gloss is meant to have a smooth finish, but it can become jagged if too many coats are applied. This means that when painting the coat, you have to make sure it is done just right, so you do not have to worry about repainting it. Each layer you add needs to be stenciled to ensure it is applied to the proper section. This delays the publication of the book and can be stressful for everyone involved. While spot gloss is somewhat flexible, it should not be placed on folded areas because, over time, it causes cracking. <ref name=":0" /> <ref name=":2" /> | |||
Spot gloss is sensitive to moisture, so it is advised against selling books with it in high-humidity areas. The humidity can warp the text, cause mold, or lead to bugs being attracted to the book. Since spot gloss emphasizes areas of a book, it has to be placed strategically. Highlighting one area of a book can draw attention to the imperfections of the rest of the book cover. The bright reflectiveness of the gloss can be disorienting in a bright room or too much if you are going for a more subtle aesthetic. | Spot gloss is sensitive to moisture, so it is advised against selling books with it in high-humidity areas. The humidity can warp the text, cause mold, or lead to bugs being attracted to the book. Since spot gloss emphasizes areas of a book, it has to be placed strategically. Highlighting one area of a book can draw attention to the imperfections of the rest of the book cover. The bright reflectiveness of the gloss can be disorienting in a bright room or too much if you are going for a more subtle aesthetic. <ref name=":0" /> | ||
===== Sources ===== | ===== Sources ===== | ||
< | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Design elements]] | |||
Latest revision as of 08:55, 10 March 2026
What is spot gloss?
Spot gloss is used as a visual element to appeal to readers by drawing attention to specific design elements. Spot gloss is made from liquid varnish that goes through a process called spot UV. Spot UV is when you use a UV light to dry a varnish coating on a printed material. Spot gloss is reflective and clear, showing the difference between matte and glossy surfaces. It helps the books stand out on a shelf. This is typically one of the last steps completed before publishing a book, including laminations. [1] [2]
Authors should always consult the manufacturers and publishers about using spot gloss since it can affect the application process. Spot gloss can add a sharp edge to the spine or cover edges of a hardcover book if applied correctly. Authors looking to emphasize a fine line or text should know that the smaller the area, the less likely the gloss will be visible when it hardens. This takes away from the contrast between the gloss and the matte of the book. [1] [2] [3]
The reflective spot gloss draws people's attention, piquing their interest. The spot gloss adds a raised, smooth texture to flat pages or covers. [4] A spot gloss is typically used on brochures, printed materials, invitations, and business cards. This coating is made to react to UV light through photo initiators. That is what causes the varnish to harden on the book and create that added protective layer on the text or image below it. [1] Before you can apply spot gloss, you should place a mask film in the spot you want to apply the gloss for precision. Spot gloss should be used sparingly along spines, jackets, and wrapped edges due to cracking. [3]
Perks of using it
A spot gloss adds a sophisticated, 3D aesthetic with its shine. [2] Publishers usually place gloss on company logos, the author's name, the title, or anywhere they want to emphasize. This coating can help the book's color from fading and can be used on a variety of materials. Once the coating hardens, it adds a layer of protection to the book, making it valuable for long-term use or storage. It is environmentally friendly and low-cost for publishers and authors. There are two specific ways to use spot gloss: highlighting text, images, designs, etc. This not only makes the selected element stand out, but it also preserves its details and colors. [1]
On the other hand, it can be applied to a blank surface and let it create the image. This is called Blind Spot UV. Blind Spot UV darkens the area around the gloss, showing a prominent contrast in shade. Stains can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth since the spot gloss separates them from the paper. Spot gloss can be used to highlight a specific aspect of a book that the author or publisher is particularly proud of. Spot gloss is versatile, with paints in many different colors for authors to choose from. [1]
UV varnish can be used to make braille, allowing blind people the opportunity to read the book. This gives the author an added demographic for their books. It is possible to apply multiple coatings of spot gloss to create an embossed texture. This is the 3D imagery that some books have. An embossed texture is a visual element that also draws in buyers. [2]
Cons of using it
Readers and authors must be wary, though, when using spot gloss. Since it is a coating, it is very easy to leave fingerprints or smudge it while it is drying, and the drying process takes a considerable amount of time. Books with spot gloss must be treated delicately and cleaned frequently. Spot gloss can still add more to the cost of production, which can delay publication if not taken into consideration ahead of time.
Spot gloss is meant to have a smooth finish, but it can become jagged if too many coats are applied. This means that when painting the coat, you have to make sure it is done just right, so you do not have to worry about repainting it. Each layer you add needs to be stenciled to ensure it is applied to the proper section. This delays the publication of the book and can be stressful for everyone involved. While spot gloss is somewhat flexible, it should not be placed on folded areas because, over time, it causes cracking. [1] [3]
Spot gloss is sensitive to moisture, so it is advised against selling books with it in high-humidity areas. The humidity can warp the text, cause mold, or lead to bugs being attracted to the book. Since spot gloss emphasizes areas of a book, it has to be placed strategically. Highlighting one area of a book can draw attention to the imperfections of the rest of the book cover. The bright reflectiveness of the gloss can be disorienting in a bright room or too much if you are going for a more subtle aesthetic. [1]
Sources
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Everything you need to know about spot UV coating. QinPrinting. (2025, August 22). https://qinprinting.co.uk/spot-uv/
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 (PDF) Comparison of colourimetric results obtained by spherical and spectrophotometer with directional geometry on samples with extreme UV varnish application. ProQuest. (2023). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376259420_Comparison_of_colourimetric_results_obtained_by_spherical_and_spectrophotometer_with_directional_geometry_on_samples_with_extreme_UV_varnish_application
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Spot UV: Book cover options: Friesens corporation. Friesens. (2026). https://www.friesens.com/books/specialty-options/specialty-finishes/spotuv/
- ↑ Celloglas achieves regal touch with new blue. ProQuest. (2011). Celloglas achieves regal touch with new blue - ProQuest
