What is Spot UV Coating?

Spot UV is a varnish or coating added to specific areas of your business card. By heating the special coating with ultraviolet radiation, it creates a special effect on specific cardstocks. It has the effect of highlighting and drawing attention to that part of the design and creates another contrasting smooth texture. It is known a premium printing technique. 

We apply a Spot UV gloss varnish on C2S (coated 2 side) card stock, or on the silk laminated products. Spot UV cannot be applied on uncoated stocks (linen, letterhead, envelopes, etc) since the coating will absorb into the paper.

What are your file specifications?

File Types

• For the best results, we recommend PDFs.
• We also accept JPEG, EPS, AI, PSD or TIFF files.
• Please flatten all JPEG, PSD, and TIFF files. You may save your files at 400 DPI (300 DPI is the minimum).

Print Specifications

• Please create all files with a 1/16" bleed (0.0625" on all sides) As an example, a 3.5" x 2" business card file should be submitted at 3.625" x 2.125."
• Please keep all safe text at least 1/8" from the trim line.
• Files must be CMYK, not RGB.
• PDFs, EPS and AIl files: Please convert all fonts and text to outlines and flatten all transparencies.

What file formats do you accept?

We accept PDF, EPS, AI, JPEG, TIFF, and PSD files. PDF is recommended.

How do I upload a file?

Due to the complexity of the various products available at UV Cards it is necessary to upload your files AFTER you complete your order. Simply add the items that you wish to order to your cart, complete the checkout process at which time you will be directed to an upload page. 

If we request that you upload revised files, please log in to your account and view your order in the order history. You will be given the ability to upload revised files for your order.

How do I set up my file?

When creating a Spot UV order, you must include a Spot UV template file along with the regular full colour file. The Spot UV template file is used for indicate where the UV coating will be placed. Use only black (set us as C=0, M=0, Y=0, K=100) to indicate where you would like to have the UV coating. White will indicate areas without UV. So for each file that contains your artwork, you would create a corresponding file that contains ONLY black and white to display where you want the spot UV coating to be.

Remember, "If it's white, you can write"

How can I make sure my blues do not come out purple?

When using a blue in your design, always make sure to leave at least a 30% difference in your Cyan and Magenta values. 

Blue is close to purple in the CMYK spectrum. Remember, use a low amount of magenta whenever using high amounts of cyan to avoid purple. 

Example: C:100 M:70 Y:0 K:0

Why does my business card crack around the edges?

Cracking of the edges of a business card occurs sometimes when the card contains high values of ink, as in dark colors. This usually happens on a small amount of cards in the run. To prevent this, use lighter colors or if you must use dark colors, use as little ink as possible.

What is the recommended CMYK value for Rich Black?

We recommend a Rich Black value of C=60, M=40, Y=40, K=100 for UV Coated and Silk Laminated products. For Matte and uncoated products, we suggest a Rich Black value of C=40, M=40, Y=20, K=100