Author: Team BRANDco.

How to Design for Spot UV

Posted on by Team BRANDco.

Prepare Artwork for Spot UV Printing

Spot UV is a specialty print finishing technique that applies a glossy coating to specific areas of a printed design. Used to emphasize logos, text, or patterns, this process creates contrast and depth by layering shine over a matte, soft-touch background. It’s a powerful tool to add visual and tactile interest. 

If you’re planning to use Spot UV in your next print project, this step-by-step guide breaks down how to prepare your files for a seamless print process. We’ll also provide a video tutorial below.

Watch Our Spot UV Video Tutorial

Why It Works

Spot UV stands out because it contrasts shine against a matte or uncoated background. It draws attention without using additional color, making it a powerful way to add visual interest while maintaining a clean, minimal aesthetic.

Beyond visual appeal, Spot UV adds tactile dimension. Whether it’s a raised logo on a business card or a gloss pattern across packaging, it invites interaction and makes a lasting impression.

Want to learn more about Spot UV and how it can impact your brand? Read our overview on the power of Spot UV to see how this premium finish will transform your business cards, brochures, and other printed materials.

File Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions

To ensure your file is print-ready, follow these steps in Adobe Illustrator:

1. Create the Spot UV Swatch 

  • Open the Swatches panel.
  • Click New Swatch.
  • Name the swatch Varnish.
  • Set Color Type to Spot Color.
  • Keep Color Mode as CMYK and choose any color (the visual color is only for setup).
  • Click OK to save.

2. Add a New Layer for Spot UV

  • Open the Layers panel.
  • Create a new layer and name it Varnish.
  • This will house all design elements that should receive the Spot UV coating.

3. Copy and Paste Spot UV Elements

  • Select the text or graphic elements you want to highlight.
  • Copy the elements, switch to the Varnish layer, and use Paste in Place to ensure perfect alignment.
  • Apply the Varnish swatch to the pasted elements.

4. Verify Layer Accuracy

  • Turn the Varnish layer off and on to confirm which areas are marked for Spot UV.
  • Ensure your original design remains untouched on the main layer.

5. Save as Print-Ready PDF

  • Go to File > Save As and select PDF format.
  • Choose High Quality Print.
  • Under Marks and Bleeds, check the appropriate settings (typically 0.125″ bleed).
  • Include crop marks if required.
    Save and double-check the file before sending to print.

 Before uploading or sending your file, confirm the following:

  • The Varnish swatch is set to Spot Color (not Process).
  • All Spot UV elements are on their own Varnish layer.
  • The design has a bleed margin and correct trim size.
  • There are no overlapping or misaligned layers.
  • A print proof is reviewed if available.

Pro Tips & Design Considerations

  • Keep it simple. Use Spot UV on bold, well-defined shapes or larger text. Thin lines and small fonts may not register cleanly.
  • Strategic placement. Highlight key branding elements (logos, titles, or graphic accents). Avoid covering too much area.
  • Combine textures. Spot UV over soft-touch or matte lamination creates a strong visual and tactile contrast.
  • Avoid edge overlap. Keep Spot UV at least 1.5 mm away from trim lines, folds, and creases to prevent cracking during finishing.

Design For Spot UV Video Tutorial

Next Steps

Ready to bring your design to life with Spot UV? BrandCo offers expert guidance and premium printing to ensure your vision translates perfectly to print.

If you have questions or want a file check before sending your final artwork, contact us and we’ll be happy to walk you through it.

The Power of Spot UV in Print Design

Posted on by Team BRANDco.

Make a Lasting Impression with Spot UV

If you’re looking to elevate your business cards, brochures, greeting cards or other printed materials with subtle elegance and a bold impact, Spot UV may be the perfect touch. BRANDco. offers Raised Spot UV, which showcases a blend of luxury and creativity with its versatility, gloss texture, and subtle 3D effect. This specialty coating adds a layer of high-gloss shine to specific areas of your design, like logos, text, patterns or typography, bringing them to life with stunning contrast and depth.

Not only does Spot UV allow your prints to catch the light beautifully, but it also creates a unique tactile experience. The raised, glossy surface contrasting a buttery soft background gives your print a refined texture that people can’t help but run their fingers over. The result? A design that’s not only seen, but felt, and one that clients are sure to keep and remember.

 

What is Spot UV?

Spot UV is a post-print finishing process that applies a glossy coating to selected areas of your design. Often referred to as Spot Gloss or Spot Varnish, this method uses ultraviolet light to instantly cure a clear varnish applied over specific elements like logos, text, or patterns.

 

Get Next-Level Results

The process is straightforward but delivers stellar results. The effect is a sleek, high-shine finish that contrasts beautifully in thickness and texture with the surrounding matte or uncoated areas. This allows it to add visual interest and make a memorable impact.

 

Spot UV For Your Brand

Spot UV stands out most on rich colors or fully printed surfaces. It will enhance your brand’s visual appeal while adding a protective layer that helps preserve color, resist moisture, and guard against wear and tear. 

Add Spot UV to Your Next Project

Why Use Spot UV?

Spot UV brings a range of functional and aesthetic advantages that make it a standout choice for premium print materials. Here’s why businesses, creatives, and marketers alike choose Spot UV to elevate their designs:

1. Ultimate Shine & High Clarity

Spot UV delivers a crystal-clear, high-gloss finish that instantly adds charm. When applied to vibrant colors or bold graphics, it creates a stunning contrast that enhances detail and depth. This glossy effect makes design elements pop off the page, perfect for grabbing clients’ attention and leaving a lasting first impression.

2. Tactile Appeal

More than just eye-catching, Spot UV adds texture that people want to touch. Whether it’s a smooth gloss overlay or a raised finish, the added dimension creates a sensory experience that invites interaction. That tactile element makes your business cards, greeting cards or brochures more memorable and impactful.

3. Durability

Spot UV adds more than just beauty, it also acts as reinforcement. The cured varnish layer provides a level of protection that helps resist smudges, scratches, and regular handling. When paired with a sturdy paper stock or lamination, it can even add some tear resistance, ensuring your cards last and continue to look brand new.

4. Eco-Friendly Choice

Unlike solvent-based coatings, Spot UV uses a UV curing process that produces minimal emissions. Since the varnish doesn’t release volatile organic compounds into the air, it’s considered a more environmentally conscious option, ideal for environmentally conscious businesses.

Our Spot UV Products

Try Spot UV!

If you’re ready to bring depth, polish, and durability to your prints, BRANDco. has the tools to make it happen. Want to add Spot UV to your next project? Before you send your design to print, make sure it’s set up correctly. Follow our step-by-step guide to preparing files for Spot UV.