Varnishing, Flocking, Laminating, Numbering, Stamping - Finishing Printed Materials

Varnishing applies a clear protective coating to a printed substrate after the image transfer. This coating enhances surface durability, providing resistance to moisture and scuffing.

Common applications include glossy restaurant menus and annual report covers. Coating materials vary, with modern options like epoxy-based varnishes offering superior wear qualities.

Total area coverage can be achieved through several processes. A planographic press with dampeners removed is one method, while letterpress and screen processes serve specific varnishing applications.

Flocking creates a fuzzy, textured surface by adhering cloth fibers to wet ink. This technique appears on products such as printed packages, T-shirts, and greeting cards.

Some wall coverings utilize flocking to achieve distinctive textures. This highly specialized finishing process is not commonly found within the graphic communications industry.

Laminating bonds two or more materials into a single, durable unit. A typical example involves laminating plastic over business cards to create convention identification tags for luggage.

Restaurant menus frequently employ lamination as a protective surface to prevent rapid wear and destruction of the paper.

Numbering is the process of consecutively placing figures in forward or backward order onto stock, usually paper. An inked relief image transfers the numbers, with a press-depressed plunger ratcheting the numbering head to change digits with each impression. See Figure 6-31.

Numbering machines are often set to start at the maximum amount; the last printed figure is then number one. This prevents overruns and ensures tickets, forms, or other materials are in correct sequence. Numbered tickets or gate passes exemplify sequential numbering. See Figure 6-32.

Stamping, commonly called goldstamping, transfers foil onto a substrate. While gold or simulated gold are standard, silver and other colors are available as hot stamping materials.

This image transfer process associates closely with relief printing. Letterpress images are clamped between two heated jaws (Figure 6-33). A coated foil is placed between the type characters and the substrate before the heated characters depress. Image transfer depends on heat level, applied pressure, and dwell time.

Brass or more durable service type typically forms the relief images to withstand heat and pressure. Automated units handle production stamping, though hand-operated presses are used for low quantities. Some facilities modify platen presses for hot stamping.

Sustainability remains a key driver, with increased focus on recyclable and biodegradable finishing materials. Digital printing advancements further enable economical short-run customization of these specialized effects.