This Month's Topic: Coatings for Book Covers

Attractive designs and beautiful printing go a long way toward enticing recipients to pick up your book. However, unsightly marks, scuffs and scratches can dull some of that interest. Fortunately, there are several coatings that can be applied to your covers to ensure books reach their destination in the best possible condition.

Coatings vary in their method of application, the level of protection they offer, and the appearance of the finish. IGI can help you choose the best coating for your budget and needs:

Varnish – Available in gloss, satin and dull finishes, varnish offers satisfactory protection from scuffing and marking. It can be applied as either a separate process in the bindery or inline during printing. When applied inline, varnish is both economical and versatile, allowing for easy spot varnish placement, such as a gloss varnish placed over a logo or book title.

Aqueous – As the name suggests, aqueous coatings are water-based and applied inline during printing. Aqueous coating forms a tougher, more durable surface than varnish.

Ultraviolet (UV) – Whether applied on press or as a separate process, UV coatings are cured using a UV light that dries them instantly. This allows pieces to be handled immediately after printing. UV coating finishes can range from a flat matte finish to high gloss, which results in a distinctive “wet” look that makes colors pop off the paper.

Film laminating – For projects that require the strongest protection available, film laminating is an attractive solution. Laminating is typically performed in the bindery, and films are available in several finishes, including matte, satin and gloss, as well as formulas optimized for digital printing.

The IGI Publishing Solution
IGI Publishing specializes in helping small and self-publishers create expertly-produced books of lasting quality. From layout and typesetting to printing, binding and beyond, let IGI Publishing be your single publishing resource.