Coating for printing helps protect printed material and can also help draw a reader's attention to particular details. A print coating is the final layer on a printed piece and can prevent scuffing and smudges. Varnish is the cheapest coating for printers, but also offers the least protection. Other options include UV, aqueous and laminate print coatings.

Whether you're searching for screen printing coating or offset printing coatings, you can find online suppliers offering a variety of options to help you find the best deal for your business:

1. Find a supplier offering many options for coatings printing.
2. Locate a supplier of screen print coating products.
3. Buy digital printing coatings.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Browse through a multitude of print coating options

If you're not certain what type of printing coatings you're looking for or if you want a variety of options, look to a manufacturer showcasing a large number of print coating options. Suppliers of a large number of coatings for printing will be more knowledgable about what coatings are best for the finish your company desires.

I recommend: Atlantic Printing Ink Company is a Florida-based manufacturer of UV, EB and aqueous print coatings for a number of applications, including offset and screen printing. Deco-Chem manufactures inks and coatings for coil coating, roller coating, screen printing and flexography.

Purchase screen printing coatings online

Screen printing is a highly versatile printing process, used in a variety of applications. If you're looking for a print coating for your screen print use, look to manufacturers and vendors of screen print inks and coatings.

I recommend: Nazdar supplies a number of screen print products. View their website for a full listing of inks, additives, specialty inks to supplement your business needs. Prismflex sells pad and screen printing inks. Use the chart on their website to determine which series of ink delivers the finish needed for your screen print coating process.

Find a digital print coating

Digital printing offers a number of advantages over standard printing, making the printing process easier for your business. Digital prints need finishes, however. If you want to protect your digital prints from damage, look for a supplier specializing in digital print coatings.

I recommend: UV Specialties sells UV printing coatings that offer a glossy protective coating to finish your prints. Contact them to place an order or inquire about customized print coating options. If you need to protect digital print images, check out BullDog Ultra from BullDog Products. BullDog offers a full line of coating products as well as a laminator to make the coating application process easier.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Know the capabilities of your printer before purchasing coatings for printing. Not all printers are capable of applying all types of printing coatings.