Add a glossy accent to the parts of your design you want people to notice. MYC Graphics offers spot UV printing for businesses in Mississauga, Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, with artwork and production support for custom print projects.
Highlight a logo, create a subtle background pattern or bring contrast to selected image details. We help plan the coating coverage around the material, design and finished use.
Glossy details catch the light against a dark card surface.
Spot UV is a selective clear-coating process. A varnish is applied to chosen areas of a printed piece and cured with ultraviolet light, producing a glossy accent. The finish changes how those areas reflect light while allowing the printed design beneath to remain visible.
The effect can be bold or understated. A large logo can become a focal point, while a repeating pattern can appear as the piece is tilted. The strongest results come from planning the coated and uncoated areas together.
Use the finish with a clear purpose. A few well-chosen areas often create a more readable design than coating every element.
Draw attention to a business name or brand mark. Keep essential contact information readable without relying on reflections.
Add tone-on-tone patterns that become visible when the light changes. Simple, well-spaced shapes help the effect read clearly.
Pick out selected features in an image or graphic. Align the coating mask carefully with the underlying print artwork.
Explore selective gloss on business cards and branded print designs. The finished appearance varies with the material, background finish and viewing angle.
Combine printed colour with selective glossy details to emphasize a logo or graphic without coating the entire design.
Use a contrast in surface finish to reveal lettering and shapes as the card catches the light.
Keep a restrained colour palette while adding a reflective accent to the most recognizable part of your branding.
Business cards are a useful starting point for spot UV because customers handle them and see the finish from different angles. A compatible matte surface can provide contrast with glossy logos, patterns or lettering.
Spot UV may also suit selected promotional print and display applications. Product dimensions, substrate and finishing requirements need review before a specification is confirmed. Ask about your intended piece rather than assuming every paper, film or sign material can accept the same coating.
Explore our small format printing and large format printing services to discuss the base product as well as its finish.
The print file and coating mask must line up. A clear mask tells the production team where to apply the gloss and where to leave the surface uncoated.
Our graphic design team can help prepare a layout and check the intended coating areas. A screen proof confirms placement; discuss a physical sample if the surface effect is critical to your decision.
Standard spot UV mainly adds gloss. Raised UV uses a greater coating build for a more noticeable feel, while embossing changes the shape of the substrate. These processes have different production and artwork requirements.
If your concept depends on a tactile effect, specify that when requesting a quote. We will confirm the appropriate production option and material compatibility before you approve the job.
White ink is another separate process: it adds printed white artwork or a backing layer rather than clear gloss. Read about white ink printing if your design uses a clear or dark substrate.
Spot UV is a finishing process that applies a clear coating to selected parts of a printed piece and cures it with ultraviolet light. The coated areas create a glossy accent that can highlight a logo, text, image or pattern.
Spot UV covers selected areas of the design, leaving the surrounding surface with its original finish. An overall gloss coating covers the defined surface more broadly. Selective coverage creates contrast between coated and uncoated areas.
Yes. Spot UV can highlight a business name, logo or pattern on a suitable business card stock and finish. The stock, lamination and coating must be compatible, so confirm the complete specification before finalizing artwork.
No. Standard spot UV primarily creates a difference in gloss. Raised UV builds a more pronounced coating that can be felt, while embossing physically shapes the material. If you want a raised effect, ask us to confirm the available process and suitable artwork.
Yes, on compatible materials and finishes. A matte background can make the glossy areas easier to distinguish as the light changes. The final effect depends on the stock, coating coverage and viewing angle.
Supply the print artwork and a separate aligned layer or mask showing only the areas that need UV coating. Keep the finished dimensions consistent and use editable vector shapes where possible. Ask our team to confirm the required mask colour, file format, minimum detail and edge clearances before final export.
No. Suitability depends on the substrate, surface coating, ink, finishing process and intended use. Folds, cut edges, writable areas and very fine details also need consideration. Tell us the product and material so we can confirm compatibility.
Send the product type, finished size, quantity, artwork, preferred stock or substrate, coating areas and deadline. Include whether one or both sides need coating and any cutting, folding or other finishing. MYC Graphics serves Mississauga, Toronto and the GTA.
Send your artwork, product size, quantity and preferred material. Mark the areas you want to highlight and tell us your deadline and any other finishing needs. We will review the specification and help you plan a suitable print and coating combination.
Call 416-907-9491 or contact MYC Graphics to discuss your project.
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