What are UV Inks?

The key to UV printing rests with inks that have been specially formulated to cure under ultraviolet light. Like conventional inks, UV inks contain resins and pigments. But in place of solvents, they contain monomers and oligomers, small carbon-based molecules that have the capacity to form into long chains called polymers. If polymers are like a chain, then monomers (which provide the ink's adhesive properties) are like the links in that chain. To get them to start forming chains, UV inks contain highly light-sensitive components called photoinitiators, which cure within seconds after being exposed to UV light.

UV coatings

Need a coating? We can coat an entire sheet or just a portion (a spot) with a UV coating. The coating is a clear substance that reacts the way UV inks do when exposed to UV light -- it cures very quickly. UV coating has a distinctive high-gloss, wet-look finish.

Learn more at garveypackaging.com

Why use UV?

  • Environmentally friendly. Since UV materials contain no solvents, there are no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) created in the curing process. Some conventional inks contain solvents up to 70%.
  • Efficient. UV curing time is almost non-existent which allows a faster workflow than conventional inks
  • Controlled finish. You are using coated stock and want a satin (softer, duller) finish. UV inks will give you this look on coated stock saving you the step of a dull varnish.
  • Natural resistance. You want to control the amount of smudging and abrasion. Since UV inks flash dry on press they resist smudging and scrapes more than conventional inks which remain a bit soft after printing.

The Garvey Group has extensive experience printing with UV inks and coatings. We offer printing and coating on multiple presses and widths up to 63". Let us show you how UV can benefit your next project.

Plastics Make the World Go Round

Every day it becomes more important for marketers to find creative ways to reach their customers, to pique their interest in a brand enough to keep them coming back for more. Whether your desire is to create a dynamic point of sale display that adheres to glass, to create a rigid, long-lasting marketing piece out of plastic paper, or to make that metal motorcycle brochure “pop,” The Garvey Group can print on virtually any printable substrate.

Our seven ultra-modern KBA presses print flawlessly on plastics (not to mention foil and other out-of-the-ordinary substrates) up to 10 colors and on widths up to 81.” You want thickness? TGG presses can print on plastics and other special materials up to a thickness of 48pt. Specialty papers are emerging as an important way of delivering a strong visual statement and have a variety of uses in the marketing world.

For high impact printing on plastics and other specialty substrates, choose The Garvey Group.