4. Surface Finishing (Glossy Printing)

MEMO

This guide provides the procedure for machines equipped with gloss ink.

This section describes how to use gloss to print with glossy surface finishing.

Printing using gloss

The two types of printing using gloss shown below vary depending on the finishing method.

  • Gloss finish

    This provides a transparent and smooth surface, imparting a glossy finish and achieving high weatherability and robustness.

  • Matte finish

    This provides a rough surface like frosted glass, making it possible to produce results where glossiness is suppressed while weatherability and robustness are enhanced.

Printing method

The surface status of the gloss varies depending on the way light is emitted from the lamp.

The gloss printing process must be performed after printing with CMYK ink. However, a matte finish can be printed at the same time as printing with CMYK ink. It is also possible to perform just gloss (glossy or matte) printing.

Choose the printing method to match the purpose.

Type Printing order
Gloss finish
  1. Print the CMYK ink.
  2. Print the gloss ink (glossy finish).
Matte finish
  • To reduce time
    1. Print the CMYK ink.
    2. Print the gloss ink (matte finish).
  • To prevent plate misalignment
    1. Print the CMYK and gloss ink (matte finish) simultaneously.
Mixed gloss and matte finishes
  1. Print the CMYK ink.
  2. Print the gloss ink (matte finish).
  3. Print the gloss ink (glossy finish).

* To prevent plate misalignment, it is recommended to perform steps 1. and 2. simultaneously.

* Steps 2. and 3. may be switched depending on the object to be printed on.