Using UV Coating in Mailer Boxes for Extra Appeal
Mailer boxes are sturdy, foldable boxes utilized for the delivery of products to customers. They are favorites for shipping, gift-giving, and subscription boxes. Businesses utilize them to establish their brands. One easy method to increase the attractiveness of these boxes is to apply UV coating.
In this article, we will discover what UV coating in mailer boxes is, how it works, and why it is beneficial for mailer boxes. We will also find out how it can be used to grow your brand and get your packaging to appear more upscale.
What Is UV Coating
UV coating is a glossy liquid that is sprayed onto the surface of a printed box. Following application, the coating is rapidly dried out by ultraviolet (UV) light. This smooths and firms the surface, making it glossy and attractive.
There are two primary types of UV coating utilized in mailer boxes:
- Full UV Coating: Protects the entire surface of the box.
- Spot UV Coating: Protects only specific areas, such as the logo or text.
Why Apply UV Coating on Mailer Boxes?
Having UV coating can make your mailer boxes look powerful and fashionable. It is not only about appearance. It also enhances the value of your packaging in numerous ways. Here are some of the best reasons:
- It Makes the Box Shine
One of the best aspects of UV coating is that it creates a shiny finish. It bounces light and provides your mailer box with a glossy appearance. When customers open a shiny custom package, they feel like they have opened a gift. This makes your product unique compared to other simple boxes.
- It Highlights Important Parts
With spot UV coating, you can highlight your logo, brand name, or slogan. This draws the customer’s eyes to the most important parts of your design. It also adds a creative look to your box.
- It Gives a Premium Feel
When your mailer box is finished in gloss, it looks more costly. Customers do pick up on this. A quality box makes them feel like the product itself is of high quality. This instills trust in your brand.
- It Protects the Box
UV coating also provides protection. It protects the surface from dirt, dust, moisture, and scratches. This is particularly useful when you are mailing your products over long distances. Your box will remain in good condition when it arrives at the customer.
- It Makes Colors Brighter
When you apply UV coating, your mailer box colors appear brighter and richer. This makes your brand colors stand out. Your packaging appears new, bold, and professional.
- It Enhances Customer Experience
Unboxing is a highlight moment for the customer. A glossy mailer box creates suspense. It’s like unwrapping a gift. This makes the brand memorable.
Where Can You Use UV-Coated Mailer Boxes?
You can use UV coating in many types of mailer boxes. Here are some common uses:
- Subscription Boxes: To give a stylish and shiny look.
- Luxury Product Packaging: To show that the product is high-end.
- Gift Boxes: To make the gift feel special.
- Cosmetic Boxes: To highlight brand details and logos.
- Retail Packaging: To grab customer attention in stores or during shipping.
What Is Spot UV Coating?
Spot UV is a unique form of UV coating. It doesn’t go all over the surface. Rather, it is applied to specific areas. This may be the logo, a box of text, or a design.
Spot UV gives those sections a raised and shiny look. That gives your mailer box a 3D effect. It’s a clever way to give the impression of luxury without breaking the bank.
Advantages of Spot UV Coating
- Makes the name or logo stand out
- Adds texture and luster in chosen areas
- Provides a chic, premium finish
- Applies less coating than full UV (eco-friendly)
- Makes the design more engaging
How to Design a UV-Coated Mailer Box
You need to carefully plan your design when applying UV coating. Here are some guidelines to observe:
Step 1: Select the Appropriate Box Material
Use a bold and even surface such as coated cardstock or kraft board. These surfaces are best used with UV coating.
Step 2: Choose Between Full UV or Spot UV
Full UV covers the entire area and provides an even shine. Spot UV provides emphasis to important areas. Choose according to your brand design and budget.
Step 3: Create a Layer in Your Design File
Your designer will put a special UV layer in your print file. This indicates where the printer should put the UV coating.
Step 4: Test with a Sample
Always request your printer to send a sample. This enables you to verify the appearance and texture of the box before final printing.
Advantages and Disadvantages of UV Coating
Here is a quick overview of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Glossy and nice appearance
- Protects the box surface
- Highlights brand elements
- Makes colors look rich
- Improves customer experience
Cons:
- Hard to write on the shiny surface
- Slightly higher cost
- Not always recyclable
- Needs special printers
Is UV Coating Eco-Friendly?
Most UV coatings are not recyclable. This is because the plastic-like layer does not break down easily. However, some new eco UV coatings are now available. These are water-based and safer for the planet.
If your company is green, discuss the possibility with your printer. You can also opt for spot UV over full UV to minimize waste.
UV Coating vs Other Finishes
There are numerous options for finishing a mailer box. Let’s compare UV coating with other finishes:
- Matte Finish
- No shine
- Feels soft
- Good for minimalist brands
- Easier to write on
- Less protective than UV
- Gloss Lamination
- Shiny, similar to UV
- A plastic film is applied.
- Can be more protective
- Not eco-friendly
- Higher in price than UV
- Water Coating
- Water-based
- More environmentally friendly
- Less shine than UV
- Not as thick or heavy-duty
- Velvety Touch Coating
- Smooth, velvety texture
- Provides a luxury feel
- No shine
Frequently used with spot UV for visual pop.
UV coating is a good all-around choice for style, protection, and price. It provides more shine than most other finish options and is good for marketing.
Customer Reactions to UV-Coated Mailer Boxes
When buyers receive a UV-coated mailer box, they tend to be thrilled. The glossy and shiny finish makes the box look rich and sophisticated. It is as if they are unwrapping a gift, even if they only bought something basic. This glossy finish indicates that the brand is detail-oriented. It makes the buyer feel special and valued.
Most customers compliment the packaging in their reviews. Some comment, “The box looked so fancy!” Others comment, “I loved the glossy touch.” Most people comment that it felt special, as if opening a birthday gift. Some even comment, “It was perfect for Instagram unboxing.” That means they enjoyed it so much, they wanted to take photos and share them online.
Shiny mailer boxes get people to talk about your brand. When they share a photo or video, their followers and friends also get to see your product. That is free marketing for your brand on social media. It allows you to reach more individuals without using additional money on advertisements. All that begins with an intelligent choice of packaging.
Is UV Coating Worth the Extra Cost?
Yes, UV coating is a bit more expensive than ordinary printing. But the payback it provides is substantial. For one, it makes a good first impression. When a person looks at a shiny box, he or she is thrilled to open it. This makes your product more enjoyable to receive. Customers recall the appearance and feel of the box.
Second, UV-coated boxes are likely to be shared on social media. Most people enjoy sharing their unboxing experience. If your box appears shiny and premium, they will be more inclined to share it on the internet. This implies that your brand is seen by more individuals.
Third, the shiny coating also toughens your box. The surface is protected from scratches, water, and dirt. The box remains clean and pretty even during shipping. The product arrives at the customer in top condition, which earns trust for your brand.
If your company sells upmarket products, gift boxes, or monthly subscription kits, then UV coating is the intelligent option. It makes you stand out and protects your packaging. The nominal additional cost regains a substantial return in customer satisfaction and brand reputation.
Tips to Save Money on UV Coating
You can get away with UV coating without being overly costly. Here are some simple tips to keep your expenses low:
Use Spot UV Rather Than Full UV
Full UV coating is used over the entire box’s surface. It is beautiful but expensive. Spot UV is applied over small areas, such as your logo or company name. It still has a shiny, unique appearance, but takes less coating. This is cost-saving and provides a good design effect.
Print in Bulk
Printing large quantities of boxes in one go will reduce the cost per box. This is bulk printing. The larger the order you make, the more affordable each box will be. If you are sure you need lots of boxes, it is advisable to buy them together.
Select Local Printing Services
Working with a local print shop can be cheaper in terms of shipping. You receive your boxes more quickly, too. It is less complicated to communicate with local printers and review samples prior to the complete order being fulfilled.
Use Fewer Colors in Printing
If your box design has an excess of colors, it may be more expensive. Use only 2–3 colors for your base print and a UV coat for additional shine. This saves money and still provides a stunning appearance.
Reuse Coated Boxes
If you have returns or exchanges, tell your customers to use the same box. UV-coated boxes last longer in good condition. Recycling them saves you money and also benefits the environment.
Last Thoughts
UV coating is a strong ally to make your mailer boxes stand out. It gives it shine, beauty, and protection. It reflects that your brand pays attention to quality and details.
When applied properly, UV coating is capable of transforming an ordinary mailer box into a potent brand tool. It can enhance customer trust, enhance unboxing, and make your product leave a memorable impression.
If your aim is to establish a positive brand image and enchant your customers, then UV-coated mailer boxes are an ideal option.
