Printing and Finishing: What is a Flood Coat?
Flood Coat
Compared to most of the terms and jargon used in the world
of printing and finishing, the term "Flood Coat" is relatively straightforward
and easy to understand. As its name implies, a Flood Coat simply refers to any
coating that is applied over an entire surface, whether the surface is a paper
sheet, cardstock, label stock, or any other substrate.
Flood coating is most commonly used to describe the
application of a liquid top coat, such as a varnish, aqueous coating, or UV
coating. However, flood coating is also used to designate an edge-to-edge
application of an adhesive solution, or a single ink color that completely
covers the surface of a substrate.
Varnish, Aqueous and UV Coatings
Clear top coats, such as varnishes, aqueous coatings and UV
coatings, are applied as a flood coat to printed pieces to add a layer of
protection against scuffs, smudges, and stains. In addition to adding a
protective layer, these coatings can also add varying levels of sheen to
brighten or soften the underlying ink colors. By applying these coatings as a
flood coat, the entire printed piece has a consistent look.
Ink Colors and Flood Coat Printing
An ink color is sometimes applied as a flood coat when a
solid color is preferred. For example, the back covers of some spiral, wire-o,
or comb bound books are often printed in one solid color. Also, some
identification labels, as well as the reverse of certain tags and cards, are
sometimes printed as a flood coat using one solid color.
Depending on the project, there can sometimes be an upcharge
for the heavy coverage needed to create a flood coat of ink. Sometimes referred
to as "painting the sheet," flood coat printing often costs more simply because more
ink is used in the process.
Flood Coating vs Spot Coating
While a Flood Coat describes a coating that is applied over
an entire surface, a Spot Coat is a term used to describe a coating that is
applied only to specific areas on a printed piece.
A varnish or UV coating applied as a flood coat adds a layer
of protection and enhances the overall aesthetics of a printed piece, but a spot
coat of varnish or UV coating is merely used to add contrast and highlight
certain areas by altering the sheen level. A spot coat does not offer much in the way of protection.
Need some help with a Print Project?
Color Vision has been in the commercial printing business for four decades. We produce all types of printing - books, catalogs, manuals, comic books, brochures, flyers, maps, calendars, menus - and just about anything else you might need!
All of our printing, finishing, and bindery services are extremely affordable. So, if you have an upcoming project and would like a quote, simply fill out our Quote Request form and will email a quote to you. Or, if you prefer to discuss your project by phone, just give us a call at 800-543-6299 and we'll be happy to help.
As always, we hope to hear from you soon and look forward to assisting
with any printing needs you might have!
Related Articles
Matte vs Uncoated: Which Paper is better for your Project?
Read This Article
10 Frequently Asked Questions about Flip Book Printing
Read This Article
Finishing in Printing: What are the Most Requested Options?
Read This Article
Which Process is Better? Digital Printing vs Offset Printing
Read This Article
Self-Published Books: What is an ISBN number? Do I need one?
Read This Article
Direct Mail Marketing Campaigns: 3 Different Approaches
Read This Article
What is Digital Printing?
Read This Article
Direct Mail Marketing: What are Postal Indicia?
Read This Article
Picking the Right Paper Stock: Matte Finish vs Gloss Finish
Read This Article
NCR Forms: How does Carbonless Paper Work?
Read This Article
Custom Booklet Printing: What are Common Booklet Sizes?
Read This Article
The Cost of Book Printing: Which Factors affect it the Most?
Read This Article
The Difference between a Brochure and a Pamphlet
Read This Article
Printing Terminology: Sheet Fed Press vs Web Press
Read This Article
Brochure Formats: 4 Popular Options that are Budget-Friendly
Read This Article
Printing Registration: A Key Factor in High-Quality Printing
Read This Article
What are PDF files? Why do Printing Companies prefer them?
Read This Article
Aqueous Coating vs UV Coating: Understanding the Differences
Read This Article
US Postal Service EDDM: Is it a Good Fit for Your Business?
Read This Article
Avoid Costly Mistakes: Follow These 10 Tips for Proofreading
Read This Article
Printing Terminology: What is Sequential Numbering?
Read This Article
Elevate your Print Shop by Outsourcing Printing Services
Read This Article
10 Ways to Reduce Printing Costs for Instruction Booklets
Read This Article
How to fold a Brochure or Pamphlet? Here’s 11 different ways
Read This Article
Do you know the Difference? Flyers vs Brochures vs Pamphlets
Read This Article
Printing Proofs: Pay Extra Attention to Contact Information
Read This Article
10 Benefits of using Synthetic Paper for Restaurant Menus
Read This Article
Print Marketing: 5 Low Cost Ways to Promote your Business
Read This Article
The Most Popular “Punch and Bind” Methods for Creating Books
Read This Article
Printing and Finishing: What is a Flood Coat?
Read This Article
Print Marketing: Exploring the Allure of a Soft Touch Finish
Read This Article
The Golden Touch: 5 Ways Foil Stamping Enhances Your Brand
Read This Article
Printing Production: Understanding the Role of Prepress
Read This Article
Coated vs Uncoated Paper: Which to Choose for Your Project?
Read This Article
The 5 Most Affordable Types of Book Binding
Read This Article
What is Commercial Printing?
Read This Article
5 Finishing Techniques to Elevate your Next Print Project
Read This Article
What is 2-Up Printing, 4-Up Printing, N-Up Printing, etc.?
Read This Article
What is Offset Printing?
Read This Article
Printing Proofs: Soft Proofs vs Hard Proofs
Read This Article
Printing Terminology: Embossing vs Debossing
Read This Article
Printing Terminology: Recto and Verso
Read This Article
What does Collate mean in Printing?
Read This Article
Printing Terminology: Simplex vs Duplex Printing
Read This Article
Printing Terminology: What does Preflighting mean?
Read This Article
Offset Printing: How do PMS Colors differ from the CMYK Printing Process?
Read This Article