Real world applications for UV varnish/clear (large/wide format)

[Pauly]

What are the real world applications for UV varnish with large/wide format printing.
and how popular do you find it?

I know you can flood finish media for a gloss finish, or Spot varnish to make parts of an image gloss etc. I have the coke can file and have printed it before with UV. (we removed Varnish on our printer and added a 2nd white channel instead)

Anyone running it in a production shop?
What are you using it for.
Do you feel like it's a total waste?

I know people use it for business cards and little decore things, but that's on those little A3 printers.

 

[SignMeUpGraphics]

The only time I've ever seen it used is at trade shows. Nearly everyone has converted it back to a second white channel.

 

[Bly]

We are trade print and have never been asked for varnish.
We use white ink most days though and having 2 white channels is great.

 

[Pauly]

The only time I've ever seen it used is at trade shows. Nearly everyone has converted it back to a second white channel.

We are trade print and have never been asked for varnish.
We use white ink most days though and having 2 white channels is great.

Ah same thoughts. i was thinking if i should give it a go again or not waste my time again.
Think i'll not bother with it.

I see it on business cards (mine have it and my new ones will have it too) but other than applications like that and the marketing applications from Canon or SwissQprint i can't personally see a real world use for it.

I'm just curious if anyone really uses it.

 

[Christian @ 2CT Media]

A real-world application would be as a texture builder, braille, or tactile.

You can also do cool effects on clear acrylic like substrates.

 

[Pauly]

A real-world application would be as a texture builder, braille, or tactile.

You can also do cool effects on clear acrylic like substrates.

i have seen some near applications on clear media light frosted and clear looks etc. But on a production machine?
you can build up brail with white ink too.

 

[WYLDGFI]

Its a niche thing. Mostly for spot use...not flood UV protection. Gives a nice effect for some retail use.

 

[Jay Grooms]

For us, total waste of ink. Never use it.

 

[Christian @ 2CT Media]

i have seen some near applications on clear media light frosted and clear looks etc. But on a production machine?
you can build up brail with white ink too.

Yes you can with white, but if you have a good varnish you can simulate clear raster spheres. I think it really comes down to your specific uses and your clients. For most including us Varnish doesn't make sense.