Protection, Gloss, and Durability — A Full Range for Any Type of Printing
A complete spectrum of varnishes for offset and flexographic printing — from oil-based food-grade varnishes to UV systems with instant curing. Each category is engineered for a specific ink type, substrate, and end-product requirement.
Varnish is the final protective layer applied over ink. It protects the image from abrasion and moisture, gives the packaging a gloss or matte finish, and for food products can serve as an additional barrier between the ink and the product. The correct choice of varnish depends on the ink underneath it, the substrate, and the intended use of the final product — mixing types (for example, applying a standard varnish to food packaging) can compromise safety or cause delamination.
Six Categories — Choose Based on Your Task
Oil-Based Offset Varnish for Food Packaging
Gloss and matte, ISO 2846-1
Dries through oxidative polymerization, like standard offset ink
Available in gloss and matte versions
Apply after the ink has fully dried to avoid set-off
Specifically designed for food packaging
Water-Dispersion Varnish
For cardboard and paper
An economical option with good drying performance and water resistance
High transparency, suitable for double-sided application on cardboard and paper
A food-grade version is available with confirmed FDA and EuPIA compliance — free of mineral oils, phthalates, and restricted substances
Diluted and washed off with water
UV Offset Varnish
Matte and gloss finish, instant curing
Radical UV polymerization — instant curing
Chlorine-free formula
For paper, cardboard, and corona-treated polyethylene
Not for food packaging without a functional barrier
UV Flexographic Varnish
Gloss, slip, food-grade variants
For a wide range of plastic and other substrates
Variants: gloss, matte, with slip effect
Separate versions for food packaging and thermal paper
For demanding applications — soup pouch packaging
Peel-Off Varnish for Removable Labels
Controlled adhesion — the top layer can be lifted and reattached
Applied between two printed layers as a separating film with controlled adhesion
Allows the top label to be lifted, the hidden information read, and reattached
Typical use — cosmetics, household chemicals, deodorants, where full INCI composition is printed beneath the main design
Adhesion is precisely calibrated — strong enough for transport and storage, weak enough not to damage the label when lifted
Primer for UV Offset and Flexo
Improves adhesion on non-absorbent and demanding materials
Provides ink adhesion on a wide range of substrates — film, foil, plastic
A separate formula for paper — resists yellowing over time
Optionally used with a hardener for better adhesion of subsequent inks — the two-component mix has a limited pot life (a few hours)
Photopolymer plate compatibility is checked individually for each application
Q&A
Which varnish should I choose for food packaging?
For food packaging, use a varnish from the corresponding food-grade series — oil-based food-grade for offset, the food-grade version of the water-based varnish, or the special food-grade version of UV flexo OPV. A standard varnish without food-grade confirmation cannot be applied to packaging even if it is technically "clear" — the requirements concern composition, not appearance.
How does UV varnish differ from water-based or oil-based varnish?
UV varnish cures instantly under an ultraviolet lamp right in the press, while oil-based varnish dries through oxidation (hours), and water-based dries through water evaporation. UV provides the highest abrasion resistance and allows immediate transition to subsequent operations, but requires appropriate equipment with UV curing.
When is a primer needed before varnishing or printing?
A primer is needed when ink or varnish does not adhere well to the substrate — typically for metallized materials, certain types of plastic, and shrink films. It creates an intermediate layer that improves adhesion. If corona treatment of the substrate does not resolve the adhesion issue, a primer is mandatory.
Can gloss and matte varnish be applied on the same print run?
Yes, this is a common technique — spot UV, where gloss varnish is applied only to specific design elements over a matte coating on the entire surface, creating visual contrast. It requires precise registration of the printing plates for both varnishes.
Can a peel-off label be lifted and reattached multiple times?
No, peel-off varnish is designed for single or limited-use lifting — primarily so the buyer can check the composition or additional information under the main label once. With repeated lifting, adhesion gradually weakens and the label may start to detach on its own. If a label is needed for regular repeated opening, that requires a different technology — please consult our specialists for your specific task.