Spot UV Catalogues
Spot UV catalogues feature a selective high-gloss varnish applied to specific areas of the cover — logos, product images, text, or decorative patterns — over a matt lamination base. This contrast between the silky matt background and the raised, glossy UV elements creates an eye-catching visual and tactile effect that immediately communicates premium quality.
At Perklets Print, our spot UV process uses precision UV-cured varnish that is applied using a custom plate matched to your design. The result is a crisp, sharp contrast that catches the light beautifully and invites recipients to touch and explore the cover. Spot UV is the perfect finishing for product catalogues, fashion lookbooks, luxury brand publications, and any catalogue where first impressions are critical.
The spot UV effect works on both the front and back covers, and can highlight any element of your design — from your company logo and hero product image to decorative borders, geometric patterns, or typographic elements. Combined with our premium paper stocks and vivid CMYK printing, spot UV catalogues deliver a multi-sensory brand experience that stands apart from ordinary printed materials.
Product Specifications
Summary Options
Design Guidelines
Supply two files: (1) the full-colour cover artwork and (2) a separate spot UV mask file — black areas indicate where the UV varnish will be applied. Both files must be exactly the same dimensions.
- Bleed area: 3mm bleed on all sides for the cover artwork. The spot UV mask must match the cover dimensions precisely.
- Crop area: A4 catalogue cover: 210 x 297 mm (saddle stitched) or full wrap including spine (perfect bound).
- Safe area: Keep spot UV elements at least 2mm from trim edges. Fine lines under 0.5mm and very small text may not render clearly in UV varnish.
Accepted formats: PDF (preferred), AI, EPS — spot UV mask must be a separate vector file
Quantity
FAQs: Spot UV Catalogues
What is spot UV on a catalogue?
Spot UV is a selective application of high-gloss UV-cured varnish to specific areas of the catalogue cover. Applied over a matt lamination base, it creates a striking contrast between glossy and matt surfaces that looks and feels premium.
What areas can I apply spot UV to?
You can apply spot UV to any element on the cover — logos, product photos, text, patterns, borders, or decorative elements. The key is creating a design where the contrast between glossy and matt enhances the visual impact.
Does spot UV add to the production time?
Yes, spot UV requires an additional production step with a custom plate. Expect 6–8 working days for spot UV catalogues compared to 4–6 days for standard laminated catalogues.
Can spot UV be applied to inner pages?
Spot UV is typically applied to covers only, as it requires a separate printing pass. For inner pages, we can offer inline varnish effects. Contact us to discuss options for your specific project.
How do I prepare a spot UV file?
Create a separate mask file where black areas indicate where UV varnish will be applied. This file must be exactly the same dimensions as your cover artwork. We can help prepare this file if you provide your design and indicate which elements should be highlighted.