While at first glance, the purpose of aqueous coating may not be entirely clear, it is, in fact, an integral part of the packaging industry. If you’re wondering what this product is and why it’s essential, this article will answer all your questions. We have brought you this article to clear away all the ambiguity that you might have in mind. Let us start with the definition.
Definition
As it is clear from its name, it is a liquid layer that will create a film-like effect on any packaging surface. It resembles thin sheet lamination and is fully transparent. It is a protective layer that prevents your product from developing a dull look.
Not only that, but with an aqueous coating, you can be sure that no part of the product will touch any part of the packaging. This leaves zero chance for contamination to happen. It has been found that keeping your packaging boxes under that sort of coating will also keep them safe from scratches and other mechanical shocks etc. Let us see why it I essential for your product packaging.
Why Use an Aqueous Coating?
The aqueous coating provides the best protection in the vast array of coatings available to protect our products. Aqueous coatings are typically easier to apply than other types, such as solvent-based or waterborne coatings. Since they’re typically more user-friendly, companies that can’t afford specialized equipment often use them. This includes start-ups with limited production budgets and shops just trying to get started in the industry that can’t afford an initial outlay of cash.
How Does an Aqueous Coating Function?
An aqueous coating, also known as water-based coatings, can be applied to paperboard to give the product a gloss finish and make the material smoother. A variety of qualities can be obtained depending on the type of wet ink that is used.
Aqueous coatings are often used on food boxes because they are food-safe and provide an effective barrier between cardboard boxes and external forces such as moisture or light. Inks usually have three different sheen levels depending on how much pigment has been added: bright, semi-gloss, or matte. Bright inks are created with high amounts of pigment, while semi-gloss paints have less color depth, allowing them to last longer.
How Does an Aqueous Coating Reduce Costs?
One of the most common benefits of aqueous coatings is that they’re transparent, so they don’t affect the color or transparency of your products. They also have a lower surface tension than solvents, which prevents particles from clumping on your product’s surface. Additionally, one everyday use of aqueous coatings is to protect your product during the drying process before it undergoes further processing.
That way, you can be sure that contaminants won’t seep into your product once you start using chemicals on them. The lower surface tension also ensures that things like moisture (which can trigger damage) can’t reach too far into your product when water or other contaminants get onto them.
Which Products Are Best Suitable for Aqueous Coating
For some products, aqueous coatings are unnecessary, but they will significantly improve the item’s overall look. Think of aluminum foil– by itself; it can’t stop anything from getting inside the package. Adding an aqueous coating to the surface makes it an excellent barrier to food odors, gas permeability, grease stains and oil spills.
And don’t forget about clarity-–a transparent protective barrier helps maintain your product presentation on shelves and provides an extra layer of protection from dirt or accidents. Due to these reasons, that sort of coating is most suitable for food packaging.
The packaging & printing industries have been focus of my research as a senior editor at ECB. “Packaging Notes” is the book I use to gain knowledge in packaging.
