Custom UV Labels

Preparing your artwork for UV coated label printing is easier than it sounds. Here’s what you need to know:

• Use a Vector File: A vector file (like AI or high-resolution PDF) is the standard for UV label printing. Vector files allow us to create clean, sharp details and make adjustments if needed.
• Set Up Your Layers: To achieve the best results, organize your design into distinct layers. For instance, one layer should indicate the areas where you want the UV coating (like a glossy logo or text), and another should define the background color and other design elements. Clearly labeled layers help us in the printing process.
• Consider the Background Color: The background color plays a big role in how the UV coating looks. For spot UV, choose a background color that contrasts with the UV-coated areas to make those elements pop. If you’re unsure, our team can offer guidance to create the perfect combination.
• Mark the Protective Layer: For full UV coatings that cover the entire label, ensure the protective layer is defined as a separate part of your file. This layer not only enhances durability but also ensures the label maintains a consistent finish across its surface.
• Use High-Contrast Designs for Spot UV: If you’re opting for spot UV, focus on creating high-contrast designs. Glossy areas shine brightest when paired with matte or uncoated sections.
• Review the File Before Submission: Double-check your file and make sure all elements are in place, layers are labeled, and your vector file is saved in the correct format.

UV finishes all use UV-cured coating, the difference is where it’s applied and whether it adds texture.

• UV coating (full UV): A clear coat over the entire label for protection against scuffs, dulling, and fading, with a uniform sheen.

• Spot UV varnish: UV varnish applied to specific design areas (logo, name, pattern) to create contrast and shelf pop, usually gloss-on-matte. We’ll help you prep the spot layer so it prints cleanly.

• Raised spot UV: A thicker, 3D version of spot UV that you can feel, used for a more premium, tactile effect. Tell us if you want “raised” specifically, and we’ll confirm what’s feasible for your material and finish.

Yes, UV can improve scuff resistance, especially when you use full UV coating. It adds a clear, UV-cured protective layer over the label that helps reduce the everyday wear that comes from handling, packing, and shipping.

• Full UV coating protects the entire printed surface, so it’s the better choice when your priority is overall durability.
• Spot UV varnish is applied only to specific areas for contrast and shelf pop, so it won’t protect the rest of the label from scuffing unless those areas happen to be the ones getting rubbed.

UV helps with more than scuffs. It also helps prevent dulling and fading from light exposure and general handling, so your label stays sharp longer.

It’s not a magic shield, so we match it to your use case. If your product gets heavy handling, tight case packs, or lots of friction in fulfillment, we’ll recommend the right combo of material, adhesive, and finish so you get real-world performance, not just a nice-looking sample.

UV coating and spot varnishing can give your products labels that stand out and last. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Durability: Both UV coating and spot varnishing use UV light to cure a protective layer over your labels. This makes them resistant to scratches, scuffs, and fading.
• Enhanced Branding: Spot varnishing allows you to emphasize specific design elements, like your logo or graphics, making your branding more prominent.
• Shiny Finish: With UV coating, you can achieve a glossy, shiny finish that catches the light, drawing attention to your product on the shelf.
• Highlighting Key Design Elements: Spot varnishing is perfect for calling attention to specific parts of your design, like bold text, intricate patterns, or striking visuals, while leaving other areas matte for a dynamic contrast.
• Versatile Applications: Whether you want a fully coated label for a uniform look or targeted highlights to enhance specific features, UV coatings and spot varnishing offer flexibility to match your creative vision.

We offer shipping through several vendors like UPS, Fedex, and USPS. Ground, Next-Day, 2-Day, 3-Day, and custom freight options. 

Our preferred file formats are Adobe Illustrator or High-Resolution PDF.  You can view our complete artwork file standards checklist here.

Before printing your custom bbq sauce labels, we will provide a digital proof via email for your approval. This allows you to review your label, confirming details like positioning, color accuracy, text legibility, and more, prior to full production. We are committed to ensuring your complete satisfaction through this streamlined proofing process.

While Blue Label Packaging does not directly offer label design services, we do have resources to help with your custom label design needs. We maintain a directory of Blue Label Approved designers who specialize in label design and understand the unique requirements and technical details involved. We also showcase a gallery of label designs for inspiration.

Our printers are capable of matching up to 97% of the full color spectrum, allowing us to achieve precise color reproduction for your beer labels. We use advanced CMYK printing to produce an extensive gamut of colors. For designs requiring an expanded range, we also print using WOVG ink sets which add white, orange, violet and green.

Our top-of-the-line color management program and processes ensure we hit the correct hues, tints and shades. We color calibrate and profile all of our presses so your unique color palettes and gradations print true to your vision.