AQUEOUS COATING
Aqueous coating is more environmentally friendly than UV coating because it is water based. It has better hold-out than varnish (it does not seep into the press sheet) and does not crack or scuff easily. Aqueous does, however, cost twice as much as varnish. Aqueous coating is probably the most popular coating.

UV COATING
UV Coating is a clear liquid spread over the paper like ink and then cured instantly with ultraviolet light. It is a high gloss chemical coating, and can be used as a spot covering to accent a particular image on the sheet (*see spot UV) or as an overall (flood) coating. UV coating gives more protection and sheen than either varnish or aqueous coating. Since it is cured with light and not heat, no solvents enter the atmosphere. However, it is more difficult to recycle than the other coatings.

Spot UV
Spot UV is the technique of taking high gloss UV coating and placing it strategically on your printed piece. This helps bring out images or a great technique is to use a SpotUV coating to bring out a water-marked element on your marketing materials.

Matte Finish
Matte finish is pretty much self explanatory. There is no coating at all.