Thermography vs Raised spot UV Service
Understanding Thermography vs. Raised Spot UV: A Guide to Raised Print Techniques
When it comes to creating standout printed materials — whether business cards, packaging, or invitations — raised print techniques add a touch of professionalism and sophistication. Two popular methods for achieving raised effects are thermography printing and raised spot UV printing. Each of these processes has its unique characteristics and benefits and at Dave the Printer we offer both!
In this blog, we’ll break down:
- What is thermographic printing?
- What is raised spot UV?
- Key differences between the two
- Advantages of raised spot UV
What is Thermographic Printing?
Thermography is a traditional raised printing process that combines wet ink and powdered resin, then applies heat to create a raised effect.
How it works:
- The design is printed using a slow-drying ink (usually offset).
- A thermographic powder (resin) is sprinkled over the ink while it’s still wet.
- Excess powder is removed. The sheet is passed through a heat chamber, causing the resin to melt and fuse with the ink, creating a raised, glossy finish.
Pros of Thermographic Printing:
- Classic, tactile feel
- Cost-effective for short runs
- Adds texture without expensive tooling (unlike embossing)
Limitations:
- Less precise than UV; detail may appear softer or slightly blurry
- Only applies to inked areas — no clear or transparent effects
- Fewer texture or gloss variations
- Cannot be applied to dark backgrounds as effectively
What is Raised Spot UV?
Raised Spot UV is a modern finishing technique that uses a clear UV coating applied directly to printed surfaces and in Dave’s case we apply a suede laminate first and then do the UV on top. It’s cured instantly using ultraviolet light, creating a highly glossy and raised effect. We also offer flat UV printing on many different items.
How it works:
- Your base design is printed (typically on a digital or offset press).
- A suede (velvet) laminate is applied to the printed item.
- A UV coating is applied only to selected (“spot”) areas and on top of the laminate..
- UV light is used to cure the coating, hardening it instantly.
- The result is a sharp, raised, glossy effect that can be felt and seen clearly with a card that has a soft velvet feel.
Pros of Raised Spot UV:
- Extremely precise application – ideal for small text or fine details
- Adds visual and tactile contrast
- Can be applied over matte finishes for dramatic effect
- No ink required – can be used alone or on top of color
- Ideal for dark backgrounds and high-end branding
Limitations:
- Typically more expensive than thermography
- Works best on coated or laminated stock for optimal adhesion
- Not suitable for all print runs (some short-run digital options available)
Key Differences
Between Thermographic Printing and Raised Spot UV
| Feature | Thermography Printing | Raised Spot UV |
| Material Used | Resin powder + ink | Clear UV coating |
| Application Method | Heat-fused resin on wet ink | Digitally applied and UV-cured |
| Detail Precision | Moderate – softer lines | High – crisp, sharp detail |
| Finish Appearance | Glossy and textured | Glossy, highly raised, more refined |
| Color Options | Limited to ink color used | Clear (over any printed color) |
| Best For | Classic look, cost-effective | Luxury finishes, modern branding |
| Background Compatibility | Light backgrounds only | All colors, especially dark tones |
Advantages of Raised Spot UV
While both techniques offer a tactile experience and visual flair, Raised Spot UV has several modern advantages that make it a preferred choice for premium print finishes:
High Definition & Precision:
- Produces crisp, detailed textures with sharp edges.
- Great for fine lines, small text, and intricate designs.
Glossy, Modern Finish:
- Has a highly reflective, smooth, almost glassy look and feel.
- Excellent for creating contrast against matte or uncoated paper.
Durability:
- The cured UV coating is very durable and scratch-resistant.
- Holds up better over time, especially for frequently handled items.
No Powder or Heat Required:
- Doesn’t involve heat or powder like thermography, so it’s more stable and less affected by environmental changes.
Precise Placement:
- Can be digitally controlled, allowing for spot-UV placement with high accuracy.
- Excellent for layering effects or combining with variable data printing.
Environmentally Safer (in some cases):
- Many UV coatings are now low-VOC and eco-friendlier compared to older thermographic powders.