What is UV Coating?
A very slick, glossy coating applied to the printed paper surface and dried on press with ultraviolet light. The slick surface of UV coating makes it near waterproof, eye catching and very popular.
What are your file specifications?
For the best results, we recommend PDFs but we can accept JPEG, EPS, AI, PSD or TIFF files as well.
Please create all files with a 1/16" bleed (0.0625" on all sides) As an example, a 3.5" x 2" business card file should be submitted at 3.625" x 2.125".
Please keep all safe text at least 1/8" from the trim line.
Files must be CMYK, not RGB.
PDFs, EPS and AI files: Please convert all fonts and text to outlines and flatten all transparencies.
JPEG, PSD, TIFF: Please flatten all files. You may save your files at 400 DPI (300 DPI is the minimum).
We accept PDF, EPS, AI, JPEG, TIFF, and PSD files.
How do I upload a file?
Due to the complexity of the various products available at UV Cards it is necessary to upload your files AFTER you complete your order. Simply add the items that you wish to order to your cart, complete the checkout process at which time you will be directed to an upload page.
If we request that you upload revised files, please log in to your account and view your order in the order history. You will be given the ability to upload revised files for your order.
When using a blue in your design, always make sure to leave at least a 30% difference in your Cyan and Magenta values.
Blue is close to purple in the CMYK spectrum. Remember, use a low amount of magenta whenever using high amounts of cyan to avoid purple.
Example: C:100 M:70 Y:0 K:0
How do I set up my job for Foil Stamping?
Foil stamping is currently available on a limited number of standard products as well as special order items. Foil stamping is available in any one of the following colors: Silver, Gold, Red, Blue, Teal, Copper, Green, Prism, Purple, Pink and Black (you may use multiple foils and apply them on both sides of the card).
In addition to your file for print, you will need to provide a foil mask file. The mask file, similar to a spot uv mask file, should be black and white only. The black area will represent where you want the foil stamping to be placed. Please make sure that your black is C=0. M=0. Y=0. K=100.
You may have spot uv and foil on the same side and they may intersect.
Be advised that there may be up to a 1/16" variance on the placement of the foil as the cards are stamped after printing and cutting. Be aware of this if attempting to align foil with other printed artwork on the card.
Foil may "bleed" off the edge of the card.
For the best possible results, we recommend a Rich Black value of C=60, M=40, Y=40, K=100 for UV Coated and Silk Laminated products. For matte and uncoated products, we suggest a Rich Black value of C=40, M=40, Y=20, K=100
