Printing and Finishing: What is a Flood Coat?

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Flood Coat

Compared to most of the terms and jargon used in the world of printing and finishing, the term "Flood Coat" is relatively straightforward and easy to understand. As its name implies, a Flood Coat simply refers to any coating that is applied over an entire surface, whether the surface is a paper sheet, cardstock, label stock, or any other substrate.

Flood coating is most commonly used to describe the application of a liquid top coat, such as a varnish, aqueous coating, or UV coating. However, flood coating is also used to designate an edge-to-edge application of an adhesive solution, or a single ink color that completely covers the surface of a substrate.

Varnish, Aqueous and UV Coatings

Clear top coats, such as varnishes, aqueous coatings and UV coatings, are applied as a flood coat to printed pieces to add a layer of protection against scuffs, smudges, and stains. In addition to adding a protective layer, these coatings can also add varying levels of sheen to brighten or soften the underlying ink colors. By applying these coatings as a flood coat, the entire printed piece has a consistent look.

Ink Colors and Flood Coat Printing

An ink color is sometimes applied as a flood coat when a solid color is preferred. For example, the back covers of some spiral, wire-o, or comb bound books are often printed in one solid color. Also, some identification labels, as well as the reverse of certain tags and cards, are sometimes printed as a flood coat using one solid color.

Depending on the project, there can sometimes be an upcharge for the heavy coverage needed to create a flood coat of ink. Sometimes referred to as "painting the sheet," flood coat printing often costs more simply because more ink is used in the process.

Flood Coating vs Spot Coating

While a Flood Coat describes a coating that is applied over an entire surface, a Spot Coat is a term used to describe a coating that is applied only to specific areas on a printed piece.

A varnish or UV coating applied as a flood coat adds a layer of protection and enhances the overall aesthetics of a printed piece, but a spot coat of varnish or UV coating is merely used to add contrast and highlight certain areas by altering the sheen level. A spot coat does not offer much in the way of protection.

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