Dispersion Varnish and Coating Types: Soft Touch, Primer, Barrier Coating

May 18, 2026SIM Teknik Ekip8 min read

Post-press varnish coating is vital for protecting the printed surface, preventing ink scratching, and adding an aesthetic touch. Replacing solvent-based varnishes, water-based dispersion coatings have become the standard in modern packaging due to their eco-friendly structure, fast drying, and ease of recycling. In this guide, we examine the technical details of Soft Touch, Primer, and Barrier coatings through our Dutch partner Hi-Tech Coatings' portfolio.

01What is Water-Based Dispersion Varnish and How Does It Work?

Dispersion varnishes consist of acrylic resins and polymer particles dispersed in water. After application on the press coating unit, hot air or infrared (IR) dryers evaporate the water rapidly. The polymer particles merge to form a transparent, flexible, and durable film on the substrate. This process takes seconds, allowing in-line coating and maximizing printing production speeds.

Dispersion varnishes are deinking-friendly. Under INGEDE Method 11 tests, they separate easily from paper fibers, contributing to circular economy.

02Soft Touch Coating: Velvet Tactile Effect

Soft Touch dispersion varnishes provide a deep matte appearance and a luxurious "peach skin" or "velvet" tactile feel. They are highly preferred in premium cosmetic boxes, book covers, and luxury packaging. The biggest challenge in soft-touch application is rub resistance. Hi-Tech Coatings' Soft Touch series exhibits maximum resistance against scratching.

03Barrier Coating: Grease and Moisture Resistance

Preventing grease and moisture migration is critical in food packaging. Barrier dispersion varnishes form a highly resistant barrier against oil and water on cardboard surfaces. As an eco-friendly alternative to plastic PE lamination, these water-based coatings allow the packaging to remain 100% recyclable. Compliant with BfR XXXVI/2 and FDA, they are ideal for fast-food boxes.

04Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of using a primer varnish? A primer is used as a base layer before applying UV varnish over conventional inks. Directly applying UV varnish over conventional ink can cause adhesion failures. Primer coatings bridge this gap, ensuring perfect adhesion and maximum gloss.

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