Coating
Base-coat to begin with, varnish comes next: Lacquer is the basis for a pin-sharp print on aluminium containers. Thereafter, a further lacquer layer refines the surface and protects the print from damage.
Lacquering: base-coat and varnish
The transparent base-coat fulfils two tasks in decoration: it compensates for the fine unevenness on the surface of aluminium containers and forms the background for the print image. As an alternative, transparent base-coat supports the charming character of brushed aluminium - an elegant solution that appeals to the customer on larger bottles or tubes.
After printing is before lacquering
Even the most attractive print image rapidly loses effect if it suffers from abrasion or scratches. The varnish is always transparent and protects the surface of the container against mechanical damage after printing. Special effects can be achieved using varnish with a mat or shiny surface, with glimmer particles or with a slight shade.
Layer by layer - always pretty even
The demands on base-coat and varnish are high as the lacquer always has to be applied evenly, smoothly and steady in thickness. Only then the print on bottles, cans or tubes is perfectly impressive. Precisely defined layer thickness and the number of lacquer layers must be harmonised with each other. Among others, the temperature control of the steel roller ensures consistent results.
Different lacquers depending on the purpose
Depending on the material and application, different lacquers are used for base-coat and varnish: water-based lacquers or solvent-based lacquers, UV-curable lacquers or two-component lacquers.
