Coating Composition
Synthetic resin suspended in organic carriers creates the velvety tactile quality recognized as a solvent based soft touch finish. Polymer chains remain dissolved within volatile organic compounds until the application process initiates. Heat or forced air ventilation triggers the evaporation of these carriers, leaving a dense crosslinked layer behind.
This film formation produces a matte surface with high light absorption characteristics and low reflection. Durability of the resulting layer depends upon the precise balance of binder weight and drying temperature during the secondary curing stage.
Application Parameters
High speed gravure or flexographic presses utilize these specific coatings for premium packaging substrates requiring an tactile upgrade. Rollers transfer the liquid medium to the paperboard surface where controlled heat tunnels remove the solvent components. Consistent viscosity control determines the uniform thickness of the deposit, preventing streaking or irregular tactile zones across the sheet.
Operators monitor the evaporation rate to ensure that the carrier exit occurs before the web reaches the cooling phase. Residual solvent levels must remain beneath threshold limits for safety and secondary adhesion processes. Insufficient curing results in surface tackiness that leads to blocking during the stacking of converted sheets.
Mechanical Resistance
Abrasion performance varies according to the specific resin density and crosslinking depth achieved through the oven cycle. The film resists surface marring under normal transit conditions but remains susceptible to sharp mechanical trauma. Higher coating weights increase the friction coefficient of the package, which alters how the material interacts with automated folding and gluing equipment.
Formulators modify the wax content within the solvent matrix to balance the matte appearance against long term scratch resistance. Correct drying protocols produce a surface that maintains integrity through standard fulfillment cycles.
