AQ vs UV Coating.
By Long Island Custom Printing · Huntington, NY · Updated May 2026
Both protect your print. One is subtle and eco-leaning. The other is hard, shiny, and durable. Here is how to choose.
TL;DR
AQ (aqueous) coating is a water-based clear coat that adds a subtle sheen and basic scuff protection. It is the standard, included or near-included coating on most cards and postcards. UV coating is a polymer cured under ultraviolet light into a much harder, glossier, more scratch-resistant film. UV looks shinier and lasts longer, but costs more and is harder to recycle. Pick AQ for everyday and eco-leaning jobs. Pick UV when high gloss or maximum durability matters.
What is AQ coating?
AQ stands for aqueous. It is a water-based clear coating applied inline at the press after the ink lays down. The water flashes off quickly, leaving a thin protective film on the printed surface. AQ improves rub resistance, adds a small amount of sheen, and prevents fingerprints during finishing and shipping.
AQ comes in three sheens: gloss AQ adds shine, satin AQ is a middle ground, and matte AQ gives a soft low-sheen surface. All three are water-based and similarly priced.
What is UV coating?
UV coating is a liquid clear polymer applied to the printed sheet and then cured instantly by exposure to ultraviolet light. The UV light triggers the polymer to harden into a solid, abrasion-resistant film, much harder than aqueous can ever cure to. The result is a high-gloss, glassy surface that reflects light intensely and stands up to heavy handling.
UV is most commonly associated with high gloss, but matte UV and spot UV (gloss UV applied only to specific design elements, with the rest of the card matte) are also available. Spot UV is a common premium design technique on dark matte cards.
When to use each
- Choose AQ for: everyday business cards, mailers that will not see hard handling, eco-positioned brands, situations where a subtle finish is the design intent, and projects where cost matters most.
- Choose UV for: postcards mailed long-distance, door hangers, retail signage, restaurant menus, real estate just-listed cards, anything that needs maximum gloss, and any design where spot UV will be used as an accent.
Comparison
| Trait | AQ (Aqueous) | UV |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Water-based | UV-curable polymer |
| Sheen | Subtle (gloss / satin / matte) | High gloss (or spot UV accent) |
| Durability | Light protection | Hard, scratch-resistant |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Writable | No | No |
| Recyclable | Yes, repulpable | Limited (cured polymer) |
| Best for | Everyday cards, eco brands | Postcards, door hangers, high-gloss cards |
Recycling and sustainability
AQ-coated paper is generally easier to recycle than UV-coated paper. AQ is water-based and breaks down in standard paper repulping. UV coating cures into a hard polymer film that resists breakdown and can interfere with the recycling stream depending on the facility. If sustainability is a brand requirement, AQ on enviro or uncoated stock is the cleaner combination.
What LICP offers
- 14pt AQ business cards and 14pt UV business cards
- 16pt AQ and 16pt UV
- Spot UV business cards — for a glossy accent on a matte card.
- 14pt matte AQ postcards and 14pt UV postcards
- 100lb UV flyers and 100lb matte AQ flyers
FAQs
- What is AQ coating?
- AQ is short for aqueous, meaning water-based. It is a thin, fast-drying clear coat applied at the press that protects the printed surface from minor scuffs and fingerprints. AQ is the most common entry-level coating and is available in gloss, satin, and matte finishes.
- What is UV coating?
- UV coating is a liquid polymer applied at the press and then cured (hardened) instantly under ultraviolet light. UV produces a much harder, glossier surface than AQ. It is more scratch-resistant, more durable, and has a noticeably higher shine.
- Is UV more durable than AQ?
- Yes. UV cures into a hard, abrasion-resistant film, while AQ remains a softer water-based coat. For high-handling pieces (door hangers, postcards mailed cross-country, retail signage), UV holds up significantly better.
- Is AQ more eco-friendly than UV?
- Generally yes. AQ is water-based and emits far fewer volatile organic compounds during application. AQ-coated paper is also more readily recyclable and repulpable than UV-coated paper, because UV cures into a plastic-like film that is harder to break down at the recycler.
- Does UV cost more than AQ?
- Usually yes. UV requires an additional curing step and specialized inline equipment, and the UV polymer itself costs more than aqueous coating. AQ is the lower-cost option and is included or near-included on most standard business card and postcard SKUs.
- Can I write on AQ or UV coated paper?
- No. Both AQ and UV seal the surface against ink penetration. Pen ink will bead and smudge. If the piece needs to be written on, choose a writable uncoated stock (such as 14pt writable AQ for business cards or 70lb uncoated for forms).
Related guides
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