AQUEOUS COATING is commonly used in commercial printing today. It is a protective, water-based coating. It does not involve an ink nor vanish but instead an ammonia based clear coat. It dries fairly quickly and provides a glossy surface that protects from dirt, fingerprints, smudges and scratches. Forms of aqueous coating include gloss, super-gloss, dull, matte, or spot.
Benefits: higher gloss, will not yellow with age, is environmentally friendly and has more rub resistance than conventional press varnish
Drawbacks: must coat the entire sheet rather than one area of a document.
Common Applications: postcards, brochures, and flyers
Commercial Printing 