Surface Treatments & Finishes For Papers & Boards (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note
Exam code: 8552
Printing
Printing adds text, images and colour to the surface of a material, for information, branding and decoration
Printing methods include:
Offset lithography
Digital printing
Screen printing
Flexography
Factors including surface, ink and production quantity must be compatible
Printing improves communication and appearance
Correct registration and colour consistency are important
Worked Example
State one reason for applying printing to a product.
[1 mark]
Answer
Improves communication and appearance. [1]
Embossing
Embossing presses paper or board between shaped tools to create a raised or recessed design
A male and female die compress the sheet, often after printing
Heat may be used for some materials or foil effects
Adds texture, strengthens branding and creates a premium tactile finish
Worked Example
State one reason for applying embossing to a product.
[1 mark]
Answer
Adds texture, strengthens branding and creates a premium tactile finish. [1]
UV varnishing
UV varnishing applies a clear liquid coating that is hardened immediately using ultraviolet light
The varnish may cover the whole sheet or selected areas as spot UV
The sheet passes under UV lamps to cure the coating
Creates gloss, improves wear resistance and highlights selected graphics
Worked Example
State one reason for applying uv varnishing to a product.
[1 mark]
Answer
Creates gloss, improves wear resistance and highlights selected graphics. [1]
Examiner Tips and Tricks
When a question asks you to describe how printing, embossing or UV varnishing is produced or applied, you must describe the physical process step by step, not just state why the finish is used.
Structure your answer as a sequence:
How the material is prepared (e.g. checking the sheet is un-creased and correctly aligned for the feeder).
How the finish is applied (e.g. ink and water applied via rollers for offset lithography, or the male and female dies pressing the sheet for embossing).
Finally, any curing or finishing step.
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