Gloss in Illustrator

[Jay-Tee]

I am trying to figure out how to add a layer of gloss over an already existing piece of art. Just for the record, I am not very proficient with "Ai" yet. I'm still learning the basics. Any help would be greatly appreciated as this issue is pertinent to some jobs here at work. Thank you.

[Doug A Roberts]

gloss? usually this is an effect in print. are you trying to produce something for print or just a visual style in illustrator?

can you show an example of what you want?

[Jay-Tee]

Yes. It is. I'm not sure how to do that though. The reason I'm asking is the printer we use here at work is a UV printer and we never use the gloss ink in any of the jobs we do but we keep having to buy gloss ink because every time the machine self cleans or circulates ink it uses up a little of the gloss. Also, the machine won't run without a gloss ink cartridge in the chamber. So I'm thinking, if we can add a layer of gloss over our print jobs (which are usually printed on pieces of painted MDF boards) not only will they have a little more pop, but we also won't be throwing money away buying gloss ink we don't use.

[Jay-Tee]

What I'm assuming is that I'd have to copy the original graphics make it a silhouette and make it transparent. Then print that layer over the original, already printed artwork. I don't know how to specify to Illustrator that I want the color of the silhouette layer to be gloss.

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

jay-tee  schrieb

I don't know how to specify to Illustrator that I want the color of the silhouette layer to be gloss.

That totally depends on the printer resp. its driver.

You will have to consult the documentation.

Sometimes it's a certain layer, sometimes it's a certain spot color. Sometimes both.

[Jay-Tee]

Thank you. I'll look it up right now.

[Theresa J]

Jay-Tee,

I’m guessing that your solution was to create a special spot color for the gloss. You may have had to create it with a specific name for your printer. Can you share with us what the solution was?

[Jay-Tee]

Got it figured out with your help. Thank you very much!

[Monika Gause]

You're welcome!

And: wow, what a nice piece of hardware you've got there. Printing with gloss, awesome.

[Ares Hovhannesyan]

Do you mean 3D Glossy? If yes , you can use Live 3D Effects from Effects Menu

[Jay-Tee]

I'm not exactly sure what 3D glossy means. Sorry. The question is for printing purposes though, if that helps.

[gökhanyaka]

as far as I understand you have got a printer that has got a glossy varnish option. is it right? if so you should consult your printer supplier what way you should follow to print glossy varnish on the printed plate. Illustrator doesn't decide such a specific point. You can prepare the Glossy area on the artwork as Spot Color or only in a different layer with a specific color name or only opaque black that the printer can recognize that will be done glossy area. Finally, you should consult with your printer supplier.