# Coating

> A coating is a surface layer applied to paper, board or printed artwork to change its finish or performance.

Canonical: https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/coating
Last updated: 2026-10-26

Materials

## What it means in packaging

Coatings can influence gloss, ink behaviour, scuff resistance or barrier properties. These are separate requirements: a glossy surface does not establish a moisture barrier or suitability for direct product contact.

## A practical example

A carton may have an overall protective coating with a reserved glue area left untreated for reliable bonding.

## What to check

Specify the required function and application area, and confirm compatibility with ink, adhesive and the packed product.

## Use it in your project

- [Choose board, caliper and finishes](https://dielinemaker.com/learn/materials-and-finishes)
- [Place artwork and manage layers](https://dielinemaker.com/learn/artwork-and-layers)

## Related terms

- [Lamination](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/lamination) — Lamination joins a separate layer, often a film, to a substrate to create a combined material.
- [Glue flap](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/glue-flap) — A glue flap is an extra strip of a packaging blank that bonds to another panel to form a seam.
- [Paperboard](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/paperboard) — Paperboard is a relatively thick paper-based sheet used for applications such as folding cartons, sleeves and backing cards.

## Related

- [Packaging glossary](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary)