Are UV Soft-Feel Resins Always Enough? Why UV Excimer Resins Often Win on Touch

When talking about tactile finishes, many people first think of UV soft-feel resins. These resins can indeed create a warm, velvet-like feel that’s popular in packaging, electronics, and consumer goods. But in real-world applications, there's a limit to how refined or deep that soft touch can feel.

By contrast, UV excimer resins, used together with excimer lamps, often deliver an even better tactile experience — and here's why.

Beyond softness: micro-structured surfaces

UV excimer curing creates an ultra-thin, micro-structured top layer. Instead of relying solely on matting agents or rubbery components to feel soft, the excimer process physically shapes the coating surface at a microscopic level.

The result?

Lower gloss (as low as <3 gloss units)

Silkier, cooler, more delicate touch

Greater resistance to fingerprints and surface abrasion

This tactile sensation isn’t just about softness; it feels smoother, finer, and more sophisticated — something conventional soft-feel resins rarely match.

Where UV soft-feel resins still shine

Of course, UV soft-feel resins still have their strengths. They can create a warm, “rubber-touch” feel that's appealing for handheld products, cosmetic packaging, and areas that need a slightly grippy texture.They also cure fast under standard UV lamps and don’t require specialized excimer equipment — making them simpler to implement in many production lines.

Why many brands combine both

In high-end applications, some manufacturers layer both technologies:First, an excimer-cured ultra-matt basecoat for deep visual mattness and silkiness.Then, a thin UV soft-feel topcoat to add warmth or grip.This layered approach delivers the best of both worlds: refined visual depth plus tactile comfort.

Conclusion

While UV soft-feel resins are excellent for adding warmth and a rubbery touch, UV excimer resins usually outperform them when it comes to an ultra-matt, silky, luxury feel.Understanding the difference — and sometimes combining the two — helps formulators and designers craft finishes that look and feel exceptional.

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