AQ vs UV Coating Door Hangers | Aqueous vs UV Finish Comparison
AQ vs UV Coating Door Hangers
Choose the right coating for your door hanger campaign. Compare aqueous (AQ) and UV coating durability, cost, writability, and visual impact with side-by-side examples.
Quick Comparison
14pt AQ (Aqueous Coating)
Semi-Gloss Finish
✅ Best for:
- Coupons requiring customer notes
- Interactive elements (write-on areas)
- Budget-conscious campaigns
- Restaurants and service businesses
Characteristics:
- Finish: Semi-gloss, subtle sheen
- Durability: Good for 4-6 weeks outdoors
- Writability: Accepts pen, pencil, marker
- Cost: Standard pricing
- Drying: 24-48 hour cure time
14pt UV (Ultraviolet Coating)
High-Gloss Finish
✅ Best for:
- Premium brand presentations
- Bold colors and photography
- Long-term outdoor exposure
- Professional services and upscale businesses
Characteristics:
- Finish: High-gloss, mirror-like shine
- Durability: 8-12 weeks outdoors
- Writability: Limited (special pens required)
- Cost: +15-25% premium
- Drying: Instant UV cure
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | 14pt AQ | 14pt UV |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Impact | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Durability | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Writability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| Cost Effectiveness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Canadian Weather | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Color Vibrancy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Production Time | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
When to Choose AQ Coating
Restaurant & Food Service
Perfect for menu door hangers because:
- Customers can write special instructions
- Easy to add phone numbers or addresses
- Cost-effective for high-volume campaigns
- Won't smudge from kitchen handling
Service Industries
Ideal for contractors and home services:
- Customers can note preferred contact times
- Space for writing project details
- Budget-friendly for large distribution areas
- Professional appearance without premium cost
Interactive Campaigns
Best choice when you need:
- Customer feedback forms
- Appointment booking forms
- Survey or questionnaire elements
- Coupon personalization areas
Budget Campaigns
Maximize reach when:
- Large distribution quantities needed
- Cost per impression is critical
- Testing new markets or messages
- Seasonal or short-term campaigns
When to Choose UV Coating
Premium Brand Positioning
Essential for luxury services:
- High-end restaurants and catering
- Luxury home builders and designers
- Premium real estate marketing
- Professional services (lawyers, doctors)
Visual-Heavy Campaigns
Maximizes impact when featuring:
- High-quality photography
- Bold, vibrant brand colors
- Detailed product showcases
- Before/after project photos
Long-Term Exposure
Superior durability for:
- Multi-season campaigns
- Areas with harsh weather
- High-touch applications
- Reference materials customers keep
Competitive Markets
Stand out when:
- Multiple competitors in same area
- Premium perception is critical
- First impressions matter most
- Brand differentiation needed
Canadian Climate Considerations
Weather Performance by Region
AQ Coating Performance:
- Ontario/Quebec: 4-6 weeks in spring/fall, 2-3 weeks in winter
- Prairie Provinces: 3-5 weeks (dry climate advantage)
- BC Coast: 2-4 weeks (high humidity challenges)
- Atlantic Canada: 3-4 weeks (salt air considerations)
UV Coating Performance:
- Ontario/Quebec: 8-12 weeks year-round
- Prairie Provinces: 10-14 weeks (UV resistance critical)
- BC Coast: 6-10 weeks (moisture still penetrates)
- Atlantic Canada: 8-12 weeks (salt resistance)
⚠️ Winter Considerations
Both coatings become more brittle in extreme cold (-20°C and below). UV coating maintains flexibility better, but AQ coating is more cost-effective for winter campaigns where longevity isn't critical.
Cost Analysis
Pricing Comparison (CAD)
| Quantity | AQ Coating | UV Coating | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | $385 | $455 | +$70 |
| 2,500 | $625 | $745 | +$120 |
| 5,000 | $985 | $1,185 | +$200 |
| 10,000 | $1,645 | $1,995 | +$350 |
*Pricing for 4.25×11" door hangers, 14pt cardstock. Includes design setup, printing, and coating.
ROI Considerations
Calculate Total Campaign Value:
- Response Rate: UV may increase responses by 0.2-0.5%
- Brand Perception: UV creates premium impression
- Longevity: UV lasts 2-3x longer outdoors
- Customer Lifetime Value: Premium coating may attract higher-value clients
💡 ROI Rule of Thumb:
If your average customer value is >$200, the UV coating premium typically pays for itself through improved response rates and brand perception.
Expert Recommendations
Decision Framework
Choose AQ When:
- Customers need to write on the hanger
- Budget is the primary constraint
- Campaign duration is under 6 weeks
- Testing new markets or messages
- High-volume, frequent campaigns
Choose UV When:
- Premium brand positioning required
- Visual impact is critical
- Long-term exposure expected
- Competing in saturated markets
- High customer lifetime value
Test Both When:
- Unsure about target market preferences
- Budget allows for A/B testing
- Expanding into new service areas
- Launching new business or rebrand
- Need data for future campaigns