Varnish
A thin coating, either clear or slightly tinted, applied to the surface of a printed sheet for protection or improved appearance. Varnish - dull or gloss - may be added to the entire sheet or just to certain spots, such as over halftones. Also, in inkmaking, it can be all or part of the ink vehicle.

Vegetable-based ink
An ink using vegetable oil instead of petroleum solvents as the vehicle for carrying pigments. Vegetable ink colors tend to be more vibrant than petroleum-based inks, but are slower drying.

Vehicle
The liquid part of an ink that gives it flow, enabling it to be applied to a surface.

Vellum finish
Term usually applied to an uncoated paper finish that exhibits a toothy surface that is very similar to eggshell or antique finishes. A vellum finish is relatively absorbent to provide good ink penetration. Vellum paper has been lightly calendered to create a uniform, yet luxuriously tactile surface.

Vellum paper
Very strong, good quality cream colored or natural paper made to impersonate calfskin parchment. Also, the term is often applied to the finish of paper rather than a grade of paper. Stationery is often referred to as vellum. Also, tracing paper used by architects and artists.

Velox
A black-and-white print for proofing or for display.

Vignette
Halftone whose background gradually fades away to blend with the surface of the paper.

Virgin paper
Paper made from the fibers in their first use, usually from wood pulp.

Virgin fiber
Fiber that has never been used before in the manufacture of paper or other products.

Virkotyping
Another name for thermography or raised printing.

Viscosity
Broad term that encompasses the properties of tack and flow as applied to inks.