System and method for printing on a treated surface

A method for applying an ink to an object, comprising:

• providing a raw material that has a varnish layer that was applied thereon as a liquid;
• executing an enhancement to the varnish layer so the varnish receives an ink, the enhancement degrading the varnish layer by one or more of modifying a localized topography on the varnish layer or creating a microscopic marred topography on the varnish layer;
• applying a secondary ink to the varnish layer wherein the varnish layer is at least partially positioned between the secondary ink and the raw material;
• and
• applying a final varnish layer over the secondary ink wherein the secondary ink is positioned between the varnish layer and the final varnish layer;
• wherein the raw material is a can and the secondary ink is applied after a necking process.

A method for applying an ink to a varnished surface, comprising:

• providing an object that has a varnish thereon;
• applying an enhancement to the varnish, the enhancement comprising:
• applying tension to the object and varnish;
• exposing the varnish to several flame treatment systems that have a lean methane and oxygen mixture while the object is being stretched;
• applying a plasma treatment to the varnish of about 80% nitrogen and about 20% argon mixture;
• applying a chemical deposition to the varnish;
• decorating the enhanced varnish with an ink.