What is Lamination For Printing Products?

Lamination is more than just a protective layer for printing products. It's a game-changer for businesses who want to improve the quality of their printed materials. But what exactly is lamination? In this article, you will find everything that there is to know about lamination, its pivotal role in printing, and why you should use it to further progress your business.

Why Laminate?

Lamination isn't just about adding a glossy finish; it's about enhancing the appearance and resilience of materials. By laminating, you can shield your business products against everyday obstacles including tears, water damage, spills, sunlight exposure, and becoming worn by constant handling. In essence, lamination ensures that your materials remain in pristine condition, extending its lifespan and preserving their original quality.

 

Types of Printing Projects That Benefit From Lamination

When you think of lamination, everyday items like restaurant menus or educational handouts might come to mind. These frequently handled items benefit immensely from lamination, ensuring they withstand constant use without fading or deteriorating. 

 

Another example could be through sales representatives who showcase laminated pages in their presentation books, not just for durability but also to maintain colour vibrancy.

 

But the scope of lamination extends beyond just these. In environments that are exposed to moisture, dirt, or even oil, laminated materials are a necessity. Think of machinery guidelines, safety protocols, emergency signs, and reusable labels in factories. In such settings, it's common to extend the lamination film slightly beyond the material's edge. 

 

This overlap ensures the top and bottom laminate layers fuse together, creating a seal. This extra step ensures that external elements like water or oil don't seep in, safeguarding the integrity of the printed information. If sticker residue is causing a concern for your printing products, here is how to remove sticky residue using everyday items. 

 

Who Invented Lamination and Why?

Lamination was invented a lot sooner than expected, and was certainly ahead of its time. Dr. Morris M. Blum, a dentist from the 19th century, is often recited as the inventor of lamination. In 1938, while working with dental laminate (now commonly known as dental veneers), he unintentionally laminated a photograph of his wife. This accidental innovation paved the way for the lamination process we recognise today. 

 

Types of Lamination

There are many types of lamination that you can use for your business. Here is a breakdown of each form of lamination:

Silk Lamination

Silk lamination is a unique twist on the conventional lamination process. While it strengthens and protects paper like traditional lamination, its distinguishing feature is its soft, luxurious exterior. The bond formed between the paper and the plastic coating in silk lamination is notably robust, resulting in a product of superior quality. 

 

Its appearance is reminiscent of silk, with a subtle sheen that captures light in a particular way. This finish is not only visually appealing but also produces a premium feel, making it a preferred choice for upscale products.

 

From business cards to brochures and book covers, silk lamination offers a refined touch that elevates the overall aesthetic. In terms of book covers, if you are struggling with what formatting to use for your book products, here is a helpful guide on paperback vs hardcover. 

 

Matt Lamination

For those seeking a subtle, sophisticated finish, matt lamination is the go-to option. It stands out for its understated elegance, offering a more natural appearance compared to its glossy counterparts. 

 

The muted effect of matt lamination can reduce contrast, especially on darker shades, giving it a softer tone. Its texture is reminiscent of velvet, providing a tactile experience that many find delightful. 

 

This type of lamination is not just about aesthetics; its velvety feel enhances the user experience, making it a popular choice for a variety of printed materials. We are proud to offer gloss-satin poster papers that are merged with matt to produce poster printing papers.

 

Foiling

Foiling infuses your printing product design with shimmering gold or silver foil accents. Perfect for showcasing logos or adding a touch of opulence to text.

 

Spot UV 

A timeless finish that introduces a glossy sheen to specific areas of your artwork, such as a logo or emblem. With its raised, ultra-glossy appearance, spot UV creates a striking contrast against the matt backdrop. We believe spot UV to be really effective for modern businesses, so if you have not already used it for your brand, here is a useful guide on what spot UV printing is. 

 

Gloss Lamination

Gloss lamination is a favourite for many, and the reasons are clear. It expresses the clarity and vibrancy of images and text, offering enhanced contrast. Beyond its visual appeal, gloss lamination has many practical uses, too. Its smooth, shiny surface is important for warding off dirt, smudges, and fingerprints. And if it does get soiled, a simple wipe will do the trick.

 

Heated and Cold Roll Lamination

Roll lamination is distinct from standard pouch lamination due to its overall application and purpose. Suited for large-scale and industrial tasks, roll lamination is favoured for its swift adhesion process. The adhesive used is heat-activated, ensuring a quicker and more efficient bonding. Once cooled, the result is a sturdy, warp-resistant lamination.

 

Cold roll lamination, on the other hand, can be applied through a peel-and-stick technique. Compatible with wide-format inkjet printers, it's ideal for inks that are sensitive to heat. Beyond printing, cold lamination finds its place in enhancing materials like stainless steel and glass.

 

Velvet

Velvet lamination exudes luxury. With a tactile sensation reminiscent of soft peach fuzz, it's a finish that invites touch. Often gracing the covers of novels, it offers readers not just a visual but a sensory experience.

 

Understanding Lamination Costs

The cost of lamination varies based on several factors. The type of laminate chosen plays a significant role, with gloss lamination generally being more cost-effective than its matt counterpart. Premium options like Cellotouch and Cellogreen, while on the higher end of the price spectrum, are sought after for the distinct advantages they offer.

 

Why Opt for Laminated Printing?

Laminated printing isn't just about aesthetics; it's a choice made for certain reasons. Here's a breakdown of the primary benefits:

 

• Protection: Lamination acts as a shield for your printed materials. For instance, business cards with lamination are less prone to become worn. 
• Easy Maintenance: One of the standout features of laminated items is its capability. Consider restaurant menus; they can be effortlessly cleaned with a damp cloth after each use, ensuring they remain spotless and presentable for an extended period.
• Perceived Value: A laminated finish elevates the overall quality of printed materials. Magazines often have glossy covers to captivate readers, while novels with velvet lamination provide a tactile pleasure, enhancing the reading experience. 
• Colour Enhancement: Lamination doesn't just protect; it improves the visual quality of printed items. While matt lamination offers a subdued, elegant look, gloss lamination amplifies the vibrancy of colours. Velvet lamination, on the other hand, deepens hues, giving them a rich and immersive quality.

 

Print Items Suitable for Lamination

Understanding the versatility of lamination can open up a world of possibilities for your printing needs. Whether flat or folded, numerous print items can benefit from the added durability and aesthetic appeal of lamination. When opting for online printing services, you can consider lamination for:

 

• Business cards
• Flyers
• Folded brochures
• Stapled catalogues
• Perfectly bound booklets
• Spiral-bound booklets
• Journals
• Planners
• Wall posters
• Celebration cards
• Document holders
• Dining menus

 

If you think that booklets are right for your business, make sure to learn about what booklets are and the best binding for booklets.

Print Boards for Lamination

When it comes to selecting the right board for your printing needs, it's essential to understand the various options available:

 

• Foamex: A top choice for many, Foamex printing is known for its lightweight yet sturdy nature. It's versatile, with available thicknesses ranging from 3mm to 10mm, making it suitable for a variety of applications.
• Composite Boards: Sometimes referred to as sandwich boards, these consist of two outer aluminium layers with a rigid plastic core. They're a go-to for signage and hoardings due to their durability.
• Correx: Recognised for its rigidity and lightness, Correx is a PVC-based material. Its resistance to environmental factors makes it a preferred choice for many outdoor applications.
• Acrylic Boards: Offering a sleek, glass-like finish, acrylic boards present an elegant alternative to traditional print surfaces. They're often chosen for their aesthetic appeal and the depth they bring to printed images.

 

View our vast range of small format printing for all your lamination options. 

 

Explore What Is Lamination

By understanding what lamination is, you can push forward high quality printing products to promote your business in stylish ways. Knowing about the background and different types of lamination methods can be paramount towards how you adopt lamination in your business. Whether it's for protection, enhancing visuals, or elevating tactile experiences, lamination stands as a testament to innovating the printing industry.

 

FAQs

What is lamination in printing?

Lamination in printing refers to the process of applying a thin layer of film to a printed document or material. This protective film is usually clear and can be either glossy or matte. The primary purpose is to protect the printed material from moisture, dirt, stains, and wear and tear, while also enhancing its appearance.

 

What is the purpose of laminate?

There are many purposes for lamination, including:

 

• Protection: Lamination protects printed materials from moisture, dirt, spills, and general wear and tear.
• Durability: It extends the life of printed materials, ensuring they last longer.
• Enhanced Appearance: Lamination can give printed materials a more professional and polished look. Depending on the type of laminate used (glossy or matte), it can add shine or a subdued finish.
• Rigidity: Laminating can make certain materials more rigid, which can be useful for items like ID cards or signage.
• Prevention of Fading: Laminated items are less likely to fade because they are protected from UV rays.

 

Is lamination made of plastic?

Yes, most lamination films are made of plastic. The most common types of plastic used for lamination are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyester (PET). These plastics are chosen for their clarity, adhesion properties, and durability.

 

Sources

Holocaust Museum Houston. (n.d.) Houston's Survivors: Morris Blum. [online] available at: https://hmh.org/survivors/list/morris-blum_885 [accessed 22/09/23]