What is Lamination in the Printing Industry?

What is Lamination in Printing?

Lamination is the process of creating several layers in a material. It protects the paper from ordinary wear and tear and extends the life of the printed item. The material laminated therefore achieves improvement in:

1. Strength
2. Stability
3. Appearance

 Lamination is applied when you need your items to be more durable. That is why softcover books and business cards benefit from lamination.

The Importance of Lamination

For more than 50 years, papermakers have relied on lamination for many reasons such as:

1. Enhance the feel and appearance of the printed material.
2. Introduction of multiple finishes to expand the product line

Printing and lamination services are used in a variety of industries to develop products that fulfil brand identity and product protection standards.

Application of Lamination in The Printing Industry

Lamination is utilised in a wide range of print jobs and is especially useful for products that are hand handled often. The popular print and laminate items are:

1. Business cards
2. Flyers and Leaflets
3. Posters
4. Presentation Folders
5. Greeting Cards
6. Menus
7. Brochures
8. Notebooks
9. Diaries

 What are the Different Types of Laminates?

Matt Lamination

Matt lamination feels silky and smooth to the touch and is fingerprint resistant. It lends a more premium feel to the printed material without glare, making it easier to read.

 Use Matt Finishing For

1. Retail Signs
2. Labels and Clothing Tags
3. Brochures
4. Planners

Gloss Lamination

Gloss lamination, as opposed to matt lamination, has a shiny appearance on the surface. It enhances the colour and vibrancy of the printed image. It is widely used in commercial applications such as marketing and promotional materials.

 Use Glossy Finish For

1. Cover Bound Information
2. Showroom Display 
3. Reports and Training Manual
4. Presentation Folders

Soft Touch Lamination

When applied to printed materials, soft touch provides a luxury feel that results in stunning, upmarket effects. Your marketing materials will stand out because of the apparent visual difference. Everything that is premium is soft touch lamination. 

1. Luxury Brochures
2. Premium Business Cards 
3. Mini Posters 
4. Beauty and Cooking Magazines 

How to Choose Between Matt and Gloss Lamination?

The choice between matt and gloss laminate paper service is determined by the printed piece and how it will be used.

Choose Matt Lamination When:

1. If you would like to achieve a more corporate look on your branded items.
2. The printed item will be in direct light. For instance, matt-finished retail signage deflects glare, making the item easier to see from any angle.

Choose Gloss Lamination When:

1. The print laminate item is handled excessively. Gloss offers protection and is easy to wipe down.
2. Glares make no difference, and you want the article to stand out visually.

Advantages of Both Matt and Gloss Lamination

• Overall Quality

The use of a particular finish increases the perceived quality of the printed item. Magazines with gloss lamination make covers slick and appealing, while books commonly have matte or soft touch lamination to make them feel nicer in the hands of the reader. This makes a huge difference when it comes to handing out laminate cards because the quality of the card helps to solidify favourable first impressions.

• Added Protection

Lamination prevents damage from dirt, fingerprints, and other components. Therefore, laminate posters last long, business cards are protected, and menus are durable for long-lasting usage.

• Enhanced Look & Feel

Enhanced ink colours on the printed piece give it a more professional appearance. The laminated object seems to be of higher quality due to its increased strength and rigidity.

• Value for Money

Laminated printing services are reasonably priced. Furthermore, because lamination extends the life of printed items, you can save money on frequent reprinting.

Adding Lamination to Your Order

The printing experts at VC Print are passionate about assisting you in determining which lamination solution would work best for your company’s needs. Get in touch with us today for a free quotation without any obligation.