Print Lamination Types
Lamination is a production process that involves adding a protective layer of plastic or other materials on top of a finished product. This technique provides numerous advantages, depending on the type of lamination used.
Lamination can offer extra durability and tensile strength, make the product waterproof, or provide an aesthetically pleasing result that is difficult to achieve without a lamination process.
The technique involves adding another layer on top of the product, which bonds with the material under heat or pressure (or both!). Lamination is particularly useful for creating durable and attractive pillow boxes that can withstand wear and tear while also looking visually appealing.
So you’re deciding on the finish of your chosen material and when it comes to lamination there’s plenty to choose from! Lets take a look at the different types of lamination in more detail, so you can make the best choice for your custom printed product.
Gloss Lamination on Bottleneck Hanger
Matt Lamination on Pillow Pack
Gloss Lamination
Gloss lamination provides a shiny effect, giving the impression of crisper lines and brighter colors. It is the most cost-effective lamination style and is one of the easiest to produce.
However, the main drawback of gloss lamination is that it catches the light, making wear and tear marks more visible than with a matte finish. It’s important to note that while you can write on gloss and wipe off the text, it is only a short-term solution, as it will eventually leave marks.
Despite its drawbacks, gloss lamination is an excellent option for creating visually appealing and durable pillow boxes. Its shiny finish adds a touch of sophistication and enhances the overall appeal of the packaging.
Matt Lamination
Matt lamination provides a coating layer that is less reflective than gloss, resulting in an elegant and professional finish. It has a softer feel and is more pleasing to the touch than glossy finishes.
With a lower contrast on darker colors, matt lamination provides a more blended and softer visual effect. This makes it an ideal choice for a subtle and sophisticated design, but it may not be the best option if you want your bright colors to stand out.
Although matt laminates are more expensive than gloss, the price difference is only marginal, making it a budget-friendly option. Using a matt lamination for pillow boxes can add a touch of understated elegance to the packaging while still being cost-effective.
Silk Lamination
Silk lamination is a type of light plastic coating that gives products a smooth and silky touch. It offers a high-quality finish that is aesthetically pleasing, with a texture that is somewhere between a matte and a soft-touch finish. Although it is not as velvety as soft-touch lamination, silk lamination still provides a luxurious feel that is more cost-effective.
Compared to soft-touch lamination, silk lamination is a budget-friendly option that still provides a touch of elegance and luxury to products like pillow boxes. The silky finish of silk lamination is perfect for items like brochures, business cards, and packaging where you want to create a lasting impression with a tactile finish.
Large Format Lamination
We also offer a couple of large format only laminations that are more for practical use than for any aesthetic or tactile styling.
Soft Touch Lamination
Soft-touch lamination is a premium type of lamination that offers the same muted visual effects as matt lamination but with the added luxurious touch of a velvet-like finish. It’s perfect for conveying a sense of sophistication and exclusivity to your product. However, like matte lamination, soft-touch lamination may not be the best option for designs that require bright and vibrant colors. It is also the most expensive lamination style, but the high-end finish is worth the investment for products that require a premium look and feel.
Anti-Graffiti Lamination
Anti-graffiti laminate is a protective film that can be applied to surfaces to resist damage from marker pens and spray paints. This type of laminate is particularly useful for protecting signs that are frequently exposed to the public, such as those found in schools, hospitals, or on safety equipment. It helps to maintain the appearance and legibility of important information, while also making it easier to remove any unwanted graffiti or markings.
White Board with Dry-Wipe lamination
Dry-Wipe Lamination
Dry-wipe lamination is a perfect choice for products that require frequent writing and erasing. With this type of lamination, you can easily write on the product, wipe it off, and write again, making it ideal for use in dry-erase calendars, charity cheques, and more. It is coated with an ink and dirt repellent layer, making it easy to keep clean and maintain. However, this lamination is only available for large format options, so it may not be suitable for smaller products.
If you need any more lamination assistance then call us on 023 8087 8037 or email us.