Print Lamination Types
In the production industry, lamination refers to the process of adding a protective layer of plastic or another material on top of the finished product. This technique offers numerous advantages, such as extra durability and tensile strength, waterproofing, and aesthetic appeal that cannot be achieved without lamination.
The lamination process involves bonding an additional layer on top of the product under heat, pressure, or both, creating a strong and lasting bond. With Foamex board printing, lamination can add an extra layer of protection, ensuring that the product lasts longer, maintains its aesthetic appeal, and withstands environmental exposure.
When it comes to lamination for custom printed products, there are several types to choose from. Each type of lamination offers unique benefits, and the choice depends on the specific requirements of the product.
Gloss Lamination on Bottleneck Hanger
Matt Lamination on Pillow Pack
Gloss Lamination
Gloss lamination is a popular lamination option for Foamex board printing projects. This type of lamination provides a glossy and shiny finish that makes colours look brighter and lines crisper. One of the major advantages of gloss lamination is that it is cost-effective and easy to produce. However, it also has a few drawbacks, such as being more prone to wear and tear marks, which can become more obvious due to the glossy finish. Another disadvantage of gloss lamination is that it can create glare under certain lighting conditions, which may affect the readability of the printed material. Despite these drawbacks, gloss lamination can still be a great choice for Foamex board printing projects where cost and visual impact are a priority. It is also worth noting that gloss lamination allows for short-term writing and wiping of text, but it is not a long-term solution.
Matt Lamination
Matt lamination is another popular lamination option for Foamex board printing projects. Unlike gloss lamination, it offers a coating layer that is less reflective, creating an elegant and professional finish. The texture of matt lamination is also softer to the touch, making it more pleasing to handle. One of the benefits of this type of lamination is that it provides a lower contrast on darker colours, resulting in a softer, more blended visual effect. This makes it an ideal choice for more subtle and understated designs, but it may not be the best option if you want bright colours to stand out. Although matt lamination is slightly more expensive than gloss lamination, the difference in price is marginal, making it still a budget-friendly option.
Silk Lamination
Silk lamination is another type of lamination that provides a light plastic coating on top of your product. It creates a “silk-like” feel that is somewhere in between a matt finish and a soft-touch finish, providing a high-quality and aesthetically pleasing result. Although it is not as “velvety” as soft touch, it has a smooth and silky touch. Silk lamination is also more cost-effective than soft-touch lamination, making it a great option if you want to add a touch of luxury to your product without breaking the bank.
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 gives a smooth and non-reflective finish, which is very similar to the matt lamination, but the added benefit of having a velvety touch. This lamination is ideal for conveying a sense of luxury and exclusivity to your product. The downside to soft-touch lamination is the same as the downside for matt – if you need your colors to be very bright, it would be a better choice to go for a glossy finish. Additionally, soft-touch lamination is more expensive than other lamination types due to its unique texture and the specialized manufacturing process.
Anti-Graffiti Lamination
To further protect your foamex board signs from vandalism and defacement, consider using anti-graffiti laminate. This thin adhesive film provides effective resistance to marker pens and spray paints, making it an ideal choice for signs used in public areas, such as schools and hospitals, or for safety signs that need to remain legible and intact over time. With anti-graffiti laminate, your foamex board signs can stay looking clean and professional, even in high-traffic or high-risk areas.
White Board with Dry-Wipe lamination
Dry-Wipe Lamination
Foamex board is a popular choice for dry-wipe lamination due to its smooth surface and durability. Dry-wipe lamination is ideal for Foamex board products such as dry-erase boards, reusable signage, and calendars. This lamination is coated with an ink and dirt repellent layer, making it easy to clean and maintain. The only downside is that dry-wipe lamination is only available for large format options.