Lamination...What, Why and When
Laminating digital prints for custom decal and graphics orders is a subject every sign shop has to deal with day in and day out. Some customers automatically assume that lamination is a must and opt for the additional cost without ever questioning if their particular digital print order truly needs lamination or not. There are a couple key questions to consider when pondering the optional lamination finish for your digital print, that when answered, may end up saving you money that you didn't really need to spend; or help you to get a better product that will fulfill your digital printing needs without having to continually invest in new signage.
WHAT...is lamination?
Lamination is a thin clear UV coated vinyl material that is applied to the face of a digital print for added protection against abrasion and the elements. We currently carry to different types of lamination (standard and premium) that come in a matte or glossy finish. Both lamination choices will add at least another year or two to the longevity of the print and usually coincide with the type of digital print ordered. For example...a standard vinyl decal would be laminated with standard lamination in either a matte or gloss finish.
WHY...laminate?
Laminating a digital print adds extra protection to the print and can also help extend the life of a print. Digital prints themselves, are produced using fade resistant inks, and will last at least a year or two without lamination in direct sunlight. But adding lamination, to the digital print, gives it an extra layer of protection against the elements, chemicals and abrasion. And since the lamination material is UV coated, the actual digital print underneath, is further guarded from fading which can add another year or two of longevity to the product.
WHEN...to laminate?
The decision to laminate a digital print comes down to how long the print needs to last; how much direct sunlight the print will endure; and if the print will be installed on a surface that will be washed or cleaned on a routine basis. So essentially, if the print needs to last longer than a year...laminate; if the print will be in an inclement weather area or be subjected to near constant sun exposure...laminate; and lastly, if the print will be in contact with cleaners or any exposure to human interaction or storage situations that could cause scratching because of abrasion....laminate.
Lamination is always an option, not a necessity, even though certain digital sign products do benefit greatly from the added protection that lamination offers (i.e. vehicle graphics for boats, trucks and cars, magnetic signs and decals that need to last longer than 1 - 2 years.) And though you may want to cut costs and opt for no lamination, it's always best to consult a sign specialist to assess your lamination needs, otherwise you may end up paying twice the original amount to replace signs that could have benefited from lamination. Spending a few extra dollars up front, can save you big money in the long run, by purchasing a product that will look better and last longer in the end.