What is Lamination?
Lamination is a process used to seal and enclose a printed piece in a clear plastic film. The plastic film then protects the piece from being damaged by tears, smears, smudges, coffee stains, oily substances, etc. In addition, this plastic film creates rigidity making the piece less susceptible to being damaged by being bent or crumpled.
Candidates for Lamination
Generally, any kind of printed piece likely to be handled, passed around, or shared with many people in a multitude of environments not conducive to keeping the printed piece in pristine condition. Restaurant menus, being subject to repeated handling, spills and contamination from food or condiments are ideal candidates for the lamination process. Identification cards, membership cards, bookmarks, price lists, maps, cookbook covers — any piece where longevity and durability is desirable or necessary is a candidate for lamination. Items subjected to external or environmental stresses (weather, factory conditions, etc.) also benefit from lamination.
Additional Lamination Features and Choices
Lamination can be extended (1/8” to 1/2”) beyond the paper’s edge to seal the edges, providing even more protection to the item.
The plastic film used for lamination is available in glossy (less expensive) and matte (more luxurious) varieties.
Laminated pieces can have rounded corners (square corners are standard).
Eyelets (a hole reinforced with a metal ring) are an additional option and are particularly popular with signage or IDs intended to be displayed with a lanyard.
Lamination film is available in several thicknesses (measured in “mils” or 1/1000ths of an inch). Thicker laminates create greater rigidity and stiffness. The choice of laminate thickness will vary depending on the intended use of a printed piece as well as the amount budgeted for a project. Consulting with your printer at the beginning of a project can make the choices clear.
If you have any questions about lamination, give us a call (330-597-8560). We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
