Lamination is the process of encasing a printed piece in a plastic film to provide greater protection and durability. For certain items like restaurant menus, lamination is almost a necessity. For other items, while lamination might not quite rise to the level of necessity, it can prolong the life expectancy of a printed piece beyond its normal duration greatly reducing the costs associated the constant cycle of re-printing. For projects where lamination is the optimal choice, here are a few things to consider before placing your order:
What Kind of Finish, Matte or Gloss?
Laminate films are available in sheen levels ranging from matte (dull) to glossy (shiny). Gloss or high-gloss sheens tend to enhance the vibrancy of colors in printed pieces and is an appropriate choice for items of a promotional nature; matte sheens are more appropriate for items where text needs to be legible and easily read (i.e., restaurant menus, caution/warning signs, maps, etc.).
What Thickness of Laminate?
Measured in thousandths of an inch called mils (.001”), laminate films are available in a variety of different thicknesses from light to heavy. Thicker laminates offer greater protection and durability and are a good choice for non-folded printed items like signs, charts, and posters. Thinner laminates, while still offering protection and durability, are an appropriate choice for items like restaurant menus as the laminate can be scored and the piece folded. A thicker laminate is more rigid than a thin laminate, but it’s also more expensive. For some projects, a heavy card stock combined with a thin laminate can meet the rigidity requirements while saving on costs.
Square or Rounded Corners?
With heavier laminate films and the subsequent rigidity, square corners can actually become sharp and induce cuts and abrasions when handled. For those situations, it’s best to have the corners rounded off to make handling safer — particularly if children will be using the piece. Thinner laminates are more flexible and less likely to inflict damage.
Sealed or Flush Edge?
A sealed edge means the entire printed piece is encased in the laminate with the film extending beyond the paper’s edge (ranging from 1/8” to 1/2”) to prevent moisture or other contaminants from seeping in and damaging the paper. With flush edge lamination, the paper is encased in the laminate film, but trimmed to match the size of the piece. While providing general protection from wear and tear, a flush edge laminated piece is susceptible to damage from moisture seeping in to the non-sealed edge.
Other Finishing Operations Required?
Depending on the ultimate use of the printed piece, other finishing operations may be required or desired in addition to lamination. Laminated book covers and interior pages in, for example, a restaurant menu book [insert link to 129 spiral bound booklet menu] will require drilling or punching before the spiral binding is inserted. Restaurant menus may require scoring and folding. Laminated tags and ID cards often require a drilled hole to accommodate hanging from a hook or lanyard.
If you have any questions about Lamination, give us a call at 330-597-8560. We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
