Restaurants are harsh environments for printed paper products. Menus are particularly susceptible to being damaged by spilled beverages, handling by greasy fingers, etc. Lamination is the ideal solution for making sure your menus survive for than a few days or weeks.
Benefits of Laminating
- Protects menus from stains, spills, tears, smudges, wrinkles, abrasions, moisture, grease — practically any substance and action that can damage paper.
- Makes menus easy to clean if/when a substance is deposited on the menu.
- Increases longevity and durability of the menu.
- Enhances the colors of the printed menu making the menu more eye-catching and appealing.
- Longevity and durability saves costs on frequent re-printing.
Different Styles of Menus can be Laminated
Not all restaurant menus are created equal because not all restaurants are created equal. Some restaurants offer limited or specialty food choices/options; other restaurants offer extensive food choices as well as extensive beverage or dessert selections. The most common types or styles of menus that can be laminated include:
Flat Menus – A single sheet, whether printed on one or both sides. Depending on the amount of information that needs to be imprinted, a flat sheet menu can be printed on standard size d paper stock (e.g., 8.5” x 11”, 11” x 17”) or on a custom-sized sheet and then laminated.
Booklet Menus – Restaurants offering extensive menus selections often opt for a booklet style menu. Individual pages can be laminated, punched, and spiral bound to offer a compact, easy to read format while providing abundant space for listings and descriptions.
Self-Standing Menus – Typically used to highlight specialty drinks, desserts or appetizers, a laminated menu can be created with a z-fold or easel fold to standalone on a table top.
Additional Considerations for Laminated Menus
As discussed in a previous post about sealed-edge and flush-cut lamination, laminated menus can be completely sealed to provide the best protection against liquids and other contaminants. Laminate films are offered in a variety of thicknesses and finishes ranging from thin to thick and matte to high gloss. The desired look and usage of the menu may dictate the thickness of the laminate, particularly if a menu is to be folded. In instances where a rigid menu is necessary, it’s beneficial to consider using a thin laminated on a printed card stock. Consult with your printer to select the options that are best for you.
If you have any questions about Laminated Restaurant Menus, give us a call at 330-597-8560. We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
Photo by Avi Richards
