Frequently Asked Questions

Why should we overlaminate Vehicle Graphics?

• Greater protection from scratch and abrasion ie car washes etc for instance, in Illinois, Buses that were clear coated, within 3 months, the nylon bristles in the daily washing process abraded the protective clearcoat and inks right down to the base vinyl
• Greater protection from UV Degradation and moisture
• You also get greater protection from graffiti and chemicals ie car washes
• Lamination makes the application of vinyl easier as the added thickness makes the graphic more rigid and easier to handle, it simplifies the process when repositioning, or removing
• Large one piece digital graphics however should be covered with premium grade low tack application tape after lamination. The application tape protects a graphic against scratches during installation and prevents graphic distortion. This is vital when applying graphics in hot weather when vinyl stretches more easily

Why should I spend more money on finishing?
Many Printers seem to view finishing as a necessary evil, a cost center and not a profit center.

The director of Post Print Manufacturers Association (PPMA), believes this mindset mistaken and that a significant reservoir of profits exists.

While finishing has principally been viewed as laminating or coating a sign or graphic, other applications such as precision cutting, laser etching, or engraving can also add value to output and outsourcing this enables digital printers and sign shops to offer new products or break into new markets.

How do I choose a laminate?
We recommend you laminate all your printed media and of course you'd expect us to say that, after all that's what we do! Seriously, there are four main reasons for laminating

1. the media is intended for high-traffic areas or needs to be physically handled,
2. the print is intended for outdoors,
3. a particular finish is required because of surrounding lighting,
4. there is a need for scratch resistance or dry-erase properties.

Laminating a print will help protect its integrity, providing a barrier to fingerprints, scratches, and tears. It can add stability and rigidity to a print. And, lamination will generally extend the life of a print—although, just how long depends on the type of process you choose.

There are 3 general categories

1. pressure-sensitive—or cold films—
2. thermal,
3. liquid.

Other industry analysts also break them into two different categories—solvent-based and aqueous-based products.

How do I choose the most appropriate process for my print ?

It all starts with your printer, inks, media, and what you want to do with the finished product.

Some basic guidelines? If the media is going to be displayed indoors, then a thermal solution may be just fine. As a general rule of thumb, if a piece is going to be outdoors, we recommend a pressure-sensitive, vinyl laminate with a solvent adhesive.

Pressure-sensitive laminates are generally considered to be more media-friendly than thermal alternatives; they can be applied to virtually any substrate on which you’d print.

Pressure-sensitive films use a different adhesion technology than heat-activated systems. With hot films, it’s physics. The compound is heated, becomes liquefied, and then bonds and solidifies. Whereas, with pressure-sensitive, the finish is a little bit more forgiving—especially for applications like glossy inkjet media or highly color-saturated prints. There’s definitely been a trend more toward pressure-sensitive films.

Both types of systems have their strengths. Pressure-sensitive solutions are typically one-sided, while some thermal solutions are capable of simultaneous application on two sides of the media. Unlike thermal, pressure-sensitive solutions have fewer media and ink limitations; they’re a better option when the inks or media are heat-sensitive, or you need to preserve some of the media’s flexibility.