Laminating
We use Print Shield Premium UV is a family of high performance (cold) lamination films designed to provide excellent image protection, a superior bond and superb UV protection due to a solvent acrylic adhesive with a high concentration of ultraviolet absorbers. This cold film is available in a choice of three great finishes: gloss, luster or matte.
Hot Laminating film is available in a variety of finishes:
- Satin – Provides a reduced level of glare, and has a soft sheen.
- Gloss – Best for bright colors. Adds definition, radiance
- Matte – This is a non-reflective, slightly granular finish. It tends to make image colors more vivid.
- Lustre – This finish also reduces glare, It has a sparkling sheen.
To select the right film, you’ll need to know how it will be used.
The differences in films that can be quantified are the thickness of the film and the melt temperature. There are also differences in film and adhesive quality both of which effect the clarity of lamination.
Unfortunately these can not be quantified, the best way to ensure film and adhesive quality is to buy your laminating film from a reputable dealer, If your laminated materials look cloudy then you may need to switch to a different film.
5 mil & 10 mil Laminating Films: These thicker films are used when greater protection and stiffness is required. You might want to use these films with presentation materials and teaching aids that you want to use year after year.
3.0 mil Laminating Films: Laminating with a minimum of 3 mil film is a good general approach to laminating. 3 mil film typically provides excellent long term protection and it resists curling, waviness and wrinkles.
1.5 mil Laminating Film: If you need to protect items for a short time and there is not much concern about curling, waviness or wrinkles, then a 1.5 mil film will get the job done and be inexpensive. Examples of this would be sports team rosters and items that are used just once such as signs used in a parade (lamination protects them from rain).
1.5 mil film requires higher laminating temperatures, usually in the 300F-310F range. Since 1.5 mil film has little thermal mass it quickly loses heat to the material being laminated, this makes it difficult for the adhesive to remain hot enough and long enough such that it can be drawn into the the material being laminated, as a result 1.5 mil laminated materials are less durable and may delaminate in a short time.
If you need any additional size shape or Color, feel free to either call or email us.
