What is lamination and do I need this on my board prints?

Lamination, in simple words, means to cover a print in a layer of transparent plastic film. The reason is to protect the paper or board prints from regular wear & tear and make them more durable.  

In this blog, we will share specific information about laminations in detail. This will help you make an informed decision regarding the lamination of board prints.  

By laminating common print materials, such as 3mm Foamex, 5mm Foamex, Dibond board, and Acrylics board, you will add additional protection and better longevity against fading and weathering whilst changing the appearance of the board

What are the different types of print boards available that can be laminated?

The commonly used printing boards for indoor and outdoor signs include:

• Foamex: This is the most popular printing material that is lightweight, durable, rigid, and flexible. It comes in a wide range of thicknesses, including 3mm, 5mm and 10mm. 
• Composite Boards: Also called dibond, Composite boards are used in signage and hoarding. It is made of two aluminum sheets or skins in between a rigid plastic board.
• Correx: It is a rigid PVC material, well-known for its lightweight and environmentally resistant characteristics. 
• Acrylic Boards: This is a beautiful alternative to traditional canvas, wood panels or Dibond prints. It has a great glass-life finish.  

What are the particular reasons for choosing board laminations? 

The printing on different types of boards, including composite aluminium boards, Foamex, and Acrylic Sheet could be further enhanced with lamination.

So, what are the benefits of lamination? Well, lamination helps to… 

• Enhance visual appearance by creating different types of looks (matt, gloss,) 
• Add sheen and vibrancy to the print
• Add anti-slip properties when used in floor stickers
• Protect against graffiti paints – anti-graffiti lamination is done for print protection and enhanced UV protection
• Protect the print from moisture and stains
• Increase the strength and durability of the print

What are the added advantages of laminating print boards?

By opting for lamination of signs and print boards, we get so many advantages, including:

It provides extra protection from UV exposure

By laminating your prints and signs, you get extra protection, as it protects the print from fading due to the sun. This means your print will last longer in outdoor areas.

It makes your signs and hoardings washable & wipeable

Having a substantial thickness of laminates or adding waterproof laminates, you can give your board prints a new lease of life. It lets you wipe your board with a wet cloth. All this cleaning and wiping can be done quickly (with proper precautions under supervision) without damaging the print.

It enhances the visual appearance to create a specific look

There are three most common final finishes that can be done using lamination. These include:  

• Matt: This is a no-shine finish that gives a subtle and elegant finish to your print. 
• Gloss: This is just the opposite of matt. It gives extra shine and gloss to the printing, enhancing colours making them more vibrant

So now that you are aware about the features and advantages of lamination, you can go ahead and select the most preferred and suitable option for your needs. If you are in the UK, you can contact our team at Board Printing Company, which offers a range of large-format printing services, including Point-of-Sale materials, Foamex, wood and kappa board printing, and adhesive decals for floors, windows and walls.