Lamination refers to the process of bonding a clear plastic film onto printed matter to make it stronger and more durable. There are two types of print piece lamination: matte and gloss.
Matte lamination produces an elegant, sophisticated finish. It also provides a softer, more natural look that makes it easier to read the printed piece. Matte lamination has a “velvety” texture that makes it pleasant to handle. It also softens the contrast of darker colors so that they don’t stand out quite as much.
Gloss lamination produces a shiny, glass-like appearance that enhances the color and vibrancy of the ink on a page. It is commonly used for business applications such as marketing and promotional pieces. It also works well as a covering for bound information in the form of books, reports and training materials.
Both matte and gloss lamination provide many important benefits for printed materials. These include:
- Enhanced durability. Laminated print pieces can withstand high levels of daily use.
- Damage protection. Lamination protects against damage from fingerprints, liquid spills, stains, smudges, grease, dirt, grime, and much more. When the laminate gets soiled, it is easy to clean.
- Improved appearance. Enhanced ink colors of the printed piece create a more professional look. The added strength and stiffness of the laminated item give the impression of better quality.
Easy to read. Because it is completely transparent, lamination doesn’t impair or blemish the printing.