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The ultimate in lasting impression! Lamination involves the bonding of a thin, transparent layer of film to the surface of a printed sheet. Colors become brilliant and your graphics will be eye-catching. It can be foil stamped, embossed, and even spot varnshed. The ultimate in durability! Film lamination is the most durable and scuff-resistant finish that can be applied to your packaging product. It resists tearing and is ideal for folders and products that are handled frequently. It never loses it's luster and can be wiped clean. This means your printed product will last longer, increasing value and cost effectiveness. There are three base films used in thermal laminating 1. Polyester (PET) is the film of choice for most applications. It is the industy's most popular film. Polyester has high tensile, tear and impact strength. Since it does not contain plasticizers, it will not become brittle with age. Polyester is available with a gluable/stampable coating. An excellent choice for foil stamping and turned edge applications. Available in gloss, satin and delustered finishes. 2. Polypropylene (OPP) is the clearest of all films, but lacks the toughness, durability and heat resistance of Polyester film. Because of it's softness, OPP has poor scuff resistance. Available in gloss, satin and delustered finishes. 3. Nylon is generally more expensive than the other two films. However, it is the most stable. Due to it's unique stability and non-curling properties. Nylon is the best solution for moisture-related curl problems in single-sided laminating applications. Gloss Nylon features good clarity and excellent abrasion resistance. The Effects of Film Lamination on Color Film Laminates are not 100% transparent and can shift color balance. Gloss films usually have little effect on color. This is not the case with matte or delustered films, where dramatic color shift can occur in extreme cases. If color is critical, it is recommended to approve a finished proof with film laminate on it. Available in gloss, satin and delustered finishes. Film Characteristics at a Glance |
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Gloss
Polyester (mylar) Film |
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Scuff
Resistance |
Good. | ||
Clarity |
Good. |
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Ink
Color Shift |
Typically, color shift ranges from none to slight. | ||
Curling |
Sheet may curl when exposed to high humidity. | ||
Delustered
Polyester (mylar) Film |
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Scuff
Resistance |
Good (same as Gloss). | ||
Clarity |
Noticable decrease in color density. Delustered film, better described as a semi-gloss, does not have a true dull and non-reflective appearance. | ||
Ink
Color Shift |
Typically, color shift ranges from moderate to exteme. | ||
Curling |
Sheets may curl when exposed to high humidity. | ||
Gloss
Nylon (Layflat) Film |
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Scuff
Resistance |
Very good. | ||
Clarity |
Very good. | ||
Ink
Color Shift |
Typically, color shift ranges from none to slight. | ||
Curling |
Most resistant to curling. | ||
Delustered
Nylon (Layflat) Film |
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Scuff
Resistance |
Poor. | ||
Clarity |
Noticable decrease in color density. | ||
Ink
Color Shift |
Typically, color shift ranges from moderate to extreme. | ||
Curling |
Most resistant to curling. | ||
Gloss
Polypropylene Film (OPP) |
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Scuff
Resistance |
Poor. The very soft nature of this film makes it prone to scuffing in all cases. | ||
Clarity |
Good. | ||
Ink
Color Shift |
Typically color shift ranges from none to slight. | ||
Curling |
Sheets may curl when exposed to high humidity. | ||
Delustered
Polypropylene (Matte or OPP Matte) |
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Scuff
Resistance |
Very poor. Scuffs easier than Gloss Polyprolylene. | ||
Clarity |
Provides a flat, non-reflective finish. Noticable decrease in color density. | ||
Ink
Color Shift |
Typically color shift ranges from moderate to extreme. | ||
Curling |
Sheets may curl when exposed to high humidity. | ||
Benefits of Film Lamination |
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